For over 60 years, a rare single sculler lay hanging in a boathouse, hidden from the world and waiting to unveil its story. Now, this beautifully restored 100-year-old racing boat has found a new home at Windermere Jetty Museum, where visitors can marvel at its craftsmanship and unique history.
Senior Conservation Boatbuilder Stephen Beresford standing next to Sculler in the workshop. Credit: Dickie Felton.
A hidden gem with ties to Windermere
Discovered by Senior Conservation Boatbuilder Stephen Beresford during a visit to a boathouse in Ferry Nab, this Victorian-era racing boat is a remarkable example of early innovation in boat building. Designed for speed and precision, the single sculler would have been an unusual sight on Windermere’s waters.
The boat originally belonged to a local Cumbrian, a keen rower who attended Oxford University. He is said to have taken his sculler that had been designed for one person out onto Windermere, no doubt turning heads as he glided across the lake. Incredibly, the boat still retains the original owner’s well-worn shoes.
Restoring a Racing Legacy
Recognising its historical significance, Beresford and the museum’s conservation team carefully removed decades of dust and debris from it being in storage, bringing the boat back to life. Now, the sculler is proudly displayed, suspended from the ceiling in the museum’s Lakeshore café, perfectly positioned under the skylight.
Beresford expressed his enthusiasm for the project:
“The sculler is an amazing, unusual object. It’s not a boat you would typically associate with Windermere – the innovation that went into these boats in Victorian times made them very fast. It would have turned a few heads on the lake! It is a perfect fit for the skylight above the café and is a fantastic addition to the space.”
Sculler in the Lakeshore cafe at Windermere Jetty Museum. Credit: Lea Garrett Hampson.
See this unique boat yourself
Whether you’re a boat enthusiast, a lover of maritime history, or simply enjoy discovering hidden treasures in Windermere, the sculler is a must-see addition to Windermere Jetty Museum. Suspended from the café ceiling, the boat is free to view and provides an excellent excuse to sit back with a coffee while admiring a rare piece of racing history.
The Lakeshore café is open daily from 10am-4pm, and entry to the café is free. With free parking and dog-friendly spaces available, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the stunning lakeside views while appreciating this rare Victorian masterpiece. Plan your visit today.
