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‘Shark Boat Orca’. Conwy. August 9th 2026
You can observe a recognizable-looking boat moored on the water, situated across the bay from Conwy Marina in Deganwy. That strikes a chord with many.
Viewing from a holiday apartment, each morning, last thing at night, and at differing intervals during the day, you can look upon The Orca, a near-as-dammit clone of the boat from the film ‘Jaws’.
I found myself, with Sheila, my partner, staying by chance in town, in sight of ‘The Orca’. Yes, ‘The Orca’, although to give it its official title, ‘The Shark Boat’. The morning light offered a most unexpected welcome view from our bedroom window each day of our stay in Deganwy.
Owned by Jon Fieldhouse, his boat has become a magnet, bringing those in the Jaws community, an ever-expanding Universal grouping, to this North Wales location. Now, me included.
Honestly, this wasn’t totally by surprise. To spend time on the vessel, a booking had to be made. This booking fell on Robert Shaw’s birthday, August 9th. With a centenary approaching in 2027, plans are being made to mark the 100th year of Shaw’s birth. What better incentive for a suitable booking day, with Shaw’s 100th in mind.
This ‘by chance’ wording, mentioned earlier, relates to our holiday let, and our view from the bedroom window. The view associated with this bonus, reminiscent of “Jaws,” is something I’m still waiting to see on TripAdvisor. And yes, it was by chance. Jon had recently moved his boat to the marina across the bay.
Meeting some friends from an event we put together in Westhoughton in 2023, again linked to Robert Shaw, and the author of ‘The Book of Quint’, Ryan Dacko. Mark, Andy, Donna, Steph, Nick, and Rick from that earlier event came together to board the boat, August 9th, 2026.
Pre-boarding drinks at The Mulberry marked our upcoming crew’s embarkation. A handy, pleasant waterside pub and eatery at the marina.
A brainstorming of ideas for the who, what, and how of celebrating the upcoming centenary transpired at this location. Well, in part. To meet everyone again, and just converse in civilities, dominated our chat, truthfully told.
Hooper, Brody, and Quint’s pre-boarding antics, those that took place in Quint’s ‘Sharking Shack’, “you’ve got city hands Mr Hooper, been counting money all your life”, there was none of that hostility, We didn’t need any of that Working class ….! Although Apricot Brandy? Does that exist? Andy did mention, if on the drinks list, he’d have one.
Suitably hydrated, the heat, this darn heat has been relentless of late.
The first grouping: Mark, Andy, Nick, Sheila and Steph, and I headed down to the Orca. Moored directly opposite Jon’s boat was a row of jet skis.
Pausing, I wondered what Quint would have made of such wondrous modern apparatus moored near his boat. Jet skis, radar, sonar, electric toothbrushes, these kids now, they take out everything.
Before boarding, Jon gives you a historical rundown on his ‘Sharking Boat’. His expertise in Jaws and related subjects, as it pertains to his boat, is vast.
Explaining the dimensions, history, the year of its build, and its close similarities to the Orca we see on film, he sets the scene for us going on deck.
Equipped with a grasp of the context attached to the vessel. Its relation to its ill-fated cousin from the film brings an added dynamic to our thinking, as we then step on board.
Seeing Jon’s boat as a continuation, another chapter in the Orca’s life, as its cousin, comes from a place of romanticism. Observing those around me, about to board, I guess I am not alone in my thoughts. Each one of us has an affinity for Spielberg’s film ‘Jaws’. Here, now, we are getting as close to the real thing as possible. For as we know, sadly, the actual ‘Orca’ is no more.
Highlights are many as we become accustomed to our surroundings, which are all very familiar. As we gather on deck, with a scene reminiscent of the film, Jon slowly turns the handle of the reel, the same make and model as used by Quint. It’s click, click, click sends a shiver up the spine. The image of Robert Shaw, as Quint as he pauses, stops munching on a dry biscuit, and pockets what’s left, accompanies our thoughts. We are right back in that haunting scene. “Chief, get the scoop out the bucket, wet the reel.”
Entering the cabin, seating ourselves around the table, that sound stays with us, as we think of comparing our scars. Truthfully, the scars bit, I think that may have been just me. But with each place you set foot on the Orca II, sequences from the film come to mind. Finding yourself reciting a line from Brody, Quint or Hooper is a given.
What about our time on board? Truly thrilling. Exceptional and importantly, fun.
The chair for fighting sharks, Hooper’s cage to protect against sharks, and the yellow barrels are just a few examples; all these items and props, you are free to handle. Jon gives you space to enjoy the experience while ‘heading out to sea’. This reference to the listing on the Jaws soundtrack is appropriate, for you will feel the boat move beneath you.
Jon’s interaction with us as we go about the boat, his conveying the story behind what captures your interest, you sense a genuine coming from Jon himself. This gives an added buzz to your own excitement. His appreciation for the film is sincere.
All too soon, our hour is over. Our heading out to sea makes way for Donna and Rick to come aboard. Mark joins them in the role of photographer. I return briefly to retrieve my sunglasses. Being ever forgetful; to lose another pair would be unforgivable.
The crew from Westhoughton 2023 converge back at ‘The Mulberry’, where before we go our separate ways, we digest what we have all just shared. Smiles intersperse our conversation.
This precursor meeting to Shaw’s 100th follows on from a meeting held in Westhoughton, Robert Shaw’s birthplace, two days before. Here, the #Shaw100 co-organisers, Chris and Julie, are coordinating the logistics—locations, schedules, and requirements—to create a memorable 2027 event.
Another Jon, who oversees, manages ‘The Robert Shaw’ website is among those also working behind the scenes, as is Adrian McKenna, a musician. Jon, ‘Shark Boat’ is now involved in what is coming in 2027.
Ryan Dacko, author of ‘The Book of Quint’ and host of The Jaws Obsession, is no stranger to Westhoughton and closely linked to Robert Shaw’s birthplace. He will once again play a significant role, with a return to Westhoughton for the Robert Shaw 100th centenary.
‘Jaws Explored’, an indepth documentary look into the film ‘Jaws’, sees Ryan now also involved with, due for release in August 2027.
Link below, to posting with photographs.
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