Drascombe Association

Welcome to the Drascombe Association

The Drascombe Association on the Web

The Drascombe Association is a group of of over 1000 enthusiasts dedicated to the traditional-style sailing boats designed by the late John Watkinson. Over 5000 Drascombes of all types have been built since the first Lugger was launched in 1966. They are all simple, rugged, and seakindly. (Scroll down this page for the Latest News, or visit our Forum or click the photo to visit our Rally Galleries)


  • Child’s Play (daughter at the helm)Child’s Play (daughter at the helm)
    Neil Stainthorpe ©2021
  • Sunset in Baltimore.Sunset in Baltimore.
    John Holden ©2022
  • All quiet in the cove, Baltimore, Aug-22.All quiet in the cove, Baltimore, Aug-22.
    Roy Johnston ©2022
  • Coaster Pax ,Mulroy Bay,Co DonegalCoaster Pax ,Mulroy Bay,Co Donegal
    Kim Roberts ©2022
  • Night falls on Holy LochNight falls on Holy Loch
    Mary Ratcliffe ©2022
  • Homeward BoundHomeward Bound
    Mary Ratcliffe ©2021
  • Into the weatherInto the weather
    Mary Ratcliffe ©2021
  • The arms race is getting out of hand.The arms race is getting out of hand.
    Kim Roberts ©2021
  • Is it time to get up yet?Is it time to get up yet?
    Steve Porteous ©2022
  • Sunrise on Lough ErneSunrise on Lough Erne
    Tony Wright ©2022
  • Heading for HomeHeading for Home
    Dan Walsh ©2021
  • LunchstopLunchstop
    Arthur Jones ©2022
  • All the colours of the rainbowAll the colours of the rainbow
    Michael Corbett ©2022
  • Castle Gylen - A rarely accessed anchorageCastle Gylen - A rarely accessed anchorage
    Penny Excell ©2022
  • Cutting through the wavesCutting through the waves
    Neil Stainthorpe ©2021
  • The peace of the MediterraneanThe peace of the Mediterranean
    Robert Best ©2021
  • Le Dabberben in BrittanyLe Dabberben in Brittany
    Pascal Potin ©2021
  • Lugger passing Dromore Castle, Kenmare River, Aug-Lugger passing Dromore Castle, Kenmare River, Aug-
    Roy Johnston ©2021
  • Lunch stop Holy Island Lough Derg.Lunch stop Holy Island Lough Derg.
    John Holden ©2022
  • Departing SkelligsDeparting Skelligs
    Pat Jones ©2021
  • The hills of MullThe hills of Mull
    Arthur Jones ©2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


News:

DA AGM 2025
The AGM was held as scheduled on Sunday 16th March.
The officers elected to serve for the next year are:
Chairman Dave Staniforth
Secretary Alan Williams
Treasurer Peter Ridgway
Added by DS on behalf of PA - 23/03/2025

DAN
The deadline for submissions to DAN153 is 1st May 2025.
Please think about contributing to future editions of DAN.
Send your contribution to DANews@drascombe-association.org.uk
Added by dave s - 22/03/2025

Photo Competition
The results of the competition were announced at the AGM. Congralutions to the prize winners.
Thank you to those who took the time to enter and those that voted. The standard was great and the photos will feature in the next edition of DAN.

General:Winner 1:Sunset on the Solway Firth:David Camlin
General:Runner Up 1:Baltimore Rally fleet at East Skeam Island, June 2024:Roy Johnston
General:Runner Up 2:Who needs a TV?:Steve Porteous
Funny:Winner 1:High and Dry. Comedy beaching antics:Dee Richards
Funny:Runner Up 1: I think we're going to need a bigger boat, Dungarvan Bay, May 2024:Roy Johnston
Action:Winner 1:Flying up Coniston Water:Mary Ratcliffe
Action:Runner Up 1:Lugger Jimbo on a Broads reach:Julian Merson
Action:Runner Up 2:Dabber Arabel on the charge, Dungarvan Bay, May 2024:Roy Johnston
Video:Winner 1:Lugger & Scaffie Take Part in Portstewart Red Sails Festival:David Poots
Video:Runner Up 1:Stonehaven Daysail:Steve Porteous

Added by DS - 21/03/2025

Mrs. Kate Watkinson
The DA was saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Kate Watkinson, widow of John Watkinson the designer of the Drascombe range of boats. Kate was a great supporter of the work of John which spanned across the last 4 decades of the 20th century. The boats built to his design can be found in 20 countries of the world.

The DA offers its condolences to the Watkinson family.
Added by DS - 09/03/2025

RYA Dinghy Show
The DA attendance at this year's show in February was successful. Thanks to Steve Rowley who led the DA effort across the two days with his boat LBC Lou Lou Belle, and to Jim Jenner and John Christie. There was help from other members for a few hours each day which was great to see.
Added by DS - 08/03/2025

Gallery
Rally albums from 2015 are available to view under the Gallery tab.
The aim is to provide a selection of photos that give an impression of Drascombe Association Rallies to members and those considering joining.
Typically we try to limit photos to 10 per rally although this is not a hard limit.
If you have photos for either the website or the Drascombe Association News magazine please let us know.
Added by CM - 06/03/2023


Subscriptions
Membership of the DA runs for 12 months from the date of enrolment for new members who now join the association and the amount increased to £15 (UK) on 1st January 2012.
(Renewals are now automated for EU & World Applications and Renewals made after 7/12/13) and for those UK members who joined or renewed after 14/4/16 by Paypal or Go Cardless. Please check the membership secretary's reminder for more details.

Drascombe Association News

DAN is our quarterly hardcopy magazine, mailed out to members. It is written for and by the membership. Please see the guidelines for submitting articles and images for DAN.
(A Sample edited pdf Spring 2021 version is now available for non members; click the cover above to download.)

Website
Contributions (especially pictures or Owner's View items for the About Drascombes page) are always welcome and should be sent to Chris . Please see the guidelines for website submissions.

Forum
The Drascombe Forum is the place where you can ask questions, have discussions, and research anything to do with Drascombes. Here are the most recent active topics:


Books - Featured Book

Practical Dinghy Cruiser
Paul Constantine

Dinghy Cruising is a popular, practical activity, pursued by hundreds if not thousands of sailors. Surprisingly, there is no recognized, single style of craft specifically for this sport. Each person taking it up must find their own boat and then modify it to make it suitable for their own chosen undertaking. This book is the key to unlocking that whole experience, on a tight budget.