Foyboat

A foyboat (also sometimes spelled foy boat or foy-boat) is a type of small boat, typically a rowing boat or small sailing vessel, traditionally used to assist larger ships entering or leaving a harbor or port. Their primary function was to convey messages, personnel, and supplies between the ship and the shore, or between ships anchored in the harbor. They were also often employed in assisting with mooring and unmooring operations. The use of foyboats was particularly common in busy ports before the widespread availability of motorized tugs and communication technologies. The term is most often associated with ports in the British Isles, particularly in Ireland and along the west coast of Britain. The name likely derives from a combination of "fey" (meaning to clear or clean) and "boat," alluding to their function of facilitating ship movements. The operators of foyboats often formed a distinct occupational group within the port community.