Pond Yachting, A Brief History

Pond yachting is one of those hobbies that has been around for hundreds of years. Many a sailor or fisherman would have whittled or shaped a boat to be given to a child to sail. As sailing got more of a competitive sport with the "Grown-ups" races were organised, rules were set in place, records show that they have been around since at least the early 1800s and may have started around the London area as it is home to quite a few large suitable ponds. Photographs became common from the late 1800s which allowed a glimpse of the hobby in action, many of which were gentlemen with rather large yachts with children just looking on in envy.

Pond yachts come in all shapes and sizes and many reflect the style of full size yachting in the days they were built. It was into the 1900s when mass production of pond yachts really started and Star Yachts was one of the first producers and certainly the longest lasting one, seeing out most of the competition over its 70 year history. Once the lathes were introduced, no one could match Star on price for the cheaper ranges of yachts. Pre-war there was quite a wide range of yachts which diminished over the war years and it took until the 1950s for full production of the ranges to continue. Other marques sprang up about this time and for a lot of children, for birthdays and Christmas meant a present of a pond yacht.

There has always been a divide in the yachts, cheap and cheerful for the majority to play with and the more expensive intricate examples for the collector, many of which have never seen the water. Overall pond yachting was a cheap hobby once the yacht was obtained and can still be that today, whether you opt for a brand new example or a previously owned one, you will still get the enjoyment and fun watching your yacht glide across the water. Many owners who had the yachts as a child are now passing them on to their children and grandchildren to carry on with that special enjoyment, no batteries or screens, just fresh air and fun.

For a pictorial view at the British pond yacht and other toy boats, not just Star, try "British Toy Boats 1920 onwards" by Roger Gillham, it's well worth a look.