Bures Coracle Regatta
Our event is all about meeting up with like minded people and paddling around a bit. Everyone is welcome to join us from beginners to experts. We are all about getting people on the water and enjoying these historic craft.
When Major David Goddard retired from the British Army, he travelled to many parts of the world collecting water craft and founded the Exeter Maritime Museum which opened in 1969 and ran until 1997.
In 1991 he arrived at the National Coracle Centre here in Cenarth on our official opening day and donated the guffa from Iraq, and this coracle from Vietnam - which he had brought back from Hong Kong.
Recently, I received correspondance from a former Hong Kong Maritime Police officer with some interesting information on this coracle's history
Dear Mr Fowler,
My name is Les Bird, and for many years I was a Marine Police officer in Hong Kong. Recently a former colleague drew my attention to the Vietnamese coracle that is part of your collection at the National Coracle Centre.
For much of my service in Hong Kong I was involved with patrolling the South China Sea, in search of refugees from Vietnam trying to make land. In the early 1980s I recall finding the coracle that you have in your museum when we intercepted a Vietnamese fishing vessel in the waters to the south of Hong Kong. On board were between 30 and 40 refugees and also on board was the coracle now on display in your museum.
They may have been carrying it on board as a tender or last-ditch safety boat.
It was the normal procedure in Hong Kong at that time to destroy all such craft after the case of such people had been settled. These vessels had been arriving in their hundreds since the end of the war in Vietnam.
When we saw the coracle we realised there was an opportunity to save at least one Vietnamese craft. Provided we didn’t officially report finding it, it would not be taken away and destroyed.
We kept the coracle at Marine Headquarters for about a year.
One of my colleagues had a connection with the Exeter Maritime Museum in Britain and we arranged safe passage for the coracle on board a merchant ship bound for the U.K.
Best wishes and good luck with the museum
Les Bird
Bernard Thomas and I tried the Vietnamese coracle out on the river in Cenarth many years ago... and nearly sank!
The picture of myself with the coracle in the museum was sent to the Vietnam Heritage Museum in California, where it is now part of the exhibition.
24 July 2024
If you've been following our news, you will know that a new project has started this year with the aim of preserving the craft of coracles and coraclemaking, rated as endangered on the Heritage Crafts Association's Red List, for future generations to enjoy.
24 July 2024
We're looking for volunteers to help with the Five Miles From Home challenge. This may be familiar to you if you read the item in the 2023 Journal from member Gary Fruland, who took part in this international event last summer.
24 July 2024
The Society is sad to share the news of the passing of former committee member, Brian Pearce, aged 92.
24 July 2024
Ironbridge style coracle for sale. Well used but in good condition and watertight. Originally built in 1996, has been re-covered many times. Can be put straight on to the water as is, but may benefit from some light repair/restoration. Offers in region of £200 considered, buyer collects from Cheshire
Please contact Euan Raffel for further information
Our event is all about meeting up with like minded people and paddling around a bit. Everyone is welcome to join us from beginners to experts. We are all about getting people on the water and enjoying these historic craft.
The Carmarthen River Festival is back on Saturday 17th August from 3pm. (Rescheduled from July due to river conditions)
There'll be the ever popular Raft Race, Coracle Races, Rowing Race, Duck Race and FREE Canoe, Kayak & Coracle Taster Sessions.
River demonstrations with plenty of dryside entertainment, cookery demos, FREE funfair rides, children's coracle pool, climbing wall and plenty of stalls selling food, refreshments and ice cream.
Annual coracle regatta and races, plus raft race. Licensed bar and BBQ. Part of Cilgerran Festive Week
Login | Privacy, Terms & Safety | Contact us | Contribute
E&OE. Unless otherwise stated, all content on this site is Copyright © 1990 - 2024 The Coracle Society and contributors