admin Date , 21 Aug, 2024 Sailing Previous Blog Toura and Camera Boat Comments (0)
My son Paul and I were lucky to see a Hamble River Dinghy on the River Thames. A small Dinghy with no supports on the mast and a simple rig with a yard arm supporting a trapezium-shaped sail and U-shaped grove in a piece of wood to secure the boom to the mast.
The boat has a very simple Rig, with the yard tied to the mast with a loop on rope and a reef knot to secure it. The Boom has a U-shaped notch cut into it which slots into the mast, which is held in place by a tensioned rope. When sailing the yard arm twists to give the more familiar shape of a triangular sail from a distance.
The Upper Thames Sailing Club boasts a diverse fleet of boats, including four A-Raters, several Wayfarers, and OK dinghies. However, the club also has some unique vessels, like the only privately-owned RS Toura and a rare Hamble River Dinghy.
The Hamble River Dinghy stands out for its simplicity and practicality, particularly suited for sailing up and down the River Thames. Its owner chose this boat specifically for its ability to easily pass under the low bridges along the Thames. Unlike more complex boats like the Toura, with its numerous wires and ropes, the Hamble River Dinghy is straightforward to operate. It features a single mast without supports, making the rigging remarkably simple. The mast and sails can be lowered and raised quickly buy a Yard Arm, allowing the owner to navigate the Thames without being limited by bridge heights.
This makes the Hamble River Dinghy a perfect choice for those who want a hassle-free sailing experience on the River Thames, with unrestricted access under low bridges, but at the Upper Thames Sailing Club - there is only one!
