Key details
- Current boat name
- Grace Darling
- Boat class
- 6939
- Function
- Service
- Type
Dimensions and specifications
- Length (m / ft)
- 6.4 / 21ft
- Beam (m / ft)
- 1.83 / 6ft
- Leeward
- None
- Masts
- 1 Wood
- Rig type
- Lug
- Propulsion
- Oar/Sail
Design and build
- Designer
- Traditional
- Date of build
- 1830 c
Current status
- Present use
- Museum/RNLI
History
It is claimed that this coble belonged to the Darling family from about 1830 and was used by them for fishing from their home at the Longstone lighthouse. On 7 September 1838 it was rowed over a mile in raging seas by the 22 year old Grace Darling to help her father rescue nine survivors from the wrecked SS FORFARSHIRE. For her part in the rescue, Grace was awarded the RNLI silver medal. The boat continued to be used by the family at Longstone until 1856 when she was given to Grace's younger brother. He sold it in 1873. It was given to RNLI in 1913 and was displayed from 1938 in the old Grace Darling Museum at Bamburgh. In 2007 the coble was moved to the new purpose built museum nearby. Considered by RNLI to be the authentic boat used by Grace Darling GH Oct 2010