Sunday September 15th 2024 at 2pm in the John Gibbins gallery
A talk by Peter Willis President of the Nancy Blackett Trust
Arthur, Nancy and Me
Since 1996 Peter has been inspiration and driving force behind the Nancy Blackett Trust, which
he formed to buy the boat and to maintain her for future generations. He was also a deputy editorof both Classic Sailor and Classic Boat and was recently awarded the RYA Lifetime Commitment Award by HRH the Princess Royal.
Nancy Blackett was owned by the author Arthur Ransome from 1934 to 1937. She was built by
Hillyards in Littlehampton in 1931 and is 28ft 6in (8.7m) length overall with a bowsprit extending
her foretriangle by several extra feet. Like several 1930s yachts she is cutter bermudan rigged and
has roller reefing on her boom. Ransome had bought her for £525, and she is described as his
favourite yacht. Ransome kept the yacht on a mooring on the Orwell – which is where the NB
Trust keeps her today. She is the inspiration for his 1937 novel We Didn’t Mean To Go To Sea.In
1987 Peter Willis organised a marathon reading at Ransome’s old club – the Pin Mill Sailing Club.
Tickest £8, available from Eventbrite, the Longshed gift shop or at the door on the day. Book early to avoid disapointment
