Following the successful Skipper 12 and Skipper 14 dinghies, Richmond Marine launched their Skipper 17 in the late 1960’s as a dayboat with a single steel centreplate and a forward storage cuddy. The Skipper 17 was designed by Peter Milne, famous for his Fireball racing dinghy and many other boat designs. The following (flawed) description and artist’s impression are from the Rat Island Sailboat Company (Isles of Scilly) :
Biographical note:
The late Peter Milne (1934-2008) was a talented boat designer, responsible for the International Fireball, Tango and Javelin racing dinghies, the Challenger trimaran for disabled sailors, and various yachts including the Nicholson 27, Stag 28 and Colvic Salty Pup 23.
He also designed Donald Campbell's commercial venture, the 12ft 10in waterjet-powered speedboat ‘Jetstar’, intended to capitalise on Campbell’s world waterspeed record attempt on Coniston Water in January 1967 with Bluebird K7. The Jetstar prototype was auctioned in July 2007 for £22,000.
