Rowing boat restoration

Published 13:09 on 16 May 2024

Haines Boatyard restored and refurbished 3 rare classic wooden rowing boats during the Autumn of 2023.

Solent Galleys "Doreen" and "Joyce" designed and built in the1930s and Bembridge built in the 1960s were extensively restored by Haines in October and November 2023. These boats are 3 of the surviving 8 Solent Galleys and are owned by the Pat Sherwin Trust based in Portsmouth. Sadly many of these classic wooden boats fell into disrepair in the 1960s and were destroyed.

Designed as rowing racing boats in the 19th Century Solent Galleys were made 32' long to fit on a flatbed railway truck, so that they could be transported around the Solent by rail. Solent Galleys were sponsored by Southern Electricity; Portsmouth Water; the Police & Avery ltd Workers Clubs; even the Prince of Wales had one.

In 1884 a 5-mile race took place in Southampton Water between Southampton Coalporters and Portsmouth Shovellers for a purse of £60 (£9,500 in 2023). It had more spectators than the Boat Race the same year.

Thanks to Pat Sherwin Trust and the traditional skills at Haines we are privileged to be able to continue to row these beautiful boats.