A second Swallows and Amazons film dinghy is made available for public sailing
by Magnus Smith 22 Jan 05:00 AEDT
You can sail in the dinghy 'Amazon', as used in the 1974 film of Swallows and Amazons © Hunter's Yard / Mr Whittaker
Here are four years that are important to anyone who wants to go sailing in the style of the Swallows and Amazons:
- 1930 - the book is published
- 1974 - the first colour movie is out
- 2010 - fans across the UK were able to book a sail in the very 'Swallow' from that film
- 2024 - finally, 'Amazon' has been reunited with her rival, and you can sail in her too!
At present, both dinghies are in the Norfolk Broads, after undergoing repairs by Hunter's Yard. It's great timing, seeing as the movie is 50 years old this year!
Whether you only love the books, or prefer the 2016 movie, the important thing is that this project is getting fans out on the water. Since 2010 a huge number of experienced sailors, and non-sailors who had never gone afloat, were able to sail in 'Swallow'. There were breathless moments and the odd tear of joy. It's great news that a new team of volunteers is able to lead the project through its new phase, looking after both boats.
To find out more about your chance to sail in Amazon, please see arthur-ransome.org/Sail