Posted by Andy G on August 16, 2005 at 13:52:18 from 130.159.248.44 user AndyG.
In Reply to: Re: Swallow anew? posted by Peter H on August 16, 2005 at 12:17:32:
Ha! Good one, Peter...
But (to my mind) to be authentic, any new Swallow needs to be made of wood, it needs to be the right size and hull form, apparently (or really) clinker-built. It should be centreboard-less with a keel, and bear a dark tan lugsail with a patch on it. There obviously should be enough room in front of the mast for a small boy. That mast should stand without shrouds, and the boat should have the option to ship oars.
Any reader of the S&A series, whether a TARS member or not, would instantly be able to identify it for what it purports to be: that would be authentic enough. As a symbol, and as an advert for AR's work, and - of course - for TARS itself.
Pushing the boat out (!), naturally what would be even better would be a fleet of them. Perhaps several per region, for regattas, traditional boat shows, cruising and racing use. Now I've sailed modern(ish) and tippy ply dinghies for years, from Falmouth to the Lakes, and as my reactions slow, alongside my declining desire for mere speed and my fervant belief in the benefits of dry feet, the rebirth of a culture in the UK's boating world for "a proper little ship" might just be no bad thing...
Regards,
Andy G