Shrimper
About Shrimpers
Designed in 1978 by Roger Dongray, the Shrimper 19 is by far the most popular of the Shrimper series, the others being the Shrimper 17 and the Shrimper 21. Well over 1100 Shrimper 19s have been built by Cornish Crabbers in Rock since 1979, and the fact that the great majority are still being sailed all over the UK, and a number of places overseas, is testament to the build quality.
The key to the Shrimpers success is its versatility. The 19 gaff-rigged Cornish Shrimper with its lifting centreplate is an ideal boat for the Carrick Roads, its shallow draft allowing sailors to explore the creeks on high tides as far as Trethem, Ruan Lanihorne, Tresillian and even Truro. For the more adventurous skipper a sail over to Helford or to Fowey is well within reach and the cabin facilities allow for overnight stays. Shrimpers are easy to reef allowing comfortable sailing in all winds.
All three Shrimper models are trailer sailers, day and weekend cruisers and popular racing yachts. The simple and easily handled rig is popular with novice sailors and racing sailors alike and the Shrimper 19 is often the biggest racing class in the regattas around the Fal. There are now around 100 Shrimpers in the Carrick Roads and Helford areas and there is seldom a day in the summer season when you will not be able to spot the distinctive high gaff rig and reassuringly solid hull shape of at least one Shrimper enjoying the delights of sailing in Carrick Roads.
Class Information
Most Shrimper owners are members of the Shrimper Owners Association. The local branch of the SOA is based in Falmouth and organises a programme of cruising, racing and social events. The highlight is the annual rally usually held in late June when Shrimper owners get together for a fun-filled week of socialising and sailing in company. Organised events include creek crawling, offshore sailing, the occasional race, the annual cooking competition, 5-creek challenge, pontoon parties, evening dinners or just pottering in our lovely sailing waters. New Shrimper owners and less experienced sailors are especially welcome to join the annual rally as there is always something for everyone.
Other events include cruising days, Shrimper class racing in Falmouth Sailing week and Falmouth Classics, and the Shrimper Open Championships hosted by Mylor Yacht Club. The Shrimper racing fleet also takes part in all the Village Regattas and club racing at St Mawes and Mylor and St Mawes.
Out of season the Falmouth SOA enjoy a monthly Sunday lunch together at different venues on both sides of the Fal.
For more details please contact the Class Representative, Richard Salisbury
Last updated 16:39 on 19 January 2024