Charlotte Ellen is a 43ft Kidby smack built in 1906.
Colne Match results;
- 1979 3rd Xanthe Trophy
- 1980 3rd Xanthe Trophy
- 1981 1st COCK OF THE COLNE
- 1984 3rd Xanthe Trophy
- 1985 2nd Arthur Bowles Cup
- 1987 2nd Arthur Bowles Cup
- 1987 1st over the start line Hammond Bell Trophy
- 1988 2nd Arthur Bowles Cup
- 1989 2nd Arthur Bowles Cup
- 1991 2nd Arthur Bowles Cup
- 1992 Seamanship Lowlands Cup
- 1992 1st over the start line Hammond Bell Trophy
- 1994 2nd Arthur Bowles Cup
- 1996 2nd Arthur Bowles Cup
- 1997 1st OCK OF THE COLNE
- 1999 3rd Xanthe Trophy
- 2013 Best restoration Charles Morse Trophy
- 2013 3rd Xanthe Trophy
- 2017 3rd Xanthe Trophy
- 2018 3rd Xanthe Trophy
- 2021 1st over the start line Hammond Bell Trophy
She was found, serving as a houseboat, in the early 1970s by John Rigby and an almost complete rebuild was carried out by John Milgate, assisted by Graham Elcock, at Peldon.
Unfortunately, she was lost to the sands of the estuary shortly into her new career. As a result, her garboards were sprung and a considerable amount of work was required to return her to sailing condition. She was subsequently bought by Souter Harris who campaigned her locally and around the South and East Coast with some success until 1999/2000 when a new owner came forward.
She has been sailed hard over this period and certain parts of her structure were in need of attention in order for her to carry on to her 100th birthday. She has now been beautifully rebuilt and races successfully on the East Coast alongside other smacks.
©Tim Bees.
©Andy Rule
