Shetland was part of the Kingdom of Norway. Brian Wishart reflects on the Norse influence still clear in the boats there, which come to points at both ends, like Viking longships. Show more

Malcolm 'Mac' MacGregor, knows the Essex Smack, having built then fished with them, trawling under sail. They work so well, he says, because they are so beautiful, and vice versa. Show more

Katrina Porteous, who has lived and worked for decades in a northeastern fishing village, goes to sea in a coble. Show more

Annamaria Murphy writes an essay about the Cornish gig, the elegant six-oared boat that sped to approaching ships to get the pilot aboard, to trade, and was used as a lifeboat. Show more

Keith Payne writes an essay on the curach, the Irish boat made of skin (now canvas) stretched over a frame of hazel rods lashed together, one of which he was involved in building. Show more