History

Bowman Yachts are not very common on the West Coast, but share many similarities to the more familiar Camper-Nicholson which were also constructed in Emsworth. Bowman has a well earned reputation for producing high quality vessels capable of enduring North Sea gales. During the 1970’s they offered various models and configurations that ranged from the 28 foot sloop to a 57 foot ketch. Geoff had the opportunity to sail on the 57’ ketch, Papagayo, across the Indian Ocean and up the Red Sea in 2000. Her construction was exactly the same as Curare, only much larger, and it even felt like the same craftsman carved the navigation table hand rail.

In the early 1980’s Bowman Yachts went through some reorganizations resulting in a name change to Rival Bowman. They continued to produce high quality yachts with more modern designs to meet the popular IROC style, such as the Starlight series. Financial difficulties and more reorganization resulted in Rival Bowman going into receivership in 2002, subsequently purchased by Rustler Yachts who continue the solid reputation that Bowman Yachts had developed, often being referred to in UK yachting magazines as the Bentley of yachts. To learn more visit Bowman Yachts