26 June 2024

With the past 18 months being difficult times in the marine industry, a small family boat manufacturing company, Drascombe Boats, based in Hampshire, have secured an order from the French Navy for four Drascombe Gigs.

Sharon Geary Harwood, Managing Director and Owner gives more details: “Two years ago, we were approached by the French navy to quote for four Drascombe Gigs, last week the official order and deposit was received by ourselves. This order, along with a new Longboat (ready to be delivered to a Sailability group and a new Lugger due into the workshop next week), means the total new boats up until the end of May stands at six, with more enquiries still coming through. We have taken on another member of staff to help with the workload”.

The four Gigs will be completed and all delivered to the French Navy by the end of October.

Along with new builds, Drascombe Boats also sells spares/accessories and trailers, along with offering a brokerage service to new and existing customers.

Production Manager Simon Harwood quoted: “between 2005 and 2006 the French Navy purchased a total of 10 Drascombe Gigs from us, 18 years on it is a good feeling to know that these boats are still being used as training vessels by the French Navy”.

The Drascombe Gig was designed by John Watkinson in 1984 as an addition to the growing fleet of Drascombe designs, John was a formal Naval Architect, and designed the very first Drascombe Lugger “Katharine Mary” for his beloved wife Kate.

Sharon GH informed Kate about the order from the French Navy, and at 91 years old, Kate was delighted that her husband’s legacy is still loved and enjoyed by many people around the world.