I make no apology for introducing this month what many may unkindly see as an unworthy contender for the title of a “great yacht design”; by the end of this article I will hopefully have persuaded you otherwise.
Enduringly inventive and energetic, Robert Arthur “Robin” Balfour (later Lord Riverdale), was an enthusiast whose tenacity to follow an early love of sailing lead him from the canals of Sheffield out onto the oceans of the world via the tidal estuaries of the north of England. Best friends with Jack Hope (son of Linton) and meeting at the Humber Yawl Club designer George Holmes, his enthusiasm, connections and training as an engineer had him ideally placed to realise his first full-sized sea-going yacht, Bluebird.
This story is from the June 2020 edition of Classic Boat.
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This story is from the June 2020 edition of Classic Boat.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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