Traditional Boat Group

For owners of traditonal wooden sail cruising craft there is no group, association or club and no events that can be attended. The Old Gaffers Association supports these boats if they are gaff rigged but not bermudan rigged craft, unless they are at least 80 years old. Membership of the British Classic Yacht Club is open to classic wood or steel craft provided they fit criteria of being racing boats, at least 8 metres long and with an IRC handicap and long overhangs. There is no group for cruising craft, not designed for racing, and smaller boats.

So there are no events for owners of Purbook Boats (Herons and Shelducks), Blackwater Sloops, Poole One Designs, some Maurice Griffiths designs and the whole range of one off designs from small boat builders. Additionally there are some classes that have no association active on the South Coast, such as Stellas and Vertues, although these do have organisations active on the East Coast where there are more events for owners of traditional wooden boats.

Now many owners of non-racing cruising boats are independent types with no interest in belonging to, or joining in, any event or organisation. However, if you are interested in a group that may meet once or twice a year send me, Robert Griffiths an email (robert-griffiths@tiscali.co.uk).

I envisage that such a group would be for traditionally built planked wooden boats and that they would need to be based on the South Coast or Isle of Wight, between Littlehampton and Lymington in order to be within range to participate in a weekend event.


Sassandra, a Purbrook Heron
A Purbook Heron. Small Traditonal Wooden Sail Cruising Boat

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Specifications of the Easter Maid

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