Swallow, the iconic dinghy that starred in the original film of Swallows and Amazons is currently on display at the Southampton International Boat Show, greeting families as they arrive, while Sophie Neville, who played Titty Walker in the film, has been giving talks on filming afloat and how it was made on location in the Lake District nearly fifty years ago.

Over 103,000 are expected to have visited the Boat Show by the time it closes this Sunday, but, although it is busy, it does not feel crowded as there is a lot to see and do.

Thanks to excellent technicians, Sophie Neville’s talks have been popular “inspiring talks on the Foredeck Stage”. She has also been signing copies of The Making of Swallows and Amazons at Future Publishing’s stand. It has been a great opportunity for her to meet film fans, readers and feature writers.

Sophie’s next talk, followed by a Q&A, is this Saturday (24th September) at 2:30pm.

You can find a four-page feature on how we originally clubbed together to buy Swallow in this month’s Practical Boat Owner magazine. The magazine also recently published a review of The Making of Swallows and Amazons.

You can apply to Sailing Swallow to take her out yourself, though she is currently laid up for the rest of 2022. She is sea-worthy but sponsorship is being sought from a boatbuilding company to help re-varnish her and repair a small hole in her bow.

If you are unable to get to the Southampton International Boat Show this year, you can watch an in-depth interview with Sophie Neville released this week by Your Take:

Sophie Neville’s next talk, followed by a Q&A, is this Saturday (24th September) at 2:30pm on the Foredeck Stage at the Southampton International Boat Show.

Sophie’s book The Making of Swallows and Amazons is available from the Nancy Blackett Shop.

The original version of this story was published by Sophie Neville in September 2022.