Key details
- Current boat name
- Luka
- Boat class
- 6999
- Sail number
- 4
- Function
- Sports and Leisure
- Type
- Dinghy
Dimensions and specifications
- Length (m / ft)
- 5.7 / 18ft 9in
- Beam (m / ft)
- 1.9 / 6ft 3in
- Leeward
- Centreboard
- Masts
- Main and mizzen
- Rig type
- loose-footed gaff
- Propulsion
- Sail/oar/engine
Design and build
- Designer
- Cdr John Watkinson
- Design date
- 1965
- Date of build
- 1965
- Place of build
- Drascombe Barton Devon
Current status
- Present use
- Museum/NMMC
History
LUKA, acquired by the NMMC, was the First Drascombe Lugger, launched in 1965, designed and built by Commander John Watkinson RN (retd) for his personal family sailing needs which were:-
1 Ability to trail and for the family to handlle on and off the trailer. 2 First rate sea-keeping qualities. 3 A good motor boat for fishing and pottering under power. 4 Lively enough for a good hard sail.
The half-decked open boat with a high bulwark did wonders for confidence. The loose-footed yawl rig, with all sails stowing aloft, gave space for the family. The boat could be sailed under jib and mizzen for fishing. The hard turn to the bilge gave a powerful hull well able to carry sail with a centreboard when required. Her generous sheer kept her dry.
In 1968 the first production Drascombe Lugger was sold within 29 minutes of the doors being opened to the public.
1969/70 David Pyle sailed his Lugger from Emsworth, England to Darwin, Australia. Owner 22/09/2012