Gaff-rigged Hastings Lugger c.1880

This scale model of a Hastings lugger is very similar to the one described in E.W. White’s book as typical of this type of fishing vessel. She has an extremely wide beam, centreboard, lute stern and two masts, which are stepped in tabernacles for ease of lowering. She could carry up to six men and has wide covered holds for the catch. The mainsail has two sets of reefing lines and the topsides are painted black. There is a hauling post at the foot of the mast. It is presented in a glass case. English, circa 1880. Published: E. W. White, British Fishing-Boats and Coastal Craft, Science Museum, London, 1952, Vol. 2, pp. 21-21, pl. 52. Provenance: From a private collection. Hastings Luggers were the largest of the three types of fishing boat on the South Coast of England used in the 19th century. They were between 27-30 feet, had deep bilge keels and displaced 7 to 16 tons. Bogs were 4 to 7 tons and punts 15 feet overall. The weight of the build was limited by the fact that these open boats were launched and hauled out, over greased skid boards, by capstan. Please see pages 20-21 for a painting of a Hastings Lugger being launched.