Hidden Heroes: Joe Carstairs and more

he Hidden Heroes exhibition is at the Classic Boat Museum Gallery in Columbine Rd, East Cowes from 10th February and runs until end of September 2018.

Ever since the waters rose and created the Isle of Wight, the people have depended on the sea for food, transport, defence and leisure.

Of the many maritime heroes linked to the Island, the Classic Boat Museum in Cowes will hold a new exhibition celebrating less well known individuals who have made a significant impact on the maritime heritage of the Island.

The museum holds the maritime archives of Betty “Joe” Carstairs – the fastest woman on water and also of Uffa Fox-yacht and boat designer, adviser to the admiralty, friend of the Royals and a renowned Cowes Character. As well as his many exploits and achievements, the museum has recreated Uffa’s workshop for the exhibition and some of his iconic boats will be on display.

Other “Hidden Heroes” include the Rev Charles Paterson who led the Mission to Seaman during WW2, Sir Christopher Cockerell, who developed the hovercraft and Blanche Thorneycroft, the first woman to be made a member of the Institute of Naval Architects. Sam Saunders and Tommy Sopwith collaborated to build the very first successful flying boat which took off from the River Medina.