Fowey River Class Association

Fowey River Class Association Fowey River dinghies are wooden clinker built boats with a hull length of just over 15 feet. Plans were available to buy for a modest sum.

They are based on a design by Reg Freeman which first appeared in the 21 April 1939 issue of Yachting World and Motor Boating Journal. This was the result of a design competition for a 'Knockabout' boat that could be home built or built cheaply by a boatbuilder. It is a very robust and versatile boat which was intended to combine ample carrying capacity for a family with simple construction and sa

fety. The boat was originally known as the ‘15 foot Yachting World Knockabout’ until the name ‘Fowey River’ came commonly into use in the 1950’s. Fowey Rivers have a Gunter rig and can be safely used for family sailing, with or without an outboard, for racing or simply for rowing up and around the rivers and creeks, just for the pleasure of it. They are very seaworthy and are now raced regularly in their own class. So far there have been 70 boats built and no.71 is under construction (January 2021). The annual class championships attracts around 20 entries and regatta has recently seen 36 boats for the week. The first boat to be built was ‘Michele’, (later renamed Gwalhir), in 1950 by the Hunkin Boat yard. Unfortunately some of the older boats have disappeared, including Michele (which has been broken up), but the majority survive and are still sailed in Fowey harbour. As old boats are discovered lying under covers or hidden away in sheds they are now becoming restoration projects and some of the oldest boats are the best looking! Fowey Rivers, many of which are given names of sea birds, are easy to recognise by their brightly coloured sails. They make wonderful family boats and because of their simple and safe design are sturdy in strong winds and seas making them easily adaptable to single-handed sailing. The full history of the class is presented in a 200 page book ‘70 Colourful Years’ available from Fowey River Gallery.

What an amazing week. Well done Jaz and all the juniors. So proud
28/08/2026

What an amazing week. Well done Jaz and all the juniors. So proud

Regatta is well and truly underway. This is the current leader board after 4 races. Another 4 to go today and tomorrow. ...
20/08/2026

Regatta is well and truly underway. This is the current leader board after 4 races. Another 4 to go today and tomorrow. Conditions are a tad sporty and we had 3 capsizes on the first day.
Lots going on in town too. Yesterday was carnival day.

Regatta well underway now. The sail training boats doing a parade of sail before the race to Flushing started.We started...
16/08/2026

Regatta well underway now. The sail training boats doing a parade of sail before the race to Flushing started.
We started over 30 boats and 7 sail training boats. Quite a sight.
They race back tomorrow.
Fowey Rivers will be racing Tuesday to Friday with 30 entries.

31/07/2026

Message from Graham Slack, current owner of FR50

‘If anyone knows of someone that might like to use Fr 50 in regatta week,, please ask them to contact… A donation to Morvagh will be required £££!!!’

Either comment here if interested with contact details or send messenger message to the FR association.

Regatta is nearly here 🎉 ⛵️

Fr 50 For Sale…. Sale Inc mooring on trots off Albert quay.. ( Inc trailer )… £4,000… (call 07889722711)
27/07/2026

Fr 50 For Sale…. Sale Inc mooring on trots off Albert quay.. ( Inc trailer )… £4,000… (call 07889722711)

25/07/2026
17/07/2026

It’s July, it’s 2026, it’s time to dust off the cobwebs and prepare for the awesome extravaganza that is Fowey Sailing Regatta.

Entries are now open to compete in this majestic event.

More to follow…

Fantastic win by Andy and Merryn in FR51. They won the 50 cup today
25/05/2026

Fantastic win by Andy and Merryn in FR51. They won the 50 cup today

10/05/2026

Address

Fowey
CORNWALL

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Fowey River Class Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category