Introducing the Association Boats & their Skippers

The Guiding Star is the oldest launch currently in operation within St. Mary's Boatmen's Association. Built in 1933 by Percie Michell in Portloe near Mevagissy, Cornwall, this boat is of Carvel construction and has been in the Badcock family for 42 years.

Joe Badcock has been involved with the Boatmen's Association for many years, 17 as crew and for the past 3 years as Skipper of the Guiding Star. Joe took over when his father Benny retired keeping the boat within the family and the Boatmen's Association.

The Badcock family have many ties within the Assciation, Joe's cousin David Badcock - skipper of the Britannia, is a current member, and they also have family ties with the Hicks family, three of whom are also members: Stephen Hicks - Skipper of the Seahorse, Fraser Hicks - Skipper of the Sea King and Alec Hicks - Skipper of the Kingfisher. Previous Badcock family members include Joe's father Benny Badcock, and his uncle Dave Badcock.

Joe says his favorite boating trip is: "Tresco in fine weather".