Traditional Boats & Tall Ships Magazine

It's a 'flook' at the Maritime Museum Cornwall

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall continues to deliver an ever-changing experience to its visitors with the new installation of a rare historic boat.  Flook, the very first Heron dinghy, designed by the world-renowned and highly respected Jack Holt, has recently been suspended from the Museum’s ceiling, adding to the collection of flying boats already sailing through the attraction’s vast Flotilla gallery. 

Designed in 1950, this 58-year old was, and is, a popular DIY starter boat.  In the years following WWII, people began taking to the water in greater numbers than they ever had before, and by utilising wartime technology, when superior plywood and glues were developed, designers were able to provide a new range of affordable boats.  Enormously practical, the Heron can be rowed, sailed or even driven by a small outboard motor.  Like the later Mirror Dinghy, it is capable of being carried on the roof of a family car.  The Heron remains tremendously popular, with international ownership in excess of 10,000.

In addition to the Heron other Jack Holt designs include the Mirror dinghy (No.1 is in on display in the Museum’s Set Sail Gallery), International Enterprise, British Moth, Solo, Hornet, Flying Ten, Lazy E, Merlin, Prelude, Streaker and many more.  See Heron No.1 for yourself and admire Jack Holt’s legacy at National Maritime Museum Cornwall. 

RNLI memorial design revealed

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has selected a design for a sculpture to pay tribute to the hundreds of volunteer crew members who have lost their lives while saving others at sea over the last 184 years - as well as the many RNLI lifesavers and fundraisers who have served the charity.  The sculpture, by Sam Holland ARBS, will be located at the charity’s Poole headquarters, opposite the Lifeboat College, ‘home of the RNLI’, where future generations of lifesavers and fundraisers will train, and can be inspired by the memorial.  The sculpture was chosen by a team that represented all the people of the RNLI. They meticulously judged over 64 detailed submissions through three judging steps and unanimously agreed on the final design.  It is hoped that the sculpture will be unveiled in the summer of 2009. 

The sculpture, of a person in a boat saving another from the water, symbolises the history, and future, of the RNLI in its most basic and humanitarian form.  Radiating from the boat are flat bands of stainless steel, flush with the ground, providing both the effect of waves and a material onto which the names of those who have lost their lives can be engraved.  Relatives and the general public will be able to walk round the sculpture and look at the names of those remembered.  Philip Gilbert, the RNLI Sculpture Project Chairman explains that, "The selection group has looked at lots of memorial concepts, from traditional to contemporary, and this seems to be a combination of the two.  This inspirational and striking sculpture encapsulates the very essence of the RNLI – saving lives around our islands.  It is simple and timeless, is accessible and possesses an energy – the power, strength and commitment of a rescue.  The names of more than six hundred crew members who have lost their lives will become an integral part of the sculpture – written on the sea  – a poignant and direct emotional link for anyone wanting to remember, reflect and be inspired.  Constructed of stainless steel, a nautical reference, it will fit well in its surroundings, close to the sea."

Try the RNLI website for more information, and anyone wishing to support the memorial directly can make a donation to the RNLI Poole Headquarters marked 'Memorial'. 

55ft Gaff Cutter vintage yacht Thalia for sale

At over 100 years old, the wonderfully restored vintage yacht Thalia has just sailed across the Atlantic, winning top honours in the Grenada Classic Yacht Regatta and Antigua Classics.  Built by G F Wanhill at Poole in 1889, her hull is carvel built of oak frames, oak and pitch pine planking and bronze fasteners.  She is cutter rigged with gaff sails.

Thalia went to Ireland in 1891 until 1914, where there are records of her racing in the archives of the Royal Cork Yacht Club from 1891-96.  She was based on the Thames from 1914-1963, then in the 1960s she sailed to Turkey and the African coast.  A rebuild was started in the late 1980s, but abandoned without a deck!  She was about to be broken up when her present owners bought her in 1993.  It is believed she is the only remaining yacht built by the Wanhills yard of Poole.  Three of the twelve yachts racing in the inaugral 1851 Americas Cup were built by Wanhills; their most successful being Egira, built in 1865 and seven-times winner of the Queens Cup in Cowes.  Thalia is now possibly the oldest yacht to have crossed the Atlantic - her name has remained unchanged for nearly 120 years, and much of the boat's interior is still in its original form. 

Anyone with a spare £200,000 should contact Classic Yachts For Sale. 

Make a valuable contribution to saving lives at sea

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is seeking public donations to its Jewellery Appeal – unwanted jewellery, medals and collectables are all welcome to help fund the charity’s life-saving work. The ongoing Jewellery Appeal is now entering its 22nd year. Some of the more unusual past donations have included a set of dentures on gold mount, war medals, mother-of-pearl theatre binoculars, an 1837 hallmarked fish-knife and a Victorian bakelite locket still containing a lock of hair.  The generous donations are sold at auctions or fetes to raise funds for essential training and equipment for RNLI volunteer crews.

The appeal was started on TV by Blue Peter and has since then relied on word-of-mouth, RNLI volunteers and fundraisers to keep the momentum going.  Maren Caldwell, RNLI Head of Regional Fundraising and Communications, says, "The RNLI as a charity relies on public generosity to help its volunteer crews.  This appeal is a fine example of the support we receive – the range of items that has been sent in over the lifetime of the appeal has been fantastic. Every donation plays a vital role in helping the RNLI to continue saving lives at sea.  The Jewellery Appeal began in 1986 and, since then, has been run by Roy Norgrove, who sadly died last year.  We would like to thank him for all his dedication and effort.  Other willing volunteers are now continuing Roy’s good work.  We hope 2008 will be another successful year for the appeal." 

All quality items, including rings, bracelets, chains, earrings, watches, and any other gold and silver items, are greatly appreciated.  In past years, war medals, military memorabilia, Victorian and Georgian jewellery, brooches and boxed valuables have been popular at auction.  Any unwanted jewellery and collectables should be sent to Karen Ketley, Appeal Co-ordinator, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1HZ - anyone wishing to support the charity in another way should call freephone on 0800 534210.

Liverpool launches female tall ship crew into history Books

This July forty young women will set sail from Liverpool to the Norwegian port of Maloy on the first leg of the STI Tall Ships' Races setting the record for being the first all-female crew in the history of the Tall Ships' Races to sail a Class A vessel.  The girls, who are representing the Senior Section of Girlguiding UK, were chosen from all over the UK and includes nine girls who have physical disabilities.

They will race against a fleet of roughly 100 other ships including around twenty Class A square riggers, leaving Liverpool on 22nd July and arriving in Maloy, Norway ten days later.  This historic crew will set sail aboard STS Lord Nelson, pictured left, a 55-metre square rigger owned and operated by the Jubilee Sailing Trust.  Lord Nelson is one of only two tall ships in the world specially designed and built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side by side as equals.  The Guides will be accompanied on this voyage by ten professional female crew, drawn from the existing staff of the Jubilee Sailing Trust, already unique in boasting two female tall ship captains.

Forty young women selected from over 180 applicants now make up the final voyage crew. The girls have had to raise almost £1,750 each to cover the cost of the voyage, including flights, insurance, training and other special kit.  JST Chief Executive Amanda Butcher said, “This is a fabulous opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime adventure on board our tall ship Lord Nelson.”

Liz Burnley, a Chief Guide of Girlguiding UK, added “Girlguiding UK's partnership with the Jubilee Sailing Trust will provide forty young women with a once in a lifetime experience, irrespective of their levels of physical ability or sailing skills.  Through our programme we offer girls and young women the skills and confidence to broaden their horizons for the future - and being part of the first all-female crew for the Class A group of the Tall Ships Race will certainly do that.” 

For the full story about the Jubilee Sailing Trust and Lord Nelson's historic all-female crew, be sure to pick up Traditional Boats & Tall Ships #51, on sale at the end of May 2008. 

Hospitality for small groups at Skandia Cowes Week

Red Sky Sailing has launched a hospitality day for small groups to join together on board the beautiful tall ship J.R. Tolkien, pictured right, at Skandia Cowes Week 2008.  This stunning ship is available for small groups to join together on Tuesday 5th August 2008 for a fabulous day of hospitality at the UK’s premier sailing event.  Places costs £255 per person (+ VAT) for a full day on board including catering and bar, departing from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth.  Groups of any size are welcome to take up places making the day great value for money and a superb opportunity to enjoy such prestigious hospitality.

Joining the ship at 10am, guests will be welcomed on board with tea, coffee and morning pastries.  Once underway a champagne reception will be served on deck as the ship leaves harbour and sails to Cowes.  At Cowes the captain will find the best location to watch the sailing action and will drop anchor.  An onboard race 'commentator' will mix with the guests to explain what is happening on the water and identify the classes of yacht that are racing.   A buffet lunch will be served in the saloon.  In the afternoon the ship will weigh anchor, set sail and follow the regatta yachts as they head for the race finish line, before turning back towards Portsmouth.  The day finishes back in Gunwharf Quays at 5.30 pm.

The day includes tea, coffee & pastries on arrival, champagne reception drinks, buffet lunch, afternoon tea, unlimited house wines, beer and soft drinks, official Skandia Cowes Week programmes and the Cowes Week race commentator. 

Places are now on sale and further information is available from the Red Sky sales team on 01273 777978.

New Gill technical apparel headwear

The sailors amongst you will be interested in the latest additions to the Gill range of Technical Apparel - two high UV-protection hats.  The Gill Technical Sailing Cap is a low profile cap specifically designed for sailing.  Providing an ultraviolet protection factor of 50+, the cap considerably reduces the effect of dangerous UVB light to the scalp, forehead and eyes.  It is a close-fitting design with an elasticated Velcro adjustment to keep the hat secure – there is also a loop for fitting a retainer cord, just in case!  For extra protection, the Gill Technical Sailing Sun Hat, which also has a UPF of over 50, is great for keeping the sun out of the eyes and off the neck.  As with the cap, the wide-brimmed hat also has a loop for a retainer cord to prevent it going overboard.  Both hats have a water resistant finish and are quick drying, breathable and fast wicking to prevent the head from becoming clammy. 

For further information, please contact: Gill, Manor House Road, Long Eaton, Nottingham, NG10 1LR, United Kingdom.  You can call on +44 (0)115 946 0844 or email enquiries@gilluk.com

Maritime Museum celebrates tall ships regatta

To celebrate the highly anticipated Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta coming to Falmouth, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall is launching a fantastic new exhibition which will take a closer look at some of today's most revered tall ships.

The photographic exhibition features amazing images of the stunning vessels which will be making their way to Falmouth in September - including the work of Max, the world class marine photographer responsible for the picture to the right.  The exhibition also explores the background of the Tall Ships’ Races and their role in fostering greater understanding between young people from all over the world.  The first ever Tall Ships’ Race took place in 1956 with just 20 ships - the event now often boasts over 100 vessels, with thousands of crew members from as many as 50 different countries.  Sail Training International, organisers of The Tall Ships’ Races, were even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for their activities promoting international friendship and understanding through sail training for young people. 

Milly Newman, Exhibitions Development Assistant says: “Everyone at the Maritime Museum is incredibly excited about the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta.  It’s set to be a truly spectacular event and we hope this new exhibition will help whet people’s appetites.”

The exhibition opens on 1st July and runs until 26th September.

Sail Training International Conference to be held in Canada

The Sail Training International annual conference will be held outside Europe this year for the first time ever. It will take place in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on 14th and 15th November, and organised jointly with the American Sail Training Association (ASTA – one of the founder member national sail training organisations of Sail Training International).

“This development recognises Sail Training International’s growing engagement outside its historical European base and it will provide us with an excellent opportunity to gather more sail trainers from North America than would normally attend in Europe”, says Nigel Rowe, President of the organisation. “Halifax will also be a Sail Training International host port for the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009.”

The Canadian tall ship Concordia, pictured right. 

The theme for the Sail Training Programme content will be ‘Best Practices – why we do it and how we do it’.  This will include workshops on subjects such as media relations, medicine at sea, youth work, State funding, and navigating the regulatory seas.  The theme for the Host Port Programme content will be ‘Working together – measuring and maximising the benefits of partnering with the sail training industry’.  This will include workshops on subjects such as recruiting trainees, media case studies, corporate hospitality and economic impact studies.

The conference will be preceded by a ‘Port to Port Day’ on Thursday 13 November, which will provide opportunities for host port delegates to network with other ports and representatives of the port business community in Halifax.

Special discounted room rates have been negotiated with the Marriott Halifax Harbourfront Hotel and fees have been set to encourage sail training operators to attend this important conference. A limited number of bursaries will also be available to assist sail trainers with travel costs.

Full details of the conference, with booking form and details of bursaries will be available on the Sail Training International website from the end of May.  Delegates from North America must register via the ASTA website, also available from the end of May.

Chandleries Receive Top Award

The Marinestore Group has been awarded the prestigious title of Marine Retailer of the Year 2008 - exactly 15 years since the first store, the Maldon Chandlery in Essex, was opened by John Lodge and he took £8.50 on his first day. 

Pictured left, the trophy was presented to the owners John Lodge and his wife Lynn by David Lewin, Chairman of the MTA (Marine Trades Association).  On receiving the award John commented, "This is fantastic, we have had a brilliant start to the year - opening the new store in Lanzarote - and it's great to know that our industry recognises this."

The thriving business, which introduced an online mail ordering service ten years ago, sells a broad range of chandlery, clothing and footwear to meet local requirements at its four stores across Essex.  The Maldon shop is geared towards the classic market, supplying unusual but traditional items such as lanolin, red lead powder, bronze fittings and just about anything for the older craft.  Modern equipment sits happily alongside all of the traditional gear.  The Maldon yard also features some of the best shipwrights around and has berthing and cranage available.

The Burnham shop has a racing flavour, and the stock reflects this.  Titchmarsh Marina at Walton-on-the-Naze is the largest and most prestigious store, with over 5000 sq ft of space dedicated to chandlery.  This site caters for cruising craft and larger motor boats.  The West Mersea outlet leans towards dinghy and clothing supplies and has a large range of 'hard-to-find' spares for racing boats.

Earlier this year, Marinestore embarked on their first overseas venture, opening a shop in the prestigious Marina Rubicon in Lanzarote.  The 2200 sq ft store sells the full range of products and equipment that are found in the UK, but with a tax rate of only 5% it's a place worth visiting.  Customers are invited to order online in the UK and collect from the Lanzarote chandlery.