John Sergeant, respected news broadcaster and President of the Arthur Ransome Society, recently enjoyed a sail on Ransome’s own Nancy Blackett, now restored and sailing on the River Orwell. He described it as “an unforgettable experience”, and was delighted to helm her on a passage which, accompanied by NBT President Peter Wills, Chairman-elect Robin Sadler […]
Nancy Blackett is now afloat and back in her berth at Woolverstone Marina – these photos were taken on Tuesday, shortly before the working party began bending on sails and loading equipment aboard. By lunchtime most of her equipment was back aboard, and she’s now ready to get stuck into her summer sailing programme. If […]
Gleaming paintwork, immaculate varnish and fresh antifouling – after a long winter of restoration work, here is Nancy Blackett standing in Harry King’s boatyard in Pin Mill last Friday (May 9th) ready to begin the process of relaunching. Over the next few days, following a period of immersion to ensure the planking has ‘taken up’ […]
As Nancy Blackett’s still in the shed we thought you’d like to see one of her friends, Peter Duck, being launched at the Woodbridge Boatyard last Thursday (3rd April). Photos by Peter Willis.
Traditional boatbuilding is by its nature a slow process, much reliant on craft skills and hand tools, so checking in on Nancy Blackett’s restoration work after our last report reveals real progress. The main task – replacing the cockpit coaming and cabin side with a single 20-foot length of Brazilian mahogany – has been completed […]
Nancy Blackett is currently having extensive restoration work carried out for the second year in succession at King’s boatyard in Pin Mill. It’s part of a phased programme which started during last year’s winter lay-up with work on the port-side cockpit coaming and cabin side, plus adjacent areas. This required sourcing of Brazilian Mahogany (rare […]
As the 50th Anniversary year of the original Swallows and Amazons film draws to a close, Sophie Neville looks back at the making of the film and forward to what still might be half-a-century on… “The smell is just the same.” Suzanna Hamilton began rowing me across Coniston Water from Bank Ground Farm, taking us […]
A Christmas message from the Nancy Blackett Trust… We wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our supporters, members, friends and followers. Thank you for your ongoing support and have a wonderful time. Art by Claudia Myatt
Selina King – the yacht Arthur Ransome had built in 1938 to replace Nancy Blackett – did not have an easy life. Laid-up almost immediately during World War II, she was sold by Ransome, whose health had declined, almost immediately the war was over. She was taken to Bermuda, used as a charter boat, lost, […]
It’s time for last orders for your Christmas gifts from the Nancy Blackett Shop! Choose from our fabulous range of “Swallows and Amazons” and Nancy Blackett gifts, knowing that your purchases will go to a very good cause – keeping Nancy Blackett afloat and available for everyone! Please order your Christmas gifts by Sunday 15th December […]
With Christmas upon us in just a few weeks’ time, here’s our handy guide to the Nancy Blackett Shop’s special Christmas offers. Good Little Ship: Arthur Ransome, Nancy Blackett and the Goblin – the definitive story of Nancy Blackett by Peter Willis, is on offer at 29% off. You can also try our special offer on […]
Grab hold of our special offer on Nancy Blackett Christmas cards and save 20% when buying three packs. You can buy three 10-card packs of our exclusive Christmas card designs (normally £5 each) for just £12 – saving 20%. Choose from either the “Three Ships”, “Christmas in the Shed” or “Santa Claus” designs – all are by marine artist […]
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