Revolutionary Burnham Racing Yacht Returns to Harbor
Pioneering Burnham Racing Yacht Returns: The Prototype Wooden Version of the Fibreglass Squib
A remarkable racing yacht that significantly contributed to Burnham’s reputation in the sailing community has recently made its way back to Burnham to participate in this year’s Burnham Week regatta. Dubbed ‘Wouldn’t it?’, this prototype wooden version of the well-known fibreglass Squib class racer has been acquired by Daniel Wastnage from Creeksea and Jason Phelps of Burnham. The name ‘Wouldn’t it?’ cleverly refers to the hull being the wooden ‘plug’ used to create what is typically a fibreglass boat.
The National Squib-class is renowned as one of the most successful one-design keel boats globally and was conceived, designed, and constructed in Burnham-on-Crouch by naval architect Oliver Lee. This year, 25 Squibs are participating in Burnham Week, making it the largest fleet in the regatta.
During the event, Jo Morely helmed ‘Wouldn’t it?’ under the sail number 0. Due to its wooden construction, it is lighter than the average Squib; thus, any races it wins may not officially count. However, the Burnham Squib fleet is eager to see its performance on the water.
The Squib, designed for two-person crew racing, features a fibreglass hull equipped with an iron keel to maintain stability during challenging weather. This boat is distinguished on the river by its unique tan sails and the signature ‘squiggle’ logo, reminiscent of a seagull in flight but based on a simple squiggle Oliver Lee made while testing a marker pen.
Squibs are sailed worldwide, with thriving fleets primarily in the UK and Ireland, where Burnham remains the effective headquarters. The boat has gained popularity among sailors of different ages, attracting young, energetic competitors as well as older couples. Its intelligent and robust design makes it suitable for both racing and leisurely cruising, including river picnics.
The Squib’s design draws inspiration from a larger boat also crafted by Oliver Lee, the Ajax 23. At 19 feet long, the Squib’s size makes it perfect for trailer-sailing, easily towed behind a car to regattas, lakes, or seaside excursions.
Oliver Lee, born in Grantham in 1927, developed his sailing skills on the Great Bitter Lakes in Egypt during his National Service. He arrived in Burnham-on-Crouch in 1948 to begin a five-year apprenticeship in yacht building. Collaborating with naval architect Alan Buchanan, Lee spent 12 years designing various crafts, from sailing cruisers to deep-sea trawlers. His sailing prowess culminated in winning the Hornet dinghy class world championship in 1954.
In 1963, Oliver Lee established his own yacht design and construction business and began developing the Squib in 1967 at his home. The first production boat, named ‘Squib,’ was owned by the current Squib Class chairman, Dick Batt, and has regularly raced across the Irish Sea. Over 150 Squibs were built in Burnham, with the last being named ‘Cheque Mate.’
Oliver Lee’s innovative approach extended beyond the Squib, as he designed the groundbreaking Mig 3.5 boat for single-handed or disabled sailors and a version of the Squib with a small cabin called the Hunter 19, known as the ‘Squib with a Lid’. Notable achievements include the ‘Willing Griffin’, helmed by David Blagden, which made a record-breaking Atlantic crossing, setting a record as the smallest boat to participate in a single-handed Transatlantic Race.
Although Oliver Lee passed away in 1993, the production of Squibs in Burnham continued through Barker Brewer Boats until 1996. Today, nearly 900 Squibs exist globally. The Burnham Museum has an exhibit dedicated to Oliver Lee’s work, highlighting the Squib as the only National keel boat ever designed and built in Burnham-on-Crouch.
Earlier this year, Daniel Wastnage, the Burnham Squib Class Captain, discovered that ‘Wouldn’t it?’ was available for sale in Levington, Suffolk, previously owned by Mark Wincer from Waldringfield. He noted, "She had been kept in good condition. It seemed only right that the first Squib should return to her rightful home where she could be treasured by the Burnham Squib fleet." The fleet has launched a JustGiving page to preserve this valuable piece of Burnham’s maritime history.
Those interested in joining the fleet can try out a Squib, as two club boats are available for charter at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club at an affordable fee. For more information, please contact Daniel Wastnage.
Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.