Smaller Boats
Another card at the same location reveals a similar party on the bank enjoying a picnic, with their boat possibly just out of view. The style of clothing here suggests an earlier date, possibly 1910 to 1915.
A William Wareham card dated in pencil on the reverse “Summer 1909”, shows launch numbered ‘30’ in the foreground. She is headed up river, passing a fishing craft ‘12’ in the background, perhaps on its way to collect another group. Fishing parties have always been popular, as witnessed by the advertising boards often seen in views of the riverside landings. Both boats show oars propped in the stern ready in case of need. At the stern of ‘30’ there appears to be a tow line to another craft out of view.
Duchess of York L.I. 225 is clearly a fishing boat from the registration number. The masts are perhaps for setting a simple rig to conserve fuel or steadying in a seaway. The photograph, by Frank Spry, looks to be early 1900s and shows an interesting backdrop of harbourside buildings and the hull of a sizeable sailing yacht alongside.
In this postcard the boats’ names are not visible. They are moored to the boardwalk near high water. presumably waiting for more passengers or perhaps just for the picture. The last of the incoming flood tide is creating the bow wave from the larger craft. It probably dates from pre WW1.
There were a number of smaller launches which could be chartered privately. Some were independent while others were included in the main fleets and sharing similar names. The local postcards recorded these and a selection is shown here, all originally from the Eric Benham collection.
May Queen was owned by Harry Healey, brother of Arthur, Norfolk’s operator. The title, ‘Waiting for the Lansdowne Party’, shows the boat on a typical charter from Littlehampton where the boarding house of that name was found. The craft is moored to the bank by Southwoods, above Arundel, dating 1920s to 1930s.