Kingsley Farrington boat yard, located in Trowse, has been a prominent figure in the boating industry since its establishment in 1972. Over the years, the boatyard has produced a wide range of vessels, from small wooden crafts to yachts and motor cruisers. Its founder, Kingsley Farrington, was not only a highly skilled craftsman but also a passionate sailor who played a vital role in growing the business and establishing its reputation in Norfolk’s boating scene. One of the notable achievements during his tenure was his collaboration with naval architect Andrew Wolstenholme on the development of the Farrington 25 and 30 Broads Sailing Cruisers.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck the Farrington family in June when Kingsley Farrington passed away. Following his death, his widow, Janet Farrington, made the difficult decision to close the boatyard. This decision means that the family will eventually hand the site back to the landlords later in the month. As a result of the closure, three skilled workers will be made redundant, marking the end of an era for the boatyard and leaving a void in the local boating community.
Janet Farrington fondly remembers her husband as a gentle, kind, polite, and patient man with a great sense of humor, particularly when it came to other people’s misfortunes on the water. Kingsley Farrington was not only a talented craftsman but also an experienced sailor, often seen helming his own-built boats in the nearby Wroxham Broad. His passion for boating and his meticulous craftsmanship have left a lasting legacy and will be remembered by those who knew him.
The closure of Kingsley Farrington boat yard will undoubtedly be felt by the local community and the larger boating industry in Norfolk. With its rich history and reputation for producing high-quality vessels, the loss of the boatyard will leave a void in the market. The impact is not only on the vessel production aspect but also on the skilled craftsmen who will now need to seek alternative employment opportunities. It remains to be seen how the closure will affect the local boating scene and if there will be any other boatyards to fill the void left by Kingsley Farrington’s boat yard.
In conclusion, the closure of Kingsley Farrington boat yard marks the end of an era for one of Norfolk’s prominent players in the boatbuilding industry. Founded in 1972 by the passionate sailor and skilled craftsman Kingsley Farrington, the boatyard has produced thousands of vessels, ranging from small wooden crafts to yachts and motor cruisers. With the decision to close the business following the death of its founder, the local community and the wider boating industry mourn the loss while also reflecting on the legacy left behind by Kingsley Farrington’s remarkable craftsmanship and dedication to his craft.
