Please select your home edition
Edition
Savvy Navvy 2024

Swallows and Amazons film dinghy on BBC1's Antiques Roadshow

by Magnus Smith 22 Feb 2021 16:05 UTC 21 February 2021
'Swallow', from the 1974 film Swallows & Amazons, takes fans - young and old - afloat © Sail Ransome

British sailors enjoying a quiet cup of tea in front of the TV on Sunday evening would have been pleasantly surprised to see their favourite sport grace Antiques Roadshow on BBC1. With a setting like the Lake District it was probable some sort of boat would be shown, and whilst there were a few motorboats first, we eventually got to see a sailing dinghy which starred in the 1974 film Swallows & Amazons.

Skip to 45 minutes 25 seconds if you are able to view the show on BBC iPlayer

Arthur Ransome's books for children sold massively in the 1930s and '40s, and have inspired many of us to get sailing. The film versions (there was also a 2016 movie) will have introduced the sport to more people, and one side effect is 'props' left over after filming. Eleven years ago, Turks Shipyard in Kent decided to auction off much of their old stock, some of which had sat on a storage rack for decades. One such abandoned item was 'Swallow', and when ardent Ransome fans heard the news, they were convinced a purchase must be made. The most important aspect of the idea was that this boat could be kept sailing, for all fans to enjoy. (If you want to get sailing in 'Swallow' please contact )

A crowdfunding project was masterminded by two men who had never met before: Rob Boden (a Lake District resident) and Magnus Smith (who works for YachtsandYachting.com). With frantic effort £5,500 was raised in 20 days, with just over 80 people contributing. Efforts were made to contact the child actors who had starred in the film, resulting in a friendship with Sophie Neville who has acted as a patron for the non-profit organisation which manages 'Swallow's activities.

Political Correspondent John Sergeant was currently appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, and mentioned in a radio interview he loved Swallows and Amazons, so Magnus contacted his agent... and received an email and donation back. The highest donation came from a lady who lived on a houseboat with no internet, and the founders are still uncertain how she heard about the project! Donations also came in the form of repair time from Patterson Boatworks and varnish from International Paints.

'Swallow' was relaunched on Coniston Water in April 2011 and embarked on a tour of seven counties in England - wherever fans clamoured to have her visit. A chain of volunteers drove the boat between sailing clubs like Telford and Tamesis, handing over to the next excited person every week or two. Over the next nine years 'Swallow' spent entire seasons on the Norfolk Broads, the Essex backwaters, the Solent, and back to the Lake District.

Swallows and Amazons fans hope that Covid will permit the ten year anniversary of the relaunch be to celebrated with sailing again this summer. There is one other worry in the mind of 'Swallow's treasurer though; Will the £20,000 valuation during Antiques Roadshow cause the insurance premium to rise? Donations towards the project could solve this issue!

We will keep 'Swallow' sailing for all to enjoy: www.sailransome.org

Related Articles

Governor announces marine infrastruce investment
Vote Yes on Florida's Amendment 2 this election day Not many people get to turn their favorite hobby into a full-time job. Thankfully, I'm one of the lucky few. Posted on 4 Nov
Max Bet Bayliss 64' on the water
The culmination of over 60,000 man-hours of dedicated craftsmanship The well-respected team behind Max Bet is no stranger to the Bayliss Boatworks family, having previously entrusted us with the repower of their 66' Spencer. Posted on 4 Nov
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
Big Deal Bayliss 75', Tarheel Bayliss 64', Mama Seata Bayliss 76' With the glassing phase complete on Big Deal's mezzanine, our exterior team has applied Awlfair, and sanding is currently under way to ensure a smooth, polished finish before the primer is applied. Posted on 3 Nov
IGFA Red Sea Championship returns to Egypt
Multi-species tournament celebrates Red Sea sportfishing in 2025 Multi-species tournament celebrates Red Sea sportfishing while advancing game fish conservation. Posted on 1 Nov
Meet the all-new 29BAY
Capture performance, comfort, range and versatility in Contender Boats biggest bay boat ever Looking for a boat that can do it all? Contender is proud to introduce your answer in the all-new 29BAY — a handcrafted fishing machine that is everything you need it to be and more. Posted on 31 Oct
EGO® Fishing's S2 Slider: Still the champion
Thousands of happy anglers later, S2 Slider remains the most innovative landing net on the water It's said that a system is only as good as the weakest link. Then how is it that some anglers rely on junk landing nets with warped hoops and rotten or torn meshing? Posted on 31 Oct
New Breakwater waterproof gloves!
The perfect blend of flexibility and comfort for all-day wear The Breakwater gloves are built to keep your hands dry, even when fully submerged, thanks to a 100% waterproof membrane that delivers total protection in cold, wet or windy conditions. Posted on 31 Oct
New Hurricane 24 CC 24-foot Center Console
Designed from the ground-up as a family-friendly boat Punching well above its weight class with features, ride and functionality for a 24-ft boat, the Hurricane 24CC was designed from the ground-up as a family-friendly boat that is equally in its element as a platform for fishing, tow sports or day cruising. Posted on 31 Oct
Fishing: Late Fall Walleyes
Quick Q&A with seasoned walleye professional Jason Przekurat Quick Q&A with seasoned walleye professional and Whitewater Fishing pro staffer Jason Przekurat. Posted on 31 Oct
A new Freedom debuts
Freedom 345 is making its debut in Fort Lauderdale Grady-White's NEW Freedom 345 is making its debut in Fort Lauderdale. Posted on 31 Oct
Savvy Navvy 2024Maritimo 2023 M600 FOOTER