Mike Smylie’s new book

Travel with Mike Smylie around Britain’s coast as he describes the fishing communities and their boats who brought the fish to market in the days before modernisation. Traditional British fishing boats’ design evolved to suit the sea conditions of the coast and the fishermen who worked them. Some, like the mighty Zulus, remained competitive well into the 20th century; being able to overtake the steam trawlers when sailing off the wind.

This book is a good introduction to the heritage of the largest seagoing contingent in Britain’s recent past – those who worked and supported the fishing fleets from all around our coasts. – In 40 concise chapters Mike covers the boats’ design history and use, and the communities they served. Each chapter has its own pen and ink drawing(s) by Mike who has a background in naval architecture as much as maritime history.

The book is available to buy from the Classic Sailor Shop.

We also learn how today many of these boats are being restored or rebuilt for recreation and to celebrate our maritime heritage.

Pub: Belle Tout Books, 2025, £12.50, hardback, 112pp, 198 x 148mm ISBN: 978-1-8380688-4-4