We look after Nancy Blackett, the favourite yacht of "Swallows and Amazons" author Arthur Ransome.
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Nancy Blackett is featured in the new Shotley Peninsula Guide

Nancy Blackett can now be seen in this year’s Shotley Peninsula Guide, which promotes the area around Pin Mill. The free 40-page A4-size publication features a map of the Shotley Peninsula showing the Arthur Ransome Walking Trail, a double-page spread on Nancy Blackett, a further page on our Selina King photographic exhibition at the Pin […]

Sophie Neville on the Premiere of the Original ‘Swallows and Amazons’ Film

The 45th Anniversary of the release of the original “Swallows and Amazons” film was last Thursday (4th April). Sophie Neville, who played Titty Walker in the film, recalls the adventure of attending the premiere in London… The Premiere of Richard Pilbrow’s movie “Swallows and Amazons” was held at the ABC Shaftesbury Avenue on 4th April […]

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Arthur Ransome’s East Coast

  • Download the Arthur Ransome Walking Trail Map (pdf)
  • See the Selina King Exhibition at Pin Mill

    • Get involved

  • Donate to our 20th Anniversary Appeal
  • Join the Nancy Blackett Trust
  • Sail on Nancy Blackett
  • Volunteer with the Nancy Blackett Trust

    • Welcome

    You can visit and sail the Nancy Blackett, once owned by “Swallows and Amazons” author Arthur Ransome and the star of his novel “We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea”, the seventh book of his “Swallows and Amazons” series, and probably his best sailing novel.

    Nancy Blackett, lightly disguised in the book as the Goblin, was named after the “Amazon” pirate girl character who featured in “Swallows and Amazons”.

    Nancy Blackett was Arthur Ransome’s favourite yacht and is now owned by the Nancy Blackett Trust, preserving her as a living part of the Arthur Ransome heritage. Each year many Ransome fans enjoy the experience of sailing her, and many more visit her at maritime events.

    Explore our website to find out more about Nancy Blackett’s history, how you can sail her, how you can help support her, and the mission and work of the Nancy Blackett Trust.

    You can keep updated with e-mail alerts by clicking here.

    Nancy Blackett passes Pin Mill, June 2017.
    Photo: Bill Wallace-King.