folkboats

[zlod]

Are there many Folkboats in the Bristol Channel? I couldn't see any at Portishead last time I was there.

Has anyone got any idea how suitable they are for the Bristol Channel? I'd have thought that a long keeled boat would fare quite well in shorter steeper seas, but what would I know?

I'd want to get out to the big bit of the Bristol Channel - somewhere near Lundy (it's made of rock, quite nice rock).

Sorry if this is a dumb question.

 

[NickiCrutchfield]

Folkboats are perfect where so'ere you choose to use tham. I had an old glass Illingworth and Primrose folkboat derivative, an Apache 29, and she went like a train here. I kept her in Watermouth in North Devon. she is still resident there with her new owner, but at the moment she is in the Carib, St Marten. She will be back next year.The thing I really loved was the way that the tiller never got 'hard'. They are true sea boats.
Nicki

 

[chrishelen]

There are two in my club,and i have sailed one of them all over the BC,they are great sailing boats,and i happen to know they are both for sale,the owners are getting on a bit and have given up sailing,PM me if you want more details.
Chris.

 

[graham]

At least 2 or 3 in CBYC plus "Christina" which is similar to a FB but with masthead rig.Sails really well.

 

[kds]

Yes - we have one of the few built at Highbridge, with the much enlarged coachroof in our club. Still very pretty and sails beautifully, of course. I have a Van de Stadt version - extended to 29'. Great.
Ken

 

[zlod]

Sounds like a folkboaat wouldn't be out of place on the Bristol Channel.

Christina looks nice, but then any boat that looks like a folkboat would look nice. Is she wooden or fibreglass? I must say, I prefer the look of folkboats when they have aluminium masts: they look a bit sturdier.

Anyone got any idea what the voyage from the Thames Estuary or Belgium / Holland to the Bristol Channel would be like in a folkboat? I imagine it could be quite fun - especially once you get to the west country.

 

[bluedragon]

All the FB derivatives (Contessa 26, Halcyon 27, Twister, etc) will also do very well in the Bristol Channel seas. Narrow beam, deep hulls and good ballast ratios. Usually very light on the helm as well and sail beautifully. Only downsides are a) cramped down below (though the bigger ones are OK) b) and you have to lean up against a wall in drying harbours (though legs are sometimes used). Classic small boats for the western seaboard of the UK...and further.

 

[graham]

Christina is a wooden boat built in Penarth about 40 years ago.She has slightly more freeboard than a FB.

 

[yachtShoestring]

I'm planning on taking mine up to Bristol and back from Milford Haven later this year, I've had a few Folkboats over the years and found them most suitable. -Drying out is always a problem, but I think thats because I'm still yet to find the best technique.