If you have details about a boat you would like to see featured please email me.

We are seeking contributing authors to join us and post on a regular basis - see details scroll down the right hand column

Thursday 7 July 2011

Navigator - John Welsford design

Fellow blogger Robert Ditterich has reminded me to include one of my favourite open boats the Navigator, designed by John Welsford this pretty and traditional looking boat has proven to be a highly successful, fast and capable open cruiser.

The words and pictures are of Robert's own Navigator Annie, the build log of which is chronicled on flickr.



LOA 4.5m 14ft 9in
Beam 1.8m 5ft 10in
Weight 140kg 309lbs
Sails 12.6sqm 136 sqft



Robert explains - Available as a sloop or yawl rig the latter seems to find favour with builders and sailors due to it's flexibility and frankly it is a very handsome rig.

Annie is one of hundreds of Navigators dotted around the globe, and while not all of them spend endless days cruising placid bays, and camping on impossibly beautiful beaches, plenty have done that, and all are capable of making many of our boating fantasies real.




Mine was launched towards the end of our good weather, so experiences are limited and action shots are scarce. But I have to say that I was surprised and very pleased with Annie's manners since I first took her out. The most surprising thing was her initial stability. When the first gusts caught me, I was amazed to be still within the cockpit, and not making use of the tiller extension. I don't mind 'sitting out', but it is wonderful to have a choice about these things in a dinghy.

Building a Navigator has the distinct disadvantage though, of making it harder to justify building another boat, because it is attractive and practical and flexible, and it gets you 'cred' with the stink boat people at the ramps. Every outing will create at least one good conversation with a total stranger. So another boat often seems to be just a gratuitous, superfluous thought. A pity, if you like building as much as sailing. Some of you might see me wriggle and squirm as I try to rationalise my way out of that one.




JW got something very right when he drew Navigator, and for my money the most important thing he got right was to make it possible for so many people to be able to build such a good boat themselves. All strength to anyone who empowers ordinary un-skilled people to get away from the TV, into the shed and to make something wholesome and exciting and capable of bringing people to-gether in a natural setting.


Robert a who also makes violins professionally has built Annie to an incredible standard, the pictures which show the plank stringers and the planked up hull above has an almost sculptural quality about them. I also agree with Robert's comment about encouraging others to build, while not many of us can build to his exacting standards we can all be encouraged by his enthusiasm and enjoyment of building.

Robert is also author of a book "Something About Navigator" which is available as a download and thankfully for those of us who still prefer a volume we can brush with our fingers as we work along the book shelf a printed version.

30 comments:

  1. Hey John, You have made such a nice boat. She really looks so beautiful.By the way nice post and pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Another Smart post from you Admin :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. You can buy from our large and diverse collection of salwar kameez, party wear suits, bollywood collection, cotton kurtis, Anarrkali suits,Bollywood saree and many other products.....
    We Have Some For You In Your Budget
    For more…
    Plz visit:- salwar Kameez

    ReplyDelete
  4. Find the wedding dress of your dreams by browsing thousands of dresses in popular styles. In wedding dress gallery, you can search by and view a-line, ball gown, mermaid, and sheath wedding dresses. For more...
    Please visit Rakhi Images

    ReplyDelete

  5. Rakhi Wishes message and quotes available and brothers and sister rakhi wishes by best qutotes in our website.
    And amazing photos related to rakhi wishes.Rakhi wishes quotes by best wishe to brither and sister.
    Plz visit:- Rakhi wishes

    ReplyDelete
  6. Brother and sister celebrating Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan festival in RakshaBandhan Images available in our wesite and
    related detail you can get by our wessite.Raksh Bandhan images by the represent best relation in this world.
    Plz visit RakshaBandhan Images

    ReplyDelete

  7. Tomorrowland 2017 in clebration of this festival related all information provided in our article.
    Like timeing,rules and regulation,weekand date.etc.
    Plz visit:- Tomorrowland2017

    ReplyDelete

  8. Independence Day is celebrated differently and on difference dates around the world. There are fun traditions and ways to take this holiday. Find ideas about Independence Day Images, Quotes, Speech, Wishes, Status and Celebration,etc. For more...
    Please visit Independence Day Images

    ReplyDelete

  9. As India celebrates its 70th Independence Day on 15 August 2017, its citizens rejoice celebrating a different kind of freedom - the freedom to travel, explore, and unwind. The Indian citizens are all perked up for a much awaited long weekend during Independence Day.
    Please visit Independence Day

    ReplyDelete
  10. On Janmashtami, a lot of devotees of Lord Krishna observe a fast for the whole day and night, worship him and listen to his tales, recite hymns from the Gita, sing devotional songs, and chant the mantras.
    for more
    Plz visit:- Janmashtami

    ReplyDelete
  11. I want to wish a hearty 15th of August to all Indians in the nation. It's the time of the year to be patriotic and to reflect on the roots of our republic. Blood was spilled to gain our independence and I'm sure you'd agree there has never been, and will. God Bless India.
    Please visit Independence Day Wishes

    ReplyDelete
  12. How do you plan to celebrate the 15th of August? From testing your trivia to making your own national flag, there are numerous ways to make this day extremely special.... August 15th being Independence Day for The India is an occasion to celebrate and make merry. Every state in India has its special events and festivities.
    Please visit Independence Day 2017

    ReplyDelete
  13. India is a country of colorful festivals. All the festivals in India are according to the Indian Hindu Calendar.Each one of them has either religious significance or they signify different Indian relations.For More..
    Plz visit:- Raksha Bandhan Images

    ReplyDelete
  14. Through the passage of time festivals are undergoing modifications. Raksha Bandhan is also known as Rakhi. Rakhi has become a sacred festival for sisters and brothers. Sisters tie them to brothers. Priests tie them to people of his congregation.For More..
    Plz visit:- Rakhi Wishes

    ReplyDelete
  15. Tomorrowland 2017 in clebration of this festival related all information provided in our article.
    We can also Provide Tomorrowland 2017 Live.
    For More....
    Plz visit:- Tomorrowland 2017 Live

    ReplyDelete

  16. Tomorrowland 2017 in clebration of this festival related all information provided in our article.
    We can also Provide Tomorrowland 2017 Live.
    For More....
    Plz visit:- Tomorrowland 2017 Live

    ReplyDelete
  17. Tomorrowland 2017 in clebration of this festival related all information provided in our article.
    We can also Provide Tomorrowland 2017 Live.
    For More....
    Plz visit:- Tomorrowland 2017 Live

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post!
    Chandeliers

    ReplyDelete
  19. Friends are so unique and special that there is a special day set aside as Friendship's Day for it. On this day, friends value their friendship with others in more ways than one.
    Plz visit:- Friendship Day
    A gift should always be chosen with care, specially if its for a friend to present him or her of Friendship Day. The gift should be chosen keeping in mind your friends tastes and preferences.
    Plz visit:- Friendship Day Wishes

    ReplyDelete
  20. Friends are so unique and special that there is a special day set aside as Friendship's Day for it. On this day, friends value their friendship with others in more ways than one.
    Plz visit:- Friendship Day
    A gift should always be chosen with care, specially if its for a friend to present him or her of Friendship Day. The gift should be chosen keeping in mind your friends tastes and preferences.
    Plz visit:- Friendship Day Wishes

    ReplyDelete
  21. Friendship day is a great occasion to try a few innovative recipes and spice up the platter. Its undoubtedly a great joy sharing a bite with your friends on this day.
    Plz visit:- Friendship Day 2017
    Friendship day is a day for friends to enjoy, share their care and affection for each other. The day takes place on the first Sunday of August every year and celebrated across the world.
    Plz visit:- Friendship Day Quotes

    ReplyDelete
  22. Friends are so unique and special that there is a special day set aside as Friendship's Day for it. On this day, friends value their friendship with others in more ways than one.
    Plz visit:- Friendship Day Messages

    ReplyDelete
  23. Designer Salwar Suit is perhaps the desire of every single girl in this world to look amazing on her wedding day.
    It is certainly important that the bride must be the star of the show.The most beautiful woman at the wedding venue.
    In India,Designer Salwar Suit are the most obvious choice for the brides.There are many Designer Salwar Suit in our site...
    For more...
    Plz visit:- Salwar Suit

    ReplyDelete

  24. Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival, it starts on the fourth day of Hindu luni-solar calendar month Bhadrapada, which typically falls in Gregorian months of August or September. Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated with much fervor and joy in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
    Please visit Ganesh Chaturthi


    Lord Ganesha's homecoming is celebrated in the month of Bhadra, according to the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar, which typically falls in the months of August or September. Ganesha Chaturthi 2017 will begin on 25th August and end on 5th September.
    Please visit Ganesh Chaturthi 2017

    ReplyDelete
  25. The saree is an integral part of Indian tradition and culture and its origin dates back to the Indus valley civilization. Although originated as a simple piece of cloth that is to be wrapped around the body, today it has several modified forms
    Plz visit:- Sarees
    Bridal sarees are most demanded clothing item in India at wedding ceremonies. Sarees are widely worn by Indian women as these are the only traditional clothing items which are still popular.
    Plz visit:- Bridal Sarees

    ReplyDelete
  26. We always come up with the ultimate collection for the upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi Festivals. Hence, this time we have make sure to collection all type of Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes, Ganesh Chaturthi Quotes, Ganesh Chaturthi Greetings, Ganesh Chaturthi SMS.
    Please visit Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes

    Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesh Festival is a day on which Lord Ganesha, the 2nd son of Shiva and Parvati, is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees. It is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi in others Indian languages. It is celebrated as it is the birthday of Lord Ganesha.
    Please visit Ganesh Chaturthi Images

    ReplyDelete


  27. Designer Saree is perhaps the desire of every single girl in this world to look amazing on her wedding day.
    It is certainly important that the bride must be the star of the show.The most beautiful woman at the wedding venue.
    In India,sarees are the most obvious choice for the brides.There are many designer saree in our site...
    For more...
    Plz visit:- Sarees

    ReplyDelete

  28. Designer Designer Lahenga is perhaps the desire of every single girl in this world to look amazing on her wedding day.
    It is certainly important that the bride must be the star of the show.The most beautiful woman at the wedding venue.
    In India,Designer Lahenga are the most obvious choice for the brides.There are many designer Designer Lahenga in our site...
    For more...
    Plz visit:- Designer Lahenga

    ReplyDelete

  29. Designer Anarkali Dress is perhaps the desire of every single girl in this world to look amazing on her wedding day.
    It is certainly important that the bride must be the star of the show.The most beautiful woman at the wedding venue.
    In India,Anarkali Dress are the most obvious choice for the brides.There are many designer Anarkali Dress in our site...
    For more...
    Plz visit:- Anarkali Dress

    ReplyDelete
  30. Fancy designer wear like that saree,salwar suit,Kurtis our website and reasonable price More…
    We Have Some For You In Your Budget For more…
    Anarkali Dress
    Punjabi Dress
    Wedding Saree
    Lehenga Choli
    Ghagra Choli
    Silk Saree
    Ladies Suit
    Indian Saree
    Designer Dress
    Brindal Dress

    ReplyDelete