Introduction to Nancy Blackett
A sailing yacht that inspired part of the Swallows and Amazon series of novels has been marking 90 years since it was first bought by the author Arthur Ransome. The Nancy Blackett, named after the fictional captain of the Amazon Pirates, was Ransome’s favorite yacht. He sailed the 28-foot sail cutter extensively along the Suffolk coast.
History of the Yacht
The ship, which was first launched in 1931, was originally called the Cutout and later renamed Elektron by its second owner. After buying the boat in 1935, Ransome declared the name Elektron "terrible" and instead chose Nancy Blackett, one of his main characters in the series. The series concentrated on boat adventures in the Lake District, but also in Suffolk, Essex, and the Broads in Norfolk.
Inspiration for Ransome’s Works
The ship served as inspiration in two of Ransome’s works: We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea, released in 1937, and Secret Water, released in 1939. Peter Willis, President of the Nancy Blackett Trust, believed that the ship helped Ransome overcome a period of writer’s block. Willis said that Ransome rented a cottage in Levington, on the north bank of the River Orwell estuary in Suffolk, and within a few weeks, he told his publisher that he had a brilliant idea for a great story with a seven-word title – We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea.
The Novels
This novel tells the story of children who set sail from Suffolk and accidentally end up in the Netherlands without realizing they have crossed the North Sea until they dock. An 80th anniversary of the novel took place in Pin Mill in Suffolk in 2017, with comedian Griff Rhys Jones participating in the eight-hour event. The Secret Water was set in Hamford Water in Essex, also known as the Walton-on-Naze-Backwaters.
Restoration and Current Status
Ransome sold Nancy Blackett in 1938 when he upgraded to a larger galley. In the following half-century, she had five different owners in Scarborough Harbor. She was brought back to the Orwell to be restored, and after a call to increase the purchase price of £25,000, she was bought by the Nancy Blackett Trust. The trust now entertains her with a team of volunteer crew as a living ship on the southern shore of the Orwell Estuary.
Promoting Sailing and Ransome’s Legacy
One of the goals of the trust is to promote the public’s interest in Ransome and in general sailing, with a special focus on young people. "It’s great to see how small children get sailing," said trustee Robin Sadler. "Even if you’ve read [Ransome’s books], I think the inspiration you get from participating on board means that you will probably have one more read." The Nancy Blackett Trust continues to sail the yacht, and it always causes a little interest when she comes to a port. People recognize her and say, "Gosh, that’s Arthur Ransome’s boat."
