Yesterday was a good day for Nancy Blackett at the St Katharine Dock Classic Boat Show in London, writes Bob Hull.

It got off to a slow start after the Nancy Blackett crew went around to some other boats informing them they were incorrectly dressed in light of the guidance on Accession Day that flags were to be flown at full mast. It was good to be able to inform the Royal Rowbarge Gloriana and the Havengore!

At 11am, as the new King was proclaimed, all the boats – including Nancy Blackett – sounded their horns, which echoed around the Dock.

During the day Nancy Blackett received numerous visitors from across the United Kingdom and around the world – from Ukraine, Russia, Canada, Brazil, Canada, France, Spain and the USA (including an American family who had sailed with Ian McGlynn last year).

All were delighted to come aboard the boat and lots of children had their first taste of a wooden boat and Arthur Ransome. 

A number of Nancy Blackett Trust members (including Bob Hull, Paula Holt, Keith White, Iain Khan-Gilchrist and Mark Worledge) shared the task of speaking to visitors.

The boat looked immaculate as the result of the efforts of Ian McGlynn, Paula Holt and Roger Lowry.

Some new members were also signed up and Nancy Blackett merchandise was sold.

Nancy Blackett is open to visitors again today (Sunday 11th September) from 11am to 5pm.

Further details about the Classic Boat Festival can be found here.

Photos of Nancy Blackett at St Katharine Dock by I Jacobson.