BUCKLER’S Hard has seen some of the most historic vessels ever built.
But the picturesque Hampshire village played host to some of the smallest when it staged a convention organised by the European Association of Ships in Bottles.
The event was opened by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu’s daughter, the Hon Mary Montagu-Scott.
About 30 members of the association showcased their work and demonstrated the unique maritime craft, explaining that some examples take a year to complete.
The group was formed 30 years ago with the aim of keeping the traditional pursuit alive.
It has 170 members from all over the world, who hold a convention every two years so they can meet, share ideas and enter their models in competitions.
Buckler’s Hard was a major shipbuilding centre in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Vessels launched there included HMS Euryalus, HMS Swiftsure and HMS Agamemnon, all of which fought at the Battle of Trafalgar.
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