Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

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Colin Brookes

Boat Designer, Builder & Surveyor, River Pilot (Huffler), Oyster Fisherman and writer.

The last River Pilot from Heybridge Basin. Was on contract to John Sadd's and Boulton Paul with the tug 'Ferret'. The only Oyster fisherman to operate from Heybridge Basin, and holder of Layings in the district, operating under the name of 'Colb Fisheries'. Boat Designer, Builder and Marine Surveyor operating as Hartley & Brookes Boat Designs Ltd. Marine writer and publisher. A founder of the 'Heybridge Basin Regatta' introduced in 1977. Collector and restorer of WW2 Military Vehicles and Vintage Cars. Lived in 'River Cottage'. Offices and boatyards on 'Lock Hill' and 'Ulting'. Designer of more than a hundred different boats from canoes to barges and fishing vessels to ocean cruisers.

(above) Colin Brookes. mSNAME. amRINA.

(above) Colin's design office (finalising the drawings for 'Blackwater Lady'. 120ft steam yacht)

Some examples of the many designs by Colin Brookes mSNAME. amRINA.

(above) a 'Norsk' class gaff ketch

(above) an 80ft traditional style barge for the 'Filton Ohio Canal Trust'. Ohio USA.

(above) a 'Searaker' class fishing boat.

(above) an 'Eastcoaster' class gaff cutter.

(above) a 'Fastworker' class, work or fishing boat.

(above) Colin with wife Nanette aboard their smack 'Priscilla', in the Basin, displaying the Trophy's they won with her in 1977-78.

(above) 'Priscilla', in Colliers Reach after her rebuild by Colin Brookes.

(above) A tank, an armoured car and a WW2 Truck from Colin Brooke's collection on show outside the 'Jolly Sailor', about 1987.