News – Page 2 – The Nancy Blackett Trust

Listen to Peter Willis’ Nancy Blackett Day interview on Radio Suffolk

9th September 2025

To mark the first Nancy Blackett Day, the 90th anniversary of Arthur Ransome’s purchase of Nancy Blackett, the Nancy Blackett Trust’s President Peter Willis and Chairman Robin Sadler were interviewed live on Radio Suffolk from …

On this day, 90 years ago – September 8, 1935 – Nancy Blackett became Nancy Blackett

8th September 2025

Although Nancy Blackett is a bit older than 90, she wasn’t always known by that name – and it was on this day 90 years ago that Arthur Ransome was introduced to this Hillyard 7-tonner …

Nancy Blackett’s ‘other birthday’

3rd September 2025

It’s fairly well-known that Nancy Blackett was launched in 1931 – but she wasn’t called Nancy Blackett then. She was built at David Hillyard’s yard in Littlehampton to one of his standard designs, as a …

John Sergeant sails Nancy Blackett

5th August 20255th August 2025

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 …

Nancy Blackett now afloat and ready for action

14th May 2025

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 …

Nancy Blackett’s ready for relaunch – at last!

12th May 2025

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 …

In photos: Peter Duck’s launch at Woodbridge

7th April 2025

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.

The difference a month makes – Nancy Blackett’s restoration progress

28th February 2025

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 …

Nancy Blackett’s midwinter in bits – again

7th January 2025

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 …

Sophie Neville’s memories of sailing Swallow and Amazon more than fifty years ago

30th December 202429th December 2024

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… …

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Nancy Blackett Trust

22nd December 2024

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 …

Read about the return of Selina King

16th June 202516th December 2024

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 …