Some of the UK’s finest wooden boatbuilding craftsmanship will be exhibited on the Wooden Boatbuilder’s Trade Association (WBTA) stand at this year’s Southampton Boat Show, opening tomorrow.
Dick Phillips of Willow Bay Boats is at the show with one of his 17’ (5.2m) Shillings. One of a family of dayboats and pocket cruisers designed by Phil Swift and built by Dick, the Shilling is big sister to the Ha’penny and Farthing and was most recently joined by the 20’6’’ (6.2m) Florin – see W159.
Dick has been exhibiting at Southampton Boat Show in one form or another since the mid ’70s; pictured below demonstrating clinker boatbuilding at the 2021 show.
Lakeland Wooden Boats, based near Kendal in Cumbria and run by boatbuilder Kevin Halcrow will bring a Haven 12½ – see W160.
A pretty 16’ (4.9m) gaff rigged dayboat, the design is the late Joel White’s centreboard version of the legendary Herreshoff 12½. Instead of carvel construction, Kevin built her in strip plank western red cedar, with epoxy sheathing and a painted finish.
Devon-based wooden boatbuilder and sculptor John McShea will have his latest elegant wooden launch on display. 18’ (5.5m) BIBBIDY is likely to be a real head turner, with her immaculate finish and attention to fine detail. Designed by John, BIBBIDY is inspired by traditional launches from the Salcombe estuary where John is based.
The show runs from 13-22 September. Come and meet the boatbuilders and their boats on stand H040, near the pedestrian bridge.
The WBTA at Southampton Boat Show 2023. Photograph: Pete Greenfield