Built in Ipswich, Suffolk and Purley, Surrey between 1963 and 1970 by Bill & Madeleine Faulder.

Launched 26th September 1970 at the Waterside Inn, Bray, on the River Thames. Bill Faulder, builder of Snipe VII, pictured standing in the cockpit.

Sailed at Fowey in Cornwall on family holidays in the 1970s. Madeleine Faulder pictured in the cabin, John Faulder pictured fishing. John, one of Bill and Madeleine’s sons and my uncle, subsequently owned Snipe VII in the 90s.

Sailed in the early 80s at Mudeford on the south coast. David Faulder pictured at the helm, Bill Faulder pictured standing. David, Bill’s son and my uncle, then took over the boat in the mid 80s.

Kept by David and Deborah Faulder (my uncle and aunt) at Fareham, then on the Medway and the Swale from the mid 80s to early 90s.

Initial attempts at restoration in 2011.

Full restoration underway at Blakeney in 2015.

Restoration completed September 2016.

Re-launched 15th September 2016, afloat again after 25 years out of the water, and almost 46 years to the day since she was first launched in 1970.

Our first adventure in Blakeney Harbour, navigating the narrow creek to tie up on the Watch House dock for a trip to the old coastguard cottage on Blakeney Point.

My uncle and aunt, David and Deborah Faulder, who sailed on Snipe in the 70s and 80s, back on-board in 2018 after her restoration for a sail in Blakeney Harbour.

My brother Stefan at the helm, who sailed on Snipe as a child in the early 80s, returning with his own son Tomas for a sail in Blakeney over 35 years later.

Michelle and I camping out in Snipe VII’s cosy cabin in Blakeney Harbour.

Under sail in Blakeney Harbour early on a summer’s morning.

Sailing in Snipe VII’s home waters at Brancaster Staithe in July 2020.

Snipe VII and her tender, ‘The Toad’, on her mooring in Brancaster Staithe in July 2020.