Brighton Beach in the 19th century

This postcard of Brighton Beach between the Piers shows the typical Brighton 'hogboats' with all sails set. These seem to have favoured yawl rig and had transoms designed to deflect following waves when running ashore. They were beamy fishing boats which turned to providing joy-rides for holiday makers during the summer, the most famous being the "Skylark". Motor driven versions, and small rowed versions like the one seen in the middle distance, were still operating up to the mid-20th century. In the latter case the boat was propelled by a single fisherman rowing from the forward thwart while up to 4 passengers sat in the stern. If there was anything of a swell running it took quite a mixture of skill and luck to disembark them in a reasonably dry condition.