Peter Knape was once stuck behind an office desk in a soulless building in the business district of Arnhem in Holland. Year after year, his demanding career had sapped both his time and energy. He longed for a quiet life with freedom, and independence. He realized his destiny was in his own hands, and that he only had to muster the courage to make a break.He took a vacation and traveled to northern Finland where he hired a small boat and set off on a long journey, one that took him far beyond the Arctic Circle to an area that’s almost uninhabited. Life aboard the boat was uncomplicated; it was exactly what he had been yearning for.It was 1977 when Peter began looking for a boat of his own, and while on another vacation touring England by motorcycle, he made his way to Totnes in Devon, England, where Honnor Marine was building fiberglass Drascombe boats. He had decided a Drascombe Longboat could be adapted to suit the life he wanted to live, but in his discussions with Luke Churchouse, owner of the boatshop, it became apparent that a company geared for production ’glass boats wouldn’t be able to deliver the degree of customization that he required.
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Thank you for publishing my story. I really enjoyed writing it. It caused me to look through all of my Drascombe files and photos once again, a pleasurable task that brought back some very happy memories. Thanks also to my friends Peter and Elly for their generous and kindly help. It was genuinely appreciated. I hope your readers find it interesting to read.
The photo of me here was taken when I visited the Netherlands to give a talk on wooden Drascombes to the NKDE, the Dutch Drascombe Owners Group. The boat behind me is a Drascombe Lugger we built, originally named Reeskip, renamed Elliott in honor of my brother John and myself, quite humbling that anyone should do that.
Great story Doug. Thank you for taking time to record the details and share them with such style.
Cheers,
Skipper and Kent 🙂
Thank you, Skipper and Kent. I enjoyed writing the story.
O.K., I’ll start. Sounds good, wish I’d done that. Is there a chance we still can? 🙂 Maybe start out with a few cruises close to home, then branch out later? Let’s work on that. Heck, I’m a member of the local rowing club and am interesting sailing, I’m almost there.
I have known Doug since our school days and have admired his boatbuilding skills with the excellent Drascombe range. Long may he continue.
What an outstanding tale! Thank you, Doug!
Drascombe
John and Doug Elliott, well, they got some wood, they did some carving and they were good; came to the attention of Mr. Watkinson—one-day ex RN officer, an old salt, some would say. He said, “Listen boys I’ve got me this plan, to build boats for a living. Now won’t that be grand?” So out of the wood chips, sawdust, hammering, and toil, in a small place in Yealmpton there came a boat, a Drascombe we’ll call. We’ll take her to a boat show and put her on sale where they sold it in no time, well minutes, or so goes the tale.
With red sails and vanished wood they were a grand sight to see, as their bows cut a swage there, yes out in the sea. All other sailors, some large yachts, some small could not help but notice these beauties they caused quite a feral, with clean lines and sea manners when put to the test. Well built and sturdy. Some say these Drascombes are best.
So they made some Luggers and made some Scathes, also some Longboats, Peterboats, Coasters, and Drifters. Now that be the case, after so many boats, I don’t know exactly who made what for whom. Well you look up the facts. Now this one differs and, that be the case, it has a transom stern now could this set the pace, We’ll call it a Mule and put it to test put her through sea trails and see if she’s best. Now years have passed three owners and she’s now come to me so I’ll give her a paint job new halyards, some love, and put her to sea.
With over 6,000′ afloat they did not make them all but they certainly helped to start the Drascombe call.
I’m a total novice to sailing and that be the case but when those big red sails fill my heart starts to race, as my Mule’s pace quickens my pulse beats like a drum. Is it only me that feels this, or is it just the call of the sea, salt, and the sun? I listen to the music my Mule makes with the waters lapping on her bows, hear the call of the wild blue skies and no cloud. So thanks to the Elliotts and Mr. Watkinson too, because without you three then I’d have no Mule.
Tarmac warrior.
Thank you Mr Elliott for your article, your help, your encouragement, and time. Also your willingness to help a new sailor be safe on the water and realize his dream,
kindest regards.
Gary Toth.