Boat Name
Phoenix
Boat Use
Recreational
Boat Type
Clinker Dinghy
Class
A5
Sail Number
0
Build Date
1954
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Area of Origin
Brightingsea
Boat Dimensions
Length
12 ft 10 in
Width
5 ft 11 in
Description
Mahogany clinker built sailing dinghy by F.W. Mitchell of Brightingsea approximately in 1954. Type A5 developed for Sea Rangers for stability and ease of handling. Boat number is not known as this appeared only on the original sail. F.W. Mitchell ran a yard in the High Street, Brightingsea, he died about 1981.
History
Phoenix was recovered in a derelict condition from the Aquadrome, Rickmansworth Herts, in 1982, having lain in grass for over three years. The whole hull was rebuilt by Mr G. Pitman of Hockley, Essex who donated her to the museum in 1991.
Richard Walker Posted: 2 years ago | Reply
I was verty interested to read about your Sea Ranger dinghy. I also own one and our sailing club (Gunfleet) has a fleet of them. One family at the Club bought theirs in 1954 - No: 12 "Knockonwood" and still own her. I have quite a history of the class and a list of the original owners. As you say Fred Mitchell only put the number on the sail so if the sails get lost it is very hard to discover the correct number. You will find a potted history of the sea Ranger on the Gunfleet Sailing Club website. Have you any photographs? We are always looking to purchase these lovely little boats and I am in touch with the builder's son Ray Mitchell.Best wishes.
Richard