CLASSIC BOAT AUGUST 2019 79See stirlingandson.co.ukAlthough better known for his big restoration projects and the build of the
new traditional 43ft (13.1m) ga cutter Integrity (2012), the West Country
yard of Stirling & Son has never stopped building dinghies, since the first
in 2002 to the most recent – number 45. They are built from mahogany
clinker planking on oak frames, and finished to a high standard, with
leathered oars, brass centreplate and horse, bronze rowlocks, brass
ringbolts in stem and stern, brass keelband and rubbing bands, mahogany
capping rails, fitted sole boards, painted cove lines and carved scroll work.
The interiors and oiled and the exteriors are varnished. The sailing boats
come with Clipper Canvas sails, and rigging in traditional-looking three-
strand polyester rope.
“They are steady little boats with a big enough rig to go fast yet when
reefed down feel safe. While I enjoy sailing them, my principal enjoyment
comes from looking at the boats and taking pleasure in the detail of the
work. Some of these dinghies are on private lakes for family use, some
on the east coast and Solent for family sailing on the sea, and some are
on large classic sailing and motor yachts as tenders. They have twice won
Plymouth Classics traditional class up to 21ft (6.4m) long and one has been
sailed across the Channel from Start Point to Jersey. Our furthest sale to
the east is India; our furthest sale to the west is Chile.
New Classics
STIRLING AND SONS
Perfect miniatures
Main: 16ft balanced lug rig dinghy
with 3/4 deck, £24,000 ex vat
Insert: detailsTop: 15ft gunter-rigged dinghy with fore deck,
£21,000 ex vat Above: 10ft standing lug-rigged
dinghy, £14,000 ex vat