CLASSIC BOAT

In association with

Ever popular with visitors, the area will provide an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a friendly working boatyard; watch, learn and talk to experts about classic boats and find out about the traditional skills involved in their restoration.

The boats on display this year include a gorgeous four-berth gaff rigged cutter, a pretty little trailer-sailing ketch, and a majestically sleek Thames launch. Look over the shoulders of renowned marine artists as they paint these beautiful boats on display.

And to augment the aroma of timber, tar and oakum of a traditional working yard, a distillery with long-standing maritime connections will be encouraging adult visitors to get into the more relaxed spirit of this feature, where old naval salts will be persuading visitors to have a go at mastering the art of climbing into a ‘proper’ ships hammock and young college apprentices will be returning to complete the 8ft sailing dinghy they partially built during last year’s Show.