AThames skiff is a traditionalRiver Thames woodenrowing boat used forskiffing. These boats evolved from Thameswherries in theVictorian era to meet a passion for river exploration and leisure outings on the water.
The Thamesskiff owes its origins to theclinker boat building technique, of over-lapping timber planking, that's known to have existed in the region from before the 6th centuryAnglo-SaxonSnape andSutton Hoo ship burials. Many of the terms used for parts of the skiff are of Germanic origin – "tholes", "thwarts",[1] and "sax". Planks on either side of a woodenkeel are laid down following the outline of a sham (temporary pattern) placed across the keel. The planks are nailed in place and then a transverse strengthening framework of ribs is added. Oars (or blades) are held in place by wooden thole pins at the side of the boat rather than rowlocks or outriggers. The thole pins are designed to give way if too much pressure is put on them, thus protecting the boat itself from damage. The thwart, or seat, is fixed rather than sliding as in modern boats. The sax runs round the top of the boat to strengthen and protect it.[2]Blades are made of wood with leather collars.
Skiffs usually provide for one or twoscullers but because they have been built to individual customer's specifications, there can be a wide variety of designs. There are skiffs with three or four rowing positions. Skiffs with more than one sculler have a seat for acoxswain who steers the boat by ropes attached to arudder. Single scullers usually steer themselves, but some single skiffs allow for a cox/passenger as well. Some skiffs also provide for a sail to be used.
Skiffs following the traditional Thames design are to be found in the Netherlands and Argentina, although Argentinian skiffs usually have outriggers instead of tholes.
Skiffs are both recreational and working boats on the Thames. They can be seen used forswan upping and other general purpose duties.[3] Racing skiffs are specially built forskiffing in competitions atregattas and long-distance marathon events between the various skiff clubs under TheSkiff Racing Association rules along the Thames and also for recreational purposes such as aThames meander.
A camping skiff has an easily erectablecanvas cover and is used for outdoor recreational activity holidays, often in conjunction with other activities such as walking, swimming and fishing. The cover can be used for shelter from the sun and rain during the day and at night converts the entire craft into a floating tent. It enables the occupants to experience nature and river life up close and is featured inJerome K. Jerome's 1889 comic novelThree Men in a Boat.[4]
