The Arthur Ransome Society has launched a new venture: Sail Swallow and Amazon
The classic dinghies from the original Swallows and Amazons 1974 film are being restored by Hunters Yard at Ludham on the Norfolk Broads. We are looking forward to welcoming people to come and sail, or row, the boats in due course. Hopefully, the Amazon may be ready this June, but Swallow‘s keel needs attention so she will be not be seaworthy until next season.
From 28th-30th June 2024, both boats will be appearing at the 50th anniversary celebrations of the 1974 film at Windermere Jetty in the Lake District. All welcome! We are hoping the dinghies will be joined by some of the traditional steamboats that appeared in the Rio Scenes such as Osprey and the Lady Elizabeth.
More information on Sail Swallow and Amazon – The Arthur Ransome Society (arthur-ransome.org)
If you would like to make a donation, the link is: I would like to Donate – The Arthur Ransome Society (arthur-ransome.org)
You can read more in the Eastern Daily Press
This magazine article was originally published in Practical Boat Owner:
I’ve written more about Swallow here
You can read an extract from my diary when we first sailed her on Windermere fifty years ago on 13th May 1973 here.
The story about how the film was made against the odds is told in ‘The Making of Swallows and Amazons’ available online.
Sophie Neville 