The Late, Amazing Iain Oughtred…
We’ve Lost a Genius at Small-Craft Design
We are sorry to report the passing of legendary small-boat designer Iain Oughtred, who we’re told died peacefully in the hospital two days ago. His sister posted the following tribute:
"Iain, you have lived a life true to your passion, as best you could. We love and honour your memory. Go well with peace and love. Old souls will be waiting to welcome you. Our love surrounds you as you leave us." —Eds
As a friend said today, “we have lost a giant among us”…talking about the heart-wrenching news that Iain Oughtred, designer of the finest lapstrake boats you can imagine, passed away in a hospital on the Isle of Skye…a place he clearly loved.
His gifts to the world of small boats are greater than we can name, but include the Caledonia Yawl, Arctic Tern, Whilly Boat, Wee Rob, MacGregor, Sooty Tern, Tammie Norrie, Acorn, Elf, Elfyn, Ness Yawl, Tirrik, Eun Mara, Wee Seal, Grey Seal, St. Ayles Skiff, and so many, many more.
He was a builder as well as designer; an experienced sailor and brilliant draftsman who created some of the most beautiful planking lines seen.
In our world of small boats, we’ve lost a lot of builders over the decades but we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy the creative output of many designers, almost all still with us, who’ve focused brilliantly if not exclusively on smaller boats: Paul Gartside, Phil Bolger, Pete Culler, John Welsford, Francois Vivier, Bill Garden, Tad Roberts, Michael Storer, Sam Devlin, Jim Michalak, Paul Fisher, Ross Lillistone, Dudley Dix, John Harris and many others. They’ve all made significant contributions to our world of small craft, and while there’s no way to say who might have produced the finest collection of beautifully functional, classic small-boat designs, we know all would agree that Iain Oughtred was among the best ever.
Sail away in peace, Iain. You will surely be missed.—Marty Loken
What follows is a short interview we did with Iain back in 2022. —Eds
INTERVIEW: 12 Questions with Iain Oughtred
What led you into the boat-design business, and when did you design your first boat?
Iain Oughtred: I’ve had a long-term fascination with boats; racing dinghies at first. How they work, how they’re built, and their interaction with the natural world, via the sea and wind. My first design was an 18-foot trailer-sailer, done in 1966 with a naval architect. That was followed by time with Modern Boating magazine, then setting up a shop selling boat plans and books.
How many of your designs have you personally built over the years?
Fourteen.
Which design of yours is the most popular, in terms of plans/kits sold, or boats built?
Probably the 22’ St. Ayles Skiff (Coastal Rowing Association), or maybe the 19’ 6” Caledonia Yawl…or one of the other traditional-style lapstrake boats.
Do you have a personal-favorite small-craft design?
The 18-foot double-ended prototype Arctic Tern. I thought I would keep her forever, but after several Raids and traditional-boat festivals, I’d learned all I needed from the boat, and I then didn’t need her any more.
Can you list two or three other small-craft designers you admire, and mention a few of their designs you appreciate?
Paul Gartside, for his 19-foot gaff sloop, his schooners, the 22-foot Surprise, and his fast rowing boats including Bob, in the 9- to 16-foot range. And Phil Bolger, of course, who had a phenomenal imagination. Loved his 24-foot Black Skimmer sharpie, the 9’ 9” Auray Punt, and the 19’ 6” Chebacco.
What are some of the greatest challenges faced in the design profession, and has your approach to the business changed over the years?
Trying to make a living off of it, along with a shortage of resources for building.
Who is your “typical” customer?
How long is a piece of string…?
Have you noticed any recent trends in terms of size or type of boat in demand, or in different ways boats are being used? (Specifically, do you see increased demand for smaller or larger boats; power instead of sail, rowing/paddling vs. motor, or…?)
I’ve seen a greater need for smaller trailerable cruising boats, along with more interest in traditional construction.
Anything new on your drawing board that you can describe?
An 18’ 8” Norwegian faering, to be built traditionally.
How do you approach the drafting of new designs? (Still drawing, or exclusively using boat-design software? And, if you’re using computers for all design work, how has CAD software changed your business, and the industry—easy development of cutting files, etc?)
No interest in CAD, or the process of trying to learn about it, though computers can occasionally help with quick calculations. Computers cannot make a boat look good.
What is the best part of designing boats, especially small craft?
The builders of small boats are grateful for the experience—there’s so much to learn, for so many, that designing is a profoundly fulfilling, satisfying experience.
Where do you see boat-design trends going in the next 10 years? 20 years?
Hopefully toward a greater appreciation of the qualities of unique one-off boats—the skills involved, the learning experience, making a break from mass-produced conformity. The enjoyment, fulfillment, the caring for and operating of a beautiful “creature” of the sea, built with care and devotion, and imbued with a bit of soul.
•SCA•
Also consider Nic Compton’s fine book, Iain Oughtred: A Life in Wooden Boats —a rich summary of Oughtred’s life and career as a designer and builder of small boats.
Sorry to hear! I appreciated that your interview with Iain was included! Rest in peace!
Sad news.