Robert Tucker, who died in 1998, was a prolific designer during the 1950/60/70s of all types of craft between 12'-75' in many different materials, but was most famous for "pocket cruisers" in the 16 - 25 foot range in plywood and grp, many intended for home construction or completion.

His designs were built in huge numbers and include such well known models as the Matilda ,Silhouette, Caprice, Debutante, Gallant, Newbridge Navigator, Tucker 24, Ballerina and Princess and many others. He also designed custom designs for a single individual also motor boats such as the Lochin and Moonraker.

The Matilda was designed after a request from a leading Australian lawyer, and, of course, the "Matilda" name does give it an Australian flavour! The design was especially suited to conditions in Victorian Port Phillip Bay and surrounding coastal waters, where it can change from flat to a 30' swell in a few miles or blow from the North one hour and swing to the West or South and triple in wind speed in a matter of two hours  - the Matilda 20 certainly has a reputation for being a capable boat when the going gets tougher.

Since 1978, "Tucker Designs" has been run by Robert's son Tony and has specialized mainly in steel hulled designs.

LINKS of interest relating to the BALLERINA II:

Ballerina Home Page compiled by Thomas Lee, Librarian

PENRYN, Ballerina Sail Number 217, owned by Margaret Carr Lee, Ontonagon, Michigan.
BALLERINA Sail Number 220, owned by Dave Corkum, New Brunswick, Canada.
DANCING GIRL a Ballerina II being restored by Jon Palmer, Liskeard, Cornwall, England.
ALINGA, a Caprice design by Robert Tucker. Owned by Alan Deely, Sidney, Australia.
TWIN-KEELER: A Quarterly (newsletter) for Owners and Admirers of Twin Keel Sailing Craft.
SEA DART home page.
SHRIMPY a 18 foot Robert Tucker designed bilge keel boat that sailed around the world.
TUCKER DESIGNS, 15 Wrenfied, Boxmoor, Hamel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England
BALLERINA a Yachts and Yachting Test. Reprinted from Yachts and Yachting October 25, 1968.
PENRYN Boatbuilding & Engineering Co. Ponsharden, Penryn, Cornwall. England
ROBERT TUCKER British yacht designer