The quadruple skiff Sgian Dubh (Gaelic for Black Knife) was built for the late David Warren by Mark Edwards and John Cox at Richmond Boathouse to take part in the 1994 Great River Race with his family as crew. The skiff has taken part in this race with various crews every year since.

In April 2004 Sgian Dubh convincingly broke the record for the fastest non-stop journey from Lechlade Bridge (the head of navigation of the River Thames) to Southend Pier, a distance of 185.88 miles. The crew from Dittons Skiff and Punting Club took 30 hours 57 minutes and 37 seconds - more than seven hours faster than the previous record!

David donated Sgian Dubh to the Society in 2001 for the use of members and other interested groups such as skiff clubs, etc. It is currently berthed at Port Fonty and is available for hire by members (hire charge: £10). For information regarding hire, please contact Edward Lines.

Terms of Hire

1. Ownership stays with the T.T.B.S.
2. The insurance remains with the T.T.B.S. but the charges may be passed on.
3. Hire for an agreed period of time at T.T.B.S. discretion.
4. The condition of the boat to be agreed in advance of the hire as at the the start of the hire, likewise the condition is to be agreed at the end of the hire.
5. The boat to be returned to the same condition as at the start of the hire period. Or the lessee to pay for restoration by a professional boat builder.
6. The lessee to be responsible for collecting and returning the boat.
7. The lessee will be responsible for any excess on the insurance which may vary from time to time.