skipper pond yachts suffolk

May 30th 2021

World Pond Yacht Day

A worldwide event.

Sunday, 26th May 2024

Where to buy a pond yacht.

Starting out can be a little daunting for the beginner but you can still find plenty of good used and new yachts to sail. For the keen DIY enthusiasts there are some yacht kits to build and a lot of well-worn yachts still available to restore.

However finding a model sailing yacht is easier than you think, there are plenty of second-hand Star, Bowman, and Skipper yachts available on auction sites like eBay or vintage sites like Etsy, there is even a Facebook Marketplace where yachts come up from time to time. Prices vary according to their condition, and vintage yachts are becoming very collectible with J. Alexander of Preston yachts commanding several hundred pounds.

However, the Star SY range is still reasonably priced and appears on eBay regularly. The SY range is all solid hulled yachts, they sail very well indeed for their size. The Star MK range is hollow and therefore lighter yachts these sail impeccably well. Bowman produced a wide range of yachts, their solid range of Admirals was the most commonly available and they do come up for sale from time to time, be prepared to pay a little more for a good Swift, Aquaplane, Gull, or Heron.

Skipper yachts are still relatively modern and very good boxed examples appear from time to time. These were made in Suffolk originally and range from 8 inches to 32, with a very nice 21-inch Yawl available for around the £100 mark. There are plenty of older vintage yacht types available but remember their sails and rigging may be delicate and need replacing. You may be lucky to stumble across a vintage racing yacht fitted with steering gear but whatever yacht you own it is true to say the more you sail the more you will love the art of sailing.

Since the demise of Skipper, there has not been another quality mass-produced model yacht range available. However, a small number of British artisan makers like Grove Pond Yachts, Haycroft Pond Yachts, and Britannia Pond Yachts are out there, producing ranges of new high-quality yachts to sail.

A boxed Skipper Coastal 15 inch Pond Yacht .

Makers of new pond yachts in Britain

"Britannia Pond Yachts’"on Etsy and Facebook, also antique, restored and used model yachts, including spares on ebay

"Grove Pond Yachts" website: www.grovepondyachts.com on Facebook and Instagram.

"Haycroft Pond Yachts" website  www.haycroftpondyachts.co.uk  and facebook.

Dealers of fine antique pond yachts in Britain

'Paul Drewett' Specialist in antique yachts on Facebook.

"Pond Yacht Antiques" website www.pondyachtantiques.co.uk   also on Instagram.

Makers of new pond yachts in France

"Tirot" website www.bateaux-jouets-tirot.com

"Voiliers Albas" website,  www.voiliers-albas.com

Makers of new pond yachts in Germany

"Guenther" website, www.guenther-toys.de also a good range of yacht spares.

Makers of new pond yachts in the USA

"Tippecanoe Boats" website, sailingisme.com

Click the links above to view websites

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   BRITANNIA POND YACHTS  

Britannia Pond Yachts create hand-crafted beautifully finished wooden free sailing pond yachts made with passion the old fashioned way. Visit our shop for our latest range of vintage yachts for sale.

Guaranteed to sail every time

At 'Britannia Pond Yachts' we want to help preserve and promote the pastime of sailing pond yachts for future generations to come. By designing our own range of free sailing wooden model boats, we have incorporated the qualities and form of vintage model sailing yachts in every single one of our completed model boats. We first design our model yachts using our own hand drawn plans, the hull shapes are transferred onto timber blanks which are then carefully hand carved using traditional tools, methods, and materials. In this way we can optimise a yachts smooth sleek lines and extract the very best sailing performance from our wooden model yachts. The grace of billowing sails, the style and lines of model sailing boats from an age gone by, is evident from every little detail that has been carefully considered to provide you with the most beautiful model sailing boat that we can build.

Britannia Ponds Yachts North Star.​

We are also able to supply a large range of classic, vintage model boats and antique Pond Yachts from manufacturers like the famous Star Yachts of Birkenhead, Bowman, Skipper, Suggs, Ailsa, Gamages, Alexander and many others. Some of these sailing boats we restore to sailing condition, we also offer other vintage model yachts for restoration by yourself. Our stock is constantly changing please visit our shop to see our latest stock of vintage model yachts. If we do not list what you are looking for please ask, as we may be able to find it or you. From time to time to are also able to supply highly collectable Victorian and Edwardian Cutters. So if it is a gaff rigged cutter a topsail clipper bowed schooner, or a toy yacht or a toy boat that is suitable for a child, or a racing yacht or a gaff rigged antique cruiser for you then please enquire.

Late Victorian 25 inch Lowestoft Beam Trawler.​

"No price can be put on those dreams and aspersions of the mind, when she touches the water and with a little shove, those sails fill, and she heels over to track across the pond. From my first Birkenhead Star Yacht  “Southern Star,” the feeling was just the same as when I launched my newly restored classic yacht “Moon Song”. The only difference other than having to run around the pond to catch it, was that I was now fully part of that journey, that first push, that seed planted in my mind that had brought me to this point. So when you see an old pond yacht, don’t see it as a dated toy yacht or an artistic novelty! It is a carriage from which dreams are born!"

Graham Sweeney, Shipwright, 2019.

Pond Yacht, sailing a vintage Skipper C13 Catamaran at Riverside Park, St Neots

Super Star Pond Yacht

Pond Yacht, Britannia Pixie.

The story of a 1920's Star SY5a pond yacht

Our dreams are hand made in England.

We can ship our dreams all around the world, please enquire.

Here are some of our yacht designs visit our gallery to see more. ​

Pond Yacht Antiques

Skipper Yachts were started in 1991 by John Foster in a factory in Suffolk. Apparently they are still produced but now they are made in China.

The Ocean Racer  was produced around 2000/2002 and was the largest yacht ever made by Skipper. According to "British Toy Boats" many of them were sold to Ralph Lauren for window display.

This particular yacht has not been sailed and consequently is close to mint condition.

There is a sticker on the port side which suggests, that new, she cost £139.

Everything on this yacht is original and the paintwork is basically as she left the factory.

The only fault to mention is that there are some small splatter marks on both sails.

As she is the largest yacht made by Skipper and as they are no longer available this yacht is very collectable. 

The stand is not original but is included in the sale if required.

Skipper Ocean Racer pond yacht -Sold

Measurements.

Length: 79cm (31") Beam: 15cm (6")  Height: 98cms (38.5ins) in the stand

If you are interested in purchasing or learning more about this item, please contact us quoting ref yacht944

Price: Sold

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SKIPPER 15 (DEBEN) COASTAL Pond Lake YACHT Sailing Boat model handmade suffolk

SKIPPER 15 (DEBEN) COASTAL pond lake yacht sailing boat. This beautifully designed boat comes fully assembled

The stunning red white and blue colour and intricate features make it a unique addition to any collection.

this SKIPPER boat is perfect for boating enthusiasts

 made in Suffolk

The measurements are (approx )

Height 24” / 61 cm

Length 15” / 38 cm

Width (widest part) 4” / 10cm

My dad collects these boats and selling other to downsize his collection before moving

Please look at the photos to judge condition yourself if you need more photos please ask if you have any questions please get in touch 

I am happy for items to be collected from a CB2 postcode and I will combine postage

• Condition: Used
• Assembly Status: Ready to Go/Pre-built
• Set Includes: Yacht
• Item Length: see photos
• Franchise: n.a
• Subject: Boating
• Customised: No
• Colour: Red
• Brand: SKIPPER
• Item Height: see photos
• Features: see photos
• Item Width: n.a
• Item Weight: light

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About 'Wings'?

What do people think.

Simon is a first rate skipper , a first rate teacher and a first rate human being. He made the course fun , exciting and I learned more than any other course I have been on with RYA. It’s quite a skill to teach and Simon has that skill. He fills the student with confidence. His knowledge of sailing is amazing and unlike many who teach he is not frightened of sharing that knowledge. His boat is spotless and a joy to sail. All in all I cannot recommend him enough to beginners and also those who think they know the sea ! I will be booking with him again.

CF, July 2023

A fantastic five day experience and  Wings is the perfect boat for learning on. Robin is such an amazing instructor with so much knowledge of every aspect of sailing and I really appreciate him for his calmness , patience and advice regarding our recently purchased yacht. Thank you from an extremely happy student.

G, April ’22

Keith made the Day Skipper course interesting, informative and fun, particularly in some of the challenging conditions we had through the week F5-6 most days. He was very good at explaining things in different ways. I also appreciated the efforts to provision for L who’s lactose intolerant. Thanks very much for a great 5 days.

JW Day Skipper

Simon was a great instructor. Very considerate to individuals’ previous knowledge and experiences. Very attentive to our questions and answered them well. Made learning very easy and enjoyable. Was good to explain any technical information in a clear and understandable manner. We all got plenty of opportunities to practice all elements of sailing. Wings is a very clean and comfortable boat to be on as well as easy to manoeuvre. Accommodation was very comfortable with good food being served, taking into consideration any dietary requirements. We all had a really fun and enjoyable experience. Will definitely be coming back to do future courses and leisurely sails. Thank you!!

M Competent Crew October 2021

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Useful Information

Gift an amazing sailing experience to your favourite seafarer wannabe! You can buy this now at the link below for just £105.

Buy a personalised voucher for a taster sail, yachting course, or any of our other fun-filled seaborne adventures on the gorgeous Suffolk coastline or beyond.

Our sailing vouchers can be used to pay for one of our Day Sails , or to offset the cost of any of our courses, charters or cruises .

Click the link below to buy one now – a personalised voucher will be in your inbox within a few minutes – or contact us for other options

What better way to watch an epic sporting event than to have a grandstand seat? Better still, how about a seat that moves around with the action, with a coffee and nibbles never more than an arms reach away? Where, still firmly attached to your seat, you can graze away at your lunch without queuing for hours to fetch it?

No such thing? Think again!

We have opportunities aboard our beautiful yacht Wings for companies, private groups and day sailors to do exactly that. Contact us to discuss your preference and enjoy a fabulous day with your friends, family, staff or clients, or simply treat yourself in the company of like minded sailing fans.

Dates currently available from 6-11th August, leaving from/returning to East Cowes Marina on the Isle of Wight.

Accommodation on board can be arranged at no extra cost, subject to availability.

If you’re a more experienced sailor looking for a challenging trip, why not join us on a cross-Channel trip to Dunkerque, before heading to the Solent via Eastbourne? At least 2 ‘qualifying’ passages (60 miles or more) and the opportunity for some night sailing (subject to weather conditions).

Dates: 5-9 September 2023

Prices & Availability: Please contact us

Another great opportuity for some serious cruising as we head back to Shotley from the Solent via the South Coast and France. A fabulous sailing adventure for those who want to enjoy more serious passages, or who are looking to build crewing or skippering experience or miles to put towards some of the higher level RYA courses.

For many crossing the Thames Estuary or English Channel under sail would be genuine ‘bucket list’ contenders. Join us on this trip to tick both off in one hit. Sail past iconic British coastline landmarks that most people will have heard of, but few will have witnessed close-up – Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters, Selsey Bill, and the 19th century forts built to protect the Solent.

It will be a few days of adventure, and maybe a glass or two of French red, plus some time to explore Brighton – maybe shopping in the Lanes or a stroll along the pier.

The journey will start from the Solent (probably Portsmouth) on the weekend of 15/16 June 2019.

Highlights * a 5 day cruise in our classic 42′ Moody yacht ‘Wings’ * crossing the Thames Estuary and the English Channel * stopovers in Brighton, Eastbourne, Boulogne and/or Dunkerque and Ramsgate. * opportunity for skippers to practice their passage-making skills with mentoring from seasoned instructors * ideal for cruisers/milebuilders/passage makers/those wishing to achieve their RYA Competent Crew or Coastal Theory tickets.

Each leg is 40-60 miles (with the exception of the 20 mile hop from Brighton to Eastbourne. If you haven’t yet visited Boulogne, the old town is a beautiful place to wander along the cobbled streets and maybe enjoy a plate of moules frites and a glass of something, whilst Dunkerque, of course, is famed for its wartime memorials.

At this stage the trip is available to either individuals who wish to share, or for exclusive charter.

Price & Availability: please contact us

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We could turn right, head north up past Brightlingsea, duck into Pyefleet Creek and pick up a mooring buoy (or drop the hook). Then watch as your pre-ordered box of crab, lobster, king prawn, mussels – not to mention locally sourced oysters – is delivered to the boat. Yes, really. It’s a bit like a drive thru without the driving or the queuing! And then, replete with fruits de mer, you could sit and watch the sunset over Mersea Island.

Or go straight ahead. Past the Colne and up the Blackwater to West Mersea. Thumb a lift from the yacht club ferry to the jetty, and stroll ashore to make a late lunch table booking at the famous Company Shed. Perhaps (hopefully!) there’s time for a quick drink in the West Mersea Yacht Club beforehand. Followed by a fabulous seafood platter in one of the simplest but most fabulous restaurants you will come across.

Hey, if you’re a real seafood junkie you could even do both!

Talk to us for prices and availability. This is a two or three-day trip.

The Annual Pin Mill Barge Match, one of a series of regional barge matches, is held in late June/early July. Starting on the River Orwell, and following a course dictated by the day’s weather and tide conditions, the match is a true spectacle of years gone by.

Once coastal cargo carriers, these beauties have been lovingly restored and maintained, and several are available for day trips, charters and social occasions.

This is very much a day sail with a difference, as the itinerary will be geared to a very satisfying combination of match watching – with the endless photo opportunities this will entail – plus time to enjoy your own bit of sailing up and down the Orwell and Stour rivers. You will see a veritable forest of brown sails, gaffe rigs, and more ‘ropes’ than you can shake a stick at.

Prices & Availability: Please contact us

We will need to leave Shotley by 1000 latest, after coffee and a safety briefing. It’s a 2 ½ hour sail down to Clacton, and once there we drop anchor as close to the ‘fairway’ as possible. The fairway is a cordoned off area of the sea just off Clacton Pier, and it is above this area that the serious flying is done. Which means the planes seem to almost clip the top of our mast as they zoom past!

The line-up for the show is still evolving but according to the show’s website it will include:

The Red Arrows The Battle of Memorial Flight The RAF Typhoon Bremont Great War Display Team Plus lots of other aerobatic displays

You can see the full line up at the show’s website here……

When we’ve nibbled our way through the 3-4 hour show, it’s time to weigh anchor and head back home after a truly memorable day.

Price: £80 (offered on bring your own lunch basis). Please contact us for availability

Our skipper will work with you before your trip to create a passage plan to suit your requirements and the experience of your party. This will obviously depend on tide predictions and the number of days you choose to book for. There are many fantastic destinations to the North or South to choose from, and a variety of ‘challenges’ ranging from passages which are (relatively speaking) ‘just around the corner’, to Thames Estuary and Channel crossings. Possible destinations include Southwold, the River Blackwater, Burnham-on-Crouch and, further afield, London, the South Coast and the Continent.

Price & availability will depend on duration and destinations agreed, please contact us to discuss options

Your skipper gives you the options for the day (weather and tide dependent) and you decide the agenda. A river sail, a short coastal cruise, a bit of both – whatever ‘floats your boat’. Your day starts with a coffee and the essential safety brief on board, and then you head out on your sailing adventure. Maybe you’ll choose to explore the rivers in the morning, or head round to Hamford Water if the tides are right. After anchoring for lunch** on board  you might decide on an afternoon at sea. Maybe checking out Rough’s Tower (the ‘Principality of Sealand’), or a round trip past Felixstowe to the Deben entrance, before returning through the lock to Shotley Marina.

Base Price: weekday from £270* (half-day) or from £390* (full day), weekend from £450* (minimum full day)

* These are our base prices which cover two adults plus up to four children (aged 16 or under). There is a supplementary charge of £15 per additional adult (half-day trips) and £20 per additional adult (day trips).

** You can choose between bringing your own lunch to enjoy on board, or we can provide lunch to suit your needs. We can discuss this when you book.

Up to four children (aged 16 or under) go free when accompanied by two adults.

Why not extend to a Sleepover Sail for an additional charge of £90? Stay on board the night before, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, and enjoy a bacon roll breakfast before sailing the next day.

For pricing and availability

A lot of people do most of their sailing at weekends, and that’s when we are often at our busiest. But if you’re lucky enough to have time for some sailing on weekdays then one of our Day Sails might be just the thing for you. You will get the same fabulous sailing experience but at a great price of £105 per day. In order to minimise costs we ask you to bring your own lunch, and the only other proviso is that we need a minimum of 3 people to run the day.

Simply register for our newsletter (sign-up is available at the foot of all our website pages) and we will let you know the Day Sail dates when they are available along with all our other news and offers.

If you would like to buy a Day Sail as a gift for someone else, take a look at our Sailing Gift Voucher option – when you buy we will send you a PDF by email, and your lucky friend can contact us directly to arrange their date.

Price £105 per person (£100 per person if you bring one or more friends)

Availability: Please see our sailing schedule or  contact us

Join with up to 5 others who want to share the cost of sailing and meet new people.

Your day will start at Shotley Marina where your skipper will give you a safety briefing over a cup of coffee on board. You’ll help prepare the boat for departure, exit the lock gates, hoist the sails and head out for an adventure on the local rivers and coastlines. You will get the chance to participate fully in the running of the ship – hoisting, helming, trimming – hey, you can even put the kettle on if you like! After a morning sail we will drop anchor for lunch on board, maybe at Hamford Water (Secret Water), Wrabness (beach huts on stilts), or somewhere on the very beautiful River Orwell. After lunch, more sailing, more fun, and more tea (and perhaps a cheeky biscuit) before heading for home.

Price £105 per person (offered on a ‘bring your own picnic’ basis)

For dates and bookings……..

Suffolk Coast Sailing runs classroom-based Day Skipper and Coastal/Yachtmaster Theory courses at Shotley Marina and venues in the East Anglia region. We can offer private, one-to-one courses, and courses for groups (businesses, clubs and associations) at your chosen venue. Face to face courses are best if you prefer to learn in an interactive environment, as you benefit from wider discussion prompted by questions from other participants.

See more about our classroom courses .

We also offer  online theory courses which you can complete in your own time and in the comfort of your home or office. These are delivered by our partner company, Sailing Course Online, who are a RYA Recognised Training Centre specialising in online training. The course content is specifically delivered for an online experience, with bite-sized modules, regular auto-marked tests, and full support from the instructors at Sailing Course Online whenever you need them.

Find out more about online theory courses.

See below for more information or

Day Skipper Theory

A comprehensive introduction to cruising for inexperienced skippers.

This course equips you with enough knowledge to navigate around familiar waters by day. A basic knowledge of lights is also included to introduce you to night cruising.

The course is taught over 40 hours with two exam papers.

Course topics include:

• the basics of seamanship
• the essentials of coastal navigation and pilotage
• electronic charts
• position fixing
• plotting a course to steer
• weather forecasting and meteorology
• collision regulations
• construction, parts and equipment of a cruising boat
• emergency and safety procedures including distress calls,use of flares, safety harnesses, lifejackets and liferafts

Coastal Skipper / Yachtmaster Offshore

Advanced training for more experienced skippers building on the Day Skipper course. This course equips you to navigate safely on coastal and offshore passages.

This course will take your theory knowledge to the standard required for the Yachtmaster™ Coastal and Yachtmaster™ Offshore practical exams, concentrating on advanced navigation and meteorology skills.

The course is taught over 40 hours with three exam papers.

• course shaping and plotting
• tidal knowledge
• use of almanacs and admiralty publications
• electronic position finding equipment
• taking and interpreting forecasts
• plotting weather systems
• weather predictions using a barometer and by observation
• customs and excise regulations for cruising abroad

Own Boat Tuition

All of our RYA courses can be run in the comfort of your own boat, or we can tailor a programme to focus on what you need to learn, practice or perfect the most. The agenda is very much up to you, and we will discuss your needs thoroughly before recommending a program for you.

Suitable insurance and a reasonable level of safety gear will be needed on your boat, you can see our requirements here

For prices and availability

Please note we may need to add travelling expenses depending on the location of your boat.

Coastal Skipper

Advanced skippering techniques for yachtsmen and women with considerable knowledge of sailing and navigation, wanting to undertake coastal passages by day and night.

Like the Day Skipper course, this course consists of skippered passages in a variety of situations. Each trainee will skipper more challenging passages and learn more about passage planning, pilotage by day and night, boat handling, safety and emergency situations.

We will expect you to complete the Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Offshore theory course beforehand as there is insufficient time to teach you theory during the week.

Coastal Skippers should be able to undertake more difficult passages by day and night and handle the yacht in more demanding conditions.

Requirements & Outcomes

Pre-course experience: Minimum 15 days, 2 days as skipper, 300 miles, 8 night hours.

Assumed knowledge: Boat handling to at least the standard of Day Skipper and navigation to shorebased Coastal Skipper/Yachtmaster™ Offshore

Minimum duration: 5 days

Minimum age: 17

Course content: Passage planning, Preparation for sea, Pilotage, Passage making and ability as skipper, Yacht handling under power, Yacht handling under sail, Adverse weather conditions, Emergency situations

Ability after the course:  Able to skipper a yacht on coastal passages by day and night

Prices and Availability: £760 per person please Click Here for Course Schedule or

Day Skipper

A course for aspiring skippers with some yachting experience and basic navigation and sailing skills.

Learn to skipper a short passage with the instructor on hand to give advice and encouragement and ensure your safety. Experience being in charge, taking credit when it all goes well and being responsible when it doesn’t.

If it’s help with navigation that you need, you should take our Day Skipper shorebased or online course.

Pre-course experience: 5 days, 100 miles, 4 night hours on board a sailing yacht

Assumed knowledge: Theory to the level of Day Skipper. It is recommended you take our Day Skipper shorebased or online course  beforehand.

Minimum duration: 5 days residential

Minimum age: 16

Course content: Preparation for sea, deck work, navigation, pilotage, meteorology, rules of the road, maintenance and repair work, engines, victualling, emergency situations, yacht handling under power, yacht handling under sail, passage making, night cruising

Prices & Availability: £760 per person please Click Here for Course Schedule or

Competent Crew

This course is for beginners and those who would like to become active crew members rather than just passengers.

Experience living on board and really get to know the boat. Virtually all the course is hands on. You are the crew – without you the sails won’t go up and the boat won’t be steered.

By the end of the course you should be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day duties on board. You will also have visited some interesting places and had an enjoyable holiday.

Pre-course experience: None

Assumed knowledge: None

Minimum duration: 5 days.

Minimum age: None

Course content: Knowledge of sea terms and parts of a boat, her rigging and sails, sail handling, ropework, fire precautions and fighting, personal safety equipment, man overboard, emergency equipment, meteorology, seasickness, helmsmanship, general duties, manners and customs, rules of the road, dinghies

Ability after the course: Able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout, row a dinghy and assist in all the day to day routines

Prices & Availability: £760 per person Click Here for course schedule or

A short introduction to sailing for complete beginners, this course is available by arrangement to groups of 3-5 people.

By the end of the course you will have experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, ropework and be aware of safety on board.

Holders of the Start Yachting certificate can go on to complete the Competent Crew course in a reduced time of three days.

Minimum duration: 2 days

Minimum age: 8-10 years old

Course content: The yacht, ropework, underway, rules of the road, man overboard recovery, clothing and equipment, emergency equipment and precautions, meteorology.

Ability after the course: Basic knowledge of yachting.

Prices & Availability: If you have booked a charter of two or more days with us, we may be able to  build the Start Yachting syllabus into your itinerary. If you have a party of 3 or more people, we can arrange a course to suit your schedule.