Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

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Boatbuilding

Colin Brookes

Boat designer, builder and surveyor. Began designing and building boats in New Zealand in the early 60's, designer of more than 100 different boats and classes, from canoes to ocean sailing cruisers, and racing hydroplanes to deepsea working craft. Lived in 'River Cottage', operated from premises in Heybridge Basin and Ulting from the 1970's until the late 1990's. In later years designed and built many ferro-cement boats and  was listed with several govt's, assn's and insurance institutions as an advisor on the marine applications of ferro-cement. Also a writer and producer of books on boatbuilding. Formed the company 'Hartley & Brookes Boat Designs Ltd' to also market the plans and books for both his and Hartley boat designs.

01 (above) Colin Brookes. mSNAME. amRINA.

02 (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.

03 (above) a 'Norsk' class gaff ketch

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

05 (above) a 'Searaker' class fishing boat.

06 (above) an 'Eastcoaster' class gaff cutter.

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

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

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