Reuben Frost of Malden Essex is celebrating the birthday of his boat which has reached the grand old age of 200. Boadicea a 12tron 30’ fishing smack was built in West Mersea, Essex in 1808. It is though to be the oldest boat in the world that is still used for sailing.
Mr Frost has the documentation detailing the dozen owners over the last two centuries.
"During the spring and summer Boadicea can be found regularly racing against other smacks and classic yachts and if there is a stiff breeze we can hold our own," said Mr Frost. "During the autumn we still drift net for herring."
Mr Frost said the boat, which was built by James Williamson of Maldon, Essex, had been repaired and renovated many times and had an engine fitted in the 1970s. He now hoped to use her as a charter boat.
"I think she's survived so long because she's always been loved," he said.
"She's only had a dozen owners and they've all taken great care of her. She'll see me out and hopefully pass on to the next generation of the family."
