For generations, traditional longboats were an essential part of life on Tristan da Cunha, carrying Islanders and their catch between the island and nearby fishing grounds and islands.
This miniature traditional Tristan longboat is handmade by an Islander model maker, recreating the distinctive boats that played an important role in the island’s fishing heritage. Each model is made with care and reflects the character of the original Tristan longboats, including their traditional painted stripes and colourful sails.
Models are available in four approximate sizes: Small — 18 cm, Medium — 30 cm, Large — 45 cm and XL — 60 cm. Model makers paint the stripes according to their own boat specification, while sails are currently available in red, yellow, blue or white, using two contrasting colours.
Models can represent a number of historic Tristan longboats, including British Trader, British Flag, Margaret Rose, Lorna, Britannia, Union Castle, Stirling Castle and Canton. Each boat has its own story, crew and colour scheme, making the choice of model part of the experience.
The original longboats are no longer in use, following the destruction of the Nightingale Island huts by the 2001 hurricane, which made the traditional longboat parties impractical.
Bring home a handcrafted reminder of Tristan’s fishing heritage and the Islanders who once sailed these remarkable boats.
British Trader
Coxswain: Ches Lavarello Crew: Brian Rogers, Joseph Green, James Green, Lars Repetto and Gilbert Lavarello
Colours : Yellow and Black stripes
British Flag (successor to the Wild Rose / Longboat and nicknamed 'Guttersnake')
Coxswain: Gabriel Lavarello Crew: Ronald Rogers, Patrick Rogers, Ian Lavarello, Grant Green and Jimmy Rogers
Colours : Red and Blue Stripes
Margaret Rose (also called 'Pincher')
Coxswains: David Swain and Jack Green. Crew: Clive Glass, Jeffrey Rogers, Alfred Rogers, Rupert Swain and Thomas Swain
Colours : Yellow and Blue Stripes
Lorna
Coxswains: Lindsay Repetto, Herbert Glass, Benny Green and Barney Swain Crew: Terence Green and Cliff Swain
Colours : Red and Blue Stripes
Britannia (also known as 'Tanny')
Coxswains: Allan Swain and Neil Swain Crew: Leonard Glass, Anderson Green, Darren Repetto, Piers Hagan and Leon Glass
Colours : Red and Blue Stripes
Union Castle (also known as 'Raffee')
Coxswains: Edwin (Spike) Glass, Stan Swain and Timothy Green Crew: Mark Swain, Raymond Green and Graham Rogers.
Colours Red and Blue Stripes
Stirling Castle (Undergoing renovation in 2010)
Coxswains: Barton Green, Ken Green and Donald Hagan Crew Albert Green, Martin Green, Clement Glass and Andrew Green
Colours Red and Blue Stripes
Canton (Lost at Nightingale Island so presently no boat exists)
Coxswains: Harold Green and Roger Glass Crew: Lewis Glass, Kevin Glass, Douglas Swain, and James Glass
Colours Red and Blue Stripes