Idle Duck is a classic shoal draft centre boarder from the famous Maurice Griffith’s pen, built by Miller & Sons, St Monance on the R. Tay in Scotland, and launched in 1962. She was superbly built and has stood the test of time. The vessel is a ‘copy’ of an earlier shoal draft vessel built by Howard’s of Maldon in 1894 called Scoter. As far as I am aware that little ship is still sailing.
Idle Duck at her Swale Marina (Conyer) mooring seen during 2024. (Nick Ardley)
I looked over Idle Duck on a visit to Swale Marina during the summer of 2024, admiring her comely curves. She is of the ‘Bawley’ type like my own Finesse 24, Whimbrel, sharing a common Thames estuary heritage: Alan Platt was apprenticed with Parson’s of Leigh – builders of cockle boats and MG designed bawley yachts – before starting his own line of craft…
There follows some historical information from Yachting Monthly of July 1973 written by MG himself when editor. These are credited to Yachting Monthly.
Magazine pages courtesy of Yachting Monthly.
Idle Duck was given a thorough refit at Faversham not so very long ago, sadly however, the owner soon after became ill and passed to the elysian sea where one sails for ever… Over in Kent, an old Upchurch village friend, Les Long, has taken on the task of finding a new owner for the chap’s widow.
Les has been caring for the vessel as best he can (being a boat owner himself) and reports that the varnish work has begun to suffer. This is superficial and will be dealt with. (I have same ‘problems’ but that is life and is very much part of the enjoyment of owning a classic…). One needs to look beyond and get a feel for the boat as an entity in itself – cosmetics are well within the capabilities of an owner – one’s relationship follows…
Bow of Idle Duck… (Nick Ardley)
The vessel has been on the books of Network Yacht Brokers who have not been successful in the sale of this fine vessel. The market is difficult to say the least, stuffed with craft of every type, so boats will only move if price and a new owner feel right together…
Brochure information courtesy of Network Yacht Brokers and Les Long.
To my mind the price is probably ‘frightening’ people away. My advice would be to go in with a sensible offer.
Looking along the port side deck of Idle Duck – They are clear and uncluttered. (Nick Ardley)
Prospective owners interested in viewing this fine vessel should contact Les Long by email on: lml0454@gmail.com