Valkyrie Craft:

Canoes and Classic Boats

The Skerries Yawl is a 22' sailing boat constructed in GRP using one of the last traditional fishing boats of the north coast of Ireland as a mould.

These boats were once a common sight along the north coast.  The double-ended clinker design originated in Trondheim in Norway and was introduced to the north coast in the early 18th century and later copied and built by local shipyards. The boats had a variety of local names including skiffs and yawls but are most commonly referred to as Drontheims, a local name derived from the Norwegian port of Trondheim.  As working boats they sailed from harbours as far afield as Tory Island in the west and Islay to the east.

The 'Valkyrie' en route for Rathlin Island

Today the Drontheim has re-emerged in its GRP form as the Skerries Yawl, due to the vision of the Causeway Coast Maritime Heritage Group and the technology and flexibility of Composite Dynamics.  The boat is fitted out in a manner maintaining the traditional feel, with tan-coloured sails, minimal fixtures and fittings and a simple and easily handled gaff rigging.  Big enough to be moored throughout the summer, they are generally used on a trailer-sailer basis. 

The yawl is an excellent pleasure day-boat comfortably sailing with two crew and capable of taking up to five adults.  It can also be fitted with an adjustable cover that is designed both for off-the-water weather protection and as a camping awning, easily erected when the boat is at anchor to provide a weather-proof sleeping, cooking and living space.

The 'Valkyrie' off the coast of Ballycastle

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