Name Boojum

Built in 1909 by W. E. Thomas, Falmouth, BOOJUM is a cutter with a top mast and a carvel hull of pitch pine on oak frames.  She was fitted with a BMC 44kw diesel engine, but her current engine is now a 75hp beta.

On the original papers SY Boojum was commissioned by Mr Buckley Haed, Permanent Address Garlick Club London, Occupation 'Gentlemen'. She was designed based on the lines of a pilot cutter, but was made sleeker and narrower for her intended purpose as a race yacht. The name Boojum comes from Lewis Carrol's 'Hunting of the Snark'.

'In the midst of the word he was trying to say, In the midst of his laughter and glee, He had softly and suddenly vanished away - For the Snark was a Boojum, you see.'

No artwork was commissioned by Lewis Carrol for the creature 'Boojum', unlike his other works such as Alice in Wonderland and Jabberwocky. Artwork was later commissioned by a vessel owner in the form of a gold emblem for the boat with the Head of Pegusus, Tongue of a Snake, Tail of Sea creature and claws of a Griffin. 

During a 14 year restoration period, an antique brass foot rail was rescued from a small pub in Oban and installed on the boat for enjoyment of drinks at the bar.  Boojum was used as a pleasure yacht based in Scotland post-refit, after which she moved to the Algarve in Portugal where she was up for sale for three years from 2023.  

The current owner is taking her to the USA where she will be used to help educate and teach young sailors what a traditional boat is like, as well as racing again. It is planned that she will return to the UK and take part in the Fastnet Race in 2027. She will also be available for hire and charter work in the future.