Please select your home edition
Edition
Noble Marine 2022 YY - LEADERBOARD

A second Swallows and Amazons film dinghy is made available for public sailing

by Magnus Smith 21 Jan 18:00 GMT
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

Related Articles

Sail 'Amazon' in the Lake District
Visit in June to see both dinghies from the 1974 Swallows and Amazons film 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the first feature length film made of the book, Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome. The focus of the celebrations will be on Lake Windermere during the last weekend of June. Posted on 20 Jun
A pricey wooden dinghy still sailing today
Swallows and Amazons film prop on BBC1's Antiques Roadshow British sailors enjoying a quiet cup of tea in front of the TV on Sunday evening would have been pleasantly surprised to see their favourite sport grace Antiques Roadshow on BBC1. Posted on 22 Feb 2021
You can sail 'Swallow' in Norfolk or Suffolk
1970s film star dinghy available for all to get afloat If you would like to go sailing in the Swallows and Amazons style, no matter which of the twelve books or three films you preferred best, this year we can offer you the delights of the Norfolk Broads, the Suffolk rivers, or even a North Essex archipelago. Posted on 19 Jun 2016
Sailing 'Swallow' in Cumbria and Norfolk
Get afloat like the Swallows and Amazons in 2014 Swallow has been lying at Glenridding, Ullswater, and made a few trips out in the Spring. August has been crammed full of last-minute bookings, some of which involved a quick transfer to Coniston for the pilgrimage to Peel Island . Posted on 10 Aug 2014
Get sailing like the Swallows and Amazons
Authentic opportunities this year in the Lake District It is just over two years since a group of Arthur Ransome fans won this boat in an auction and began to renovate her. It is just over one year since she was first launched and began her nationwide tour. Posted on 22 Apr 2012
Swallow's relaunch at Coniston Water
Far more people turn up than expected A year after the auction where Swallow was delivered into the hands of the fans. We expected to see 20 people at Coniston Water... then had about 50 people tell us they were coming...and then met 90+ on the day! Posted on 8 May 2011
Film star to sail again
Swallows & Amazons dinghy relaunch Swallow will be relaunched, and sailed for the first time since the film, on 10th April at Coniston Water. You are all very welcome to sail that day, assuming the wind is kind enough! Wed love to see as many Arthur Ransome fans as possible. Posted on 18 Mar 2011
Vintage dinghy renovation
From the Swallows and Amazons film Swallow is a vintage lugsail dinghy, the star of the 1974 feature film ‘Swallows and Amazons, based on Arthur Ransomes book. She is on display at the London Boat Show and has already delighted many fans of the film and books. Posted on 12 Jan 2011