Page 23 - Folk Boat Year Book 2023

Different in Britain The people’s choice
British versions usually had engines, long Buyers keep coming though, partly
coachroofs and self-draining cockpits, because of the lively owners association
the majority using carvel instead of and events like Folkboat Week in August,
clinker construction. These important but mostly because of the boat’s
differences marked them out from their reputation.
simpler, Scandinavian sisters – which is It took off in 1960, of course, when two
why they display FB rather than F on competed against a mixed bag of small
their mainsails and compete as a cruisers in the first Singlehanded
separate class. Among the most prolific Transatlantic Race. Blondie Hasler sailed
builders were Parhams, The Medina his junk-rigged Jester into second place
Yacht Company, White & Austin and while Val Howell aboard the more
Chippendale, but Folkboats popped up conventional Eira, cruised across in 55
everywhere. Today, many need attention days. Folkboats had already impressed in
– which is why you can buy a neglected heavy weather during Kiel Week but now
example for just a few thousand pounds. everyone knew what they could do. After
that, one promptly sailed from England
to Tahiti, while a 55-year old
23