17 July 2007

At Maritime Woodbridge, on Saturday and Sunday 8 & 9 September, classic wooden boats, from coracles to recently restored Thames Sailing Barge Victor, will gather in the town’s docks. Craftsmen will demonstrate traditional sailing boat crafts in a marine and heritage exhibition in the former Whisstocks boat sheds. The day will end with a rollicking live nautical show, and all these nautical attractions are free.

The event, from 10.30 to 6.0pm each day, will be set against the backdrop of the famed 18th Century Tide Mill (entry free), and accompanied by a feast of nautical arts, crafts and music. It is supported by an Awards for All Lottery grant.

Star attraction is the 44-foot Sutton Hoo replica ship, Sae Wylfing, (above) which visitors will see being sailed and rowed by a crew in period costume. And Dr Sam Newton, a star of Channel 4’s Time Team programme, will deliver a free presentation about the Anglo-Saxons on our shores.

Visitors will be able to board three yachts once owned by Swallows and Amazons author Arthur Ransome. One of them, Nancy Blackett, featured as Goblin in two books set on the East Coast: We Didn’t Mean To Go To Sea and Secret Water.

Professional knot tier and rope maker Des Pawson, who was recently awarded the MBE for services to the knot and rope-making industry, will give visitors the opportunity to make their own lengths of rope.

The Robertson’s and Everson’s traditional boatyards and the town’s two sailing clubs will be open to the public, a Suffolk Punch-drawn carriage will run town tours from the riverside (for a small charge), there will be free river trips, and each day will be rounded off with a live show featuring nautical music, dramatic readings and dance. There will also be an accompanying beer festival at the Cherry Tree pub.

Open-top bus links will be available to Sutton Hoo on the Saturday.

Maritime Woodbridge is part of National Heritage Open Days, backed by The Civic Trust and English Heritage, and is organised by a group of wooden-boat enthusiasts under the aegis of the Woodbridge Town Centre Management Group

For more information, contact Michael Rines on 01394 610034 rines@rinesm.freeserve.co.uk