From its humble beginnings in the heart of British boatbuilding to its modern-day status as the world's foremost builder of International Dragon keelboats, Petticrows has carved out a unique and esteemed position in marine history. Established over a century ago, this esteemed yard has consistently blended traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, pushing the boundaries of sailboat performance and design.
Petticrows Ltd. first opened its doors in 1896 in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, UK, a town historically rich in boatbuilding tradition. While specific details about its original founder and their very first vessel are not widely documented, the yard was part of a thriving maritime community that saw various boatyards contributing to the UK's nautical heritage, including the construction of motor torpedo boats during World War II. This long-standing presence hints at a foundational vision rooted in robust marine construction and a deep understanding of the waters of the River Crouch.
History and Evolution
For much of its early history, Petticrows operated within the dynamic environment of British boatbuilding, adapting to the changing demands of the marine industry. A pivotal moment arrived in 1988 when the company embarked on a journey that would redefine its identity: the construction of its first International Dragon keelboat. This marked a significant specialization, a decision that would lead Petticrows to become synonymous with the iconic one-design class.
The transition to Dragon production was masterminded with significant research and development, including tank tests and hull shape optimization. Tim Tavinor, who joined the boatyard in 1988 at the very inception of their Dragon building project, played a crucial role in this development and later became the company owner, providing continuity and expertise. Over time, Petticrows expertly managed the transition from traditional wooden and cold-moulded Dragons to modern fiberglass (GRP) construction, ensuring the class remained vibrant and competitive, and establishing themselves as a leader in GRP Dragon production.
In a significant strategic move, Petticrows relocated its operations from Burnham-on-Crouch to Cascais, Portugal, in 2021, aligning itself with a region boasting a rich maritime history and an active Dragon sailing community.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Petticrows' reputation in the sailing world is firmly anchored in its unwavering commitment to the International Dragon class. For over three decades, the company has been dedicated to building and continuously developing these exquisite keelboats. They are renowned globally for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship, a testament to their enduring pursuit of design excellence.
The builder's philosophy integrates sound engineering principles with elegant style, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. This approach ensures that Petticrows Dragons are not only beautiful but also perform at the highest levels of competitive racing. The Dragon class itself is celebrated for its emphasis on close racing, where the crew's mastery of conditions often dictates the outcome.
Over the years, Petticrows has collaborated with esteemed naval architects to refine the Dragon's performance. Notably, Ian Howlett, a renowned designer of 12M, 8M, and 6M yachts, optimized the original Dragon hull shape for Petticrows' debut model in 1988. Later, Brendan Dobroth, a celebrated U.S. designer, contributed to the "new lines" of the successful Petticrow 2000 model. The yard also utilizes digital design to meticulously remodel components, such as the deck and internal mouldings, for its latest iterations, showcasing their commitment to continuous improvement.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The International Dragon is undoubtedly Petticrows' most iconic and impactful model. Since building their first Dragon in 1988, which immediately tasted success by winning the Danish and European Championships in its debut year and the Worlds the following year, Petticrows has produced well over 800 Dragons.
Key models include:
- The Original Petticrows Dragon (1988): This first fiberglass Dragon set a new standard, optimized by Ian Howlett.
- The Petticrow 2000: Developed with Brendan Dobroth, over 250 units of this highly successful model were built.
- The v6 Dragon (2017) and v6.1 Series: The v6 introduced a newly designed hull and keel shape, proving highly successful in regattas and championships. The current v6.1 range offers options including All GRP, Teak on Glass, and Wooden versions, catering to diverse preferences while maintaining the core performance.
While their primary focus has been the Dragon, Petticrows has also built other performance boats, including Finns, and more recently, ocean rowing boats, demonstrating a versatility in high-performance composite construction. They have also explored other ventures, such as developing two models based on the Nimbus 21-foot sport cruiser. However, it is their consistent innovation and leadership within the Dragon class that truly defines their legacy, establishing them as a dominant force in one-design racing.
The Builder Today
Petticrows today operates from its new base in Cascais, Portugal, a location that underscores its international reach and dedication to the global sailing community. The company is now led by Vasco Empis, who brings a strong background in sports and marketing, aligning with the competitive and community-focused nature of the Dragon class.
The modern Petticrows Dragon appeals to discerning owners worldwide who seek a combination of high-performance racing capabilities, exquisite craftsmanship, and enduring design. Petticrows continues to actively build new Dragons, applying its blend of traditional skills and advanced techniques. They also provide comprehensive support for existing Dragon owners, offering services, parts, and detailed setup guides to ensure optimal performance. This commitment fosters a strong, active global owner community, with Petticrows Dragons regularly competing and winning championships in over 30 countries across five continents. The company remains at the forefront of Dragon development, ensuring the class continues to thrive for generations of sailors.
