b'the boatyard needed in order to flourish. The old partnershipremarkable. Although a small boat, Polly was an importantapproached us in 2005 to discuss the provision of launches name of Henwood & Dean Boatbuilders continued, asdeparture from our re-building and restoration work. and boats for the re-build of the 300ft steam yacht Nahlin, without Robert, there would never have been enough criticalBuilding bespoke traditional wooden boats rarely happens,the excitement was understandable. The original brief was mass to get started and he deserved the recognition. so to secure the skills and experience within the boatyardfor a new owners launch, a rebuilt crew launch, a new During the summer of 1995 the boatyard moved out of thewas a very significant step. I have found that building newreplica Gar Wood runabout, and two new clinker sailing ramshackle collection of temporary sheds into the largerdesigns with Andrew, using traditional craftsmanship in thedinghies. This was scaled down to a new owners launch redundant farm buildings on the Dairy Lane site, a properThames fashion, is an interesting process. Lady Helen is aand the re-build of the crew launch; both boats demanded office was established, the workshop activities were all underfine example of Andrew and I collaborating to build a newgreat craftsmanship. The little crew launch needed a rebuild one roof, and the business was on a better footing. Lucie wasThames launch. that would be structurally sound and still retain a 1930 now able to manage the business efficiently and gave clarityappearance, and the owners launch was to be the show piece Both Polly and Lady Helen are traditionally built ofof the yachts collection of boats. Once again, the value of to the craftsman/businessman dilemma that faces anyonecarvel Mahogany planking copper fastened onto steamed trying to survive making high quality, individual items inthese projects to the boatyard is far beyond the financial: Oak timbers. In the old days, when every launch was builtthese boats have embedded a wealth of experience for us to timber. this way, the inside of the hull was panelled over to hide the draw upon in the future.You can have a vast stock of beautiful timber, the besthull construction.In the new launches we often leave the machinery and facilities, but all this is worthless if you dohull construction visible through the cockpits because it looksThirty years on, we store and care for nearly 50 boats not have the right people. It is the craftsmen who are thegood and people want to see the craftsmanship; likewise thebelonging to a loyal group of customers who have become boatyards greatest asset. By the mid 1990s a strong teamcraftsman wants to exhibit his skill.There is nothing radicalthe cornerstone of the boatyards very existence. The was in place: John Adby, David Adby, Richard McGuinness,about these designs but they represent a quiet developmentboatyard team has evolved to become a collection of Boris Proutzakoff, Michael Wood and Andrew Thomaswithin the Thames tradition.individual talent that melds to give an identity to everything were all producing high quality work with great flair andwe do. The people we involve in engine maintenance, The life of the boatyard is dynamic in the sense that there aresignwriting, transport, trimming and many other specialities imagination. The people who come to work at the boatyardalways new and different boats arriving and presenting new and become part of the team add to the character of thehave become trusted friends who share the idea that challenges to the team. Vintage car work was a self-imposedexceptionally beautiful boats demand care and skill.We are place. I can only work with people I like, and over the yearsexperiment suggested by Richard McGuinness that brought I have been very fortunate with the individuals who havelucky to work in the rural idyll of the Chiltern Hills; the raw some interesting projects to our door. The idea began withmaterials we handle are mostly natural and do not harm the joined the boatyard team and become lifelong friends. Sheila, a 1924 Austin 12/4 for which Richard designed and world in which we live; the boats we build are not disposable The commission to build Polly began a very specialbuilt a Mahogany boat-tailed body. This in turn generated ain any way; in fact they enhance the environment. The future collaboration and friendship with Andrew Wolstenholmesteady stream of early cars needing their Ash frames built orholds the possibility that we can offer an antidote to mass-the naval architect. Andrews ability to link a practiced eyere-built or their wooden car bodies restored.produced conformity, making things in Britain that will last a for line and proportion with the technical management ofAs I have hinted above, the craftsman in me always wantsvery long time!hull design using modern computer aided design methods isa new challenge. Therefore, when G. L. Watson & Co 18'