2005 saw the launch of the first Bonaventure boat, a 20' ship's skiff. The culmination of five years' research and work the Bonaventure skiff is one of only two replica boats owned by post-dark age living history societies in the UK, and was the first to be launched. She has been carefully designed to fit in as wide an historical period as possible, and though she is specifically based on information gathered in 1626 her general size and shape make her suitable for ilving history events from the 1580s into the 19th century.
The skiff, or Jollywat (later Jolly-boat) was one of the smaller boats which almost all ships carried. Uses of the ship's skiff included ferrying supplies and officers between ships and to the shore, sounding harbours, taking part in boarding and landing actions, and indeed any other use to which a boat might be put.
The Bonaventure skiff is built using traditional methods, and has an experienced crew, led by owner/builder/skipper Ed Foxe. We don't believe in only using our boat for static displays, and we pride ourselves on the fact that we can, and do, do so much more than just rowing around.
The Bonaventure skiff and her crew can be hired to add a nautical spin to any event of the 16th-18th centuries, either by event organisers or by other re-enactment groups looking for something different. The skiff is also available for film and television work.
The skiff is only the first of a planned squadron of up to 4 vessels which Bonaventure hope to have in the water within the next few years |
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| The skiff being hauled up a slipway. |
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| A cutting out party board the sloop Garlandstone. |
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| In 2002 Bonaventure made re-enactment history by orchestrating the UK's first ship to ship boarding re-enactment. In 2005 we did it again by orchestrating this, the first boat to ship boarding in the UK. |
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| Ferrying the Captain to the Flagship. |
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| Our own gyn, built to lower supplies into waiting vessel, such as our skiff. The gyn is completely authentic in design and material, fully working, and capable of lifting great weights. |
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| Lowering supplies by gyn into the skiff.. |
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