Eight bells for yacht designer Bill Parker
Bill Parker, who built the Parker range of lift keel yachts, has died, aged 83.
Born in Boston, Lincolnshire, Bill was described by his family as a ‘naturally gifted’ boatbuilder. At the age of 16, he saw John Westell’s design for the 505 racing dinghy which started Bill’s boatbuilding career. He built the dinghy and sailed it on The Haven, the tidal river which runs through Boston; he also introduced boat building to the family joinery firm. Initially, the 505 was cold moulded before this changed to GRP construction. It was a popular boat, particularly amongst the French sailing fraternity. The 505 went on to win numerous races including 18 world championships.
Bill established Parker Yachts and moved the family firm to a larger factory at Kirton in 1973-74. But by the 1970s, Bill was looking in a different direction. For years, he had owned and sailed a Cornish Crabber, but wanted a boat with a better upwind sailing capability and could dry out flat in shallow water. ‘The Ron Holland-designed Super Seal 26 really changed his view of yachting,’ Bill’s son, David, told YM.
‘It was what he was looking for, but he felt he could develop the design. Dad was always an innovator.’
Bill bought the rights from John Baker in 1981 and started producing the Parker 27. Other lift-keel boats followed, such as the Parker 235, 285 and 335, designed by Bill’s son Bruce.
David said his Dad was ‘most proud’ of the Parker 285, which he considered the ‘pinnacle’ of his career. Like most Parker yachts it is renowned for its performance and accommodation. Parker Liftkeel Yachts went into voluntary liquidation in 2009, but in 2010 Bruce relaunched the 505, with a new A-frame, hull, topsides and internal fitout.