Balmain Bugs

Balmain Bug racing sail boats were first raced in the Balmain and Drummoyne area, and mirrored the full size sailing boats of the nineteenth century. The Drummoyne twelve inch model boat club disbanded in around 1952. This was a widely popular interest followed by many supporters.

Most boats were home built, constructed as hollowed out solid timber hulls, plywood, metal, even papier mâché, and are really a form of folk art. Various hull forms were developed depending on the anticipated conditions at the venue of racing, still or open water sailing. Because Bugs were free sailing boats, the owners would follow the racing in rowing boats to adjust the direction of the boats while racing. Betting on the results was common.

The three boats I offer for sale are not toys. They are purpose built racing boats in the old fashion. Whether they are actually sailed or displayed as static models, they continue a great tradition, and they can easily have radio control mechanisms added.

The three boats shown on this website were designed around “Vera”, the Drummoyne Sailing Club boat built in 1939 by Jack Beaver.