Saucy Jack – English fishing sailing vessel with a live-fish hold, built in 1836
The Saucy Jack was a traditional English fishing sailing vessel of the ‘Barking Well Smack’ type, built in Gravesend on the River Thames in 1836. Measuring around 18.3 metres (60 feet) in length and with a historical tonnage of 51 tonnes, she was one of the characteristic fishing vessels of the early 19th century. Her home port, Barking, east of London, was at that time one of the most important centres of British deep-sea fishing.
What made these vessels unique was their so-called ‘well’ – a container permanently built into the hull in which caught fish could be transported alive for several days. The central section of the hull was separated by watertight bulkheads and connected to the surrounding sea via openings below the waterline. This allowed fresh seawater to circulate continuously. This was a decisive advantage, particularly in longline fishing: fish delivered alive commanded higher prices at London’s markets than salted or dried produce.
However, this design also had its drawbacks. The several tonnes of seawater in the hull increased the weight and impaired the vessel’s sailing performance. Furthermore, the fish hold required a particularly sturdy and complex construction. The Well Smacks were therefore comparatively expensive and slower than ordinary fishing cutters.
The Saucy Jack was a single-masted cutter fitted with gaff rigging. Its rigging allowed a small crew to operate the vessel even on longer fishing voyages in the North Sea and to more distant fishing grounds. Typical Well Smacks of this size were manned by around seven to eight seamen.
With the advent of fast fish transport vessels and the increasing use of ice, the fishing industry underwent a fundamental transformation. Instead of transporting the catch themselves over long distances to market, fishing vessels could remain at sea for longer and hand over their catch to specialised transport vessels. At the same time, other fishing ports gained in importance due to the expansion of railway links.
The Saucy Jack remained in service for decades and went down in the history of Barking’s fishing industry: in 1880, she was the last well smack to leave the harbour. She thus symbolises the end of a significant era in traditional English fishing. Her subsequent fate is not clearly documented.
The Saucy Jack model kit from Vanguard Models
Vanguard Models has produced the Saucy Jack as a high-quality wooden model kit on a scale of 1:64. The design, developed by Chris Watton, combines traditional model-making techniques with modern manufacturing processes and offers a detailed replica of this unusual fishing schooner.
The hull is constructed using the classic frame-and-planking method. Precisely laser-cut components made from MDF and wood form the supporting framework. The hull is then double-planked: a first layer of lime wood creates the basis for the final hull shape, whilst the second planking, made from fine pear wood, provides a high-quality outer surface. The careful fitting of the planks is one of the most important stages of the work and teaches fundamental techniques of historical ship model-making.
A special feature is the pre-laser-engraved deck made of maple. The incorporated plank joints and suggested wooden nails ensure a true-to-scale representation without the need to lay every single deck plank. The model also incorporates the characteristic fish hatches and the structural arrangement of the fish hold beneath them.
The deck fittings include, amongst other things, an anchor windlass, a capstan, gangways, hatches, lashing points and numerous other maritime details. A brass etched sheet is included for the particularly fine fittings. High-resolution 3D-printed parts complement the wooden construction and enable the precise reproduction of small fittings.
The kit also includes a small cutter’s dinghy, the hull of which is a 3D-printed part. Wooden parts for the interior fittings, including benches and oars, complete the boat.
The single mast, as well as the gaff, boom and other round timbers, are made from walnut. The rigging typical of a cutter, comprising shrouds, stays and running rigging, is assembled using rigging twine of various thicknesses. Wooden blocks, sheaves and suitable fittings are provided for the rigging work. The model can be displayed either with sails set or without sails.
Construction and contents
The Saucy Jack is aimed at beginners with some manual dexterity as well as experienced model shipbuilders who wish to build a manageable yet finely detailed historical sailing ship. The frame construction and numerous precisely fitted parts make assembly straightforward. Nevertheless, the double hull planking, the working of the round timbers and, in particular, the rigging require careful work.
The kit contains laser-cut and engraved wooden and MDF components, lime and pear wood strips for the hull planking, the laser-engraved maple deck, walnut round timbers for the masts and spars, etched brass parts, 3D-printed parts, and the materials for the dinghy. Black and natural-coloured rigging twine, blocks and swivels complete the kit. A transparent display stand is also documented in the assembly instructions.
Detailed, colour-illustrated assembly instructions in English guide you through each step. In addition, twelve sheets of plans are provided, featuring construction drawings as well as illustrations of the masts and rigging. The assembly instructions can also be viewed as a PDF on the manufacturer’s website.
Important information regarding the contents: According to the latest information from Vanguard Models, sails are not included in the standard kit. The premium sail set shown in the model photographs is available separately. The same applies to the crew figures and additional transport crates shown. Paints, adhesives and model-making tools are also required to complete the model.
With its unusual history, distinctive hull and elegant gaff rigging, this model offers an appealing display piece representing British fishing history. The combination of a historically significant working vessel and a modern, well-thought-out model design is particularly appealing.
Technical specifications
Scale: 1:64
Length: 425 mm
Width: 86 mm
Height: 361 mm
