Crinker a Picarooner

CRINKER is a Gaff rigged sloop locally called a Picarooner, her hull was designed well over 100 years ago for fishing on the rugged north coast of Cornwall UK. It is believed the original sailing rig was a lug rig.

Apparently the name Picarooner means sea robber. She was designed to enable her to land her fish before the larger fishing boats by utilising her shallow draft. Some are reported to hold the record for herring catches.



Although CRINKER was built in Cornwall around 2001 in more modern materials, she still retains her classic lines with timber mast and spars made from solid Columbian Pine, hardwood gunwales, thwart and trim. She carries a small outboard motor that fits into a well in her stern. She also rows well.

Thanks to Tony for the words and photos you can read more about Crinker on his web page.

Swift 18

The Swift 18 was a popular British trailer sailor in the 1980s often positioned by the yachting press as an ideal starter boat.

With very shallow draft launching and recovery, essential features for a trailer sailor were good. Accommodation is basic and headroom restricted but the Swift has all you need for a weekend away.

Today a good example can be had for between £4000 to £5000 which is a cheap way of getting out on the water.