MYSTERY CK59
Built
Brightlingsea
Builder
Kidby
Date
1900
Construction
Wood
Dimensions
L 20’
Description
Sprat Skiff
MYSTERY was built by Charles Kidby of Brightlingsea for the sprat industry that was dominating the port at this time.
These skiffs could carry a large cargo of sprats unloaded from the stowboaters lying off the Hard. The catch was loaded into barrels then rowed ashore, loaded onto carts and taken up to the packing yards.
Brought by Tolfish in the 1950’s she was brought round to Mersea and used by Douglas Stoker. Alan Bird was her next owner from 1980 to 2000.
She was restored and converted to sail by Gerard Swift in 2017/18. Sold to Tom Bowman who continues to take great care of her.
