Clive Marsh discovered small boats while working for Canadian Pacific Steamships and is a past Commodore of the Merchant Navy Association Boat Club. In this series he shares tales from his 50 years of boat ownership.
Drascombe and Devon Luggers and Dabbers are both excellent versatile boats. They can be sailed, rowed or motored – ideal for a belt and braces sailor like me.
There will come a time when the wind will not blow and it’s necessary to use the oars. However, both the Lugger and the Dabber also have useful outboard wells, enabling effective and dry use of a motor. Compare this to an outboard hanging over the transom of other small boats.
Luggers and Dabbers were designed bythese small boats much further. One Dabber came sailing past our club at Rye on its passage from Chichester to Germany. Other open Drascombes have made Channel crossings, passages to Australia and transits of the Pacific. Of course most of us would prefer a substantial yacht for such adventures, but it’s nice to know when taking the family to East Head in Chichester Harbour that you’re in a well-proven boat.
