Yes, it has happened. The new spritsail barge ordered by the Sea-change Sailing Trust from C. Toms of Polruan, Fowey, slipped into the water yesterday afternoon (Sunday 29 May 2016) and boy does she look handsome! The barge is a direct copy, with all welded construction as her namesake launched by Horlocks of Mistley in 1930. She has been named Blue Mermaid.
On Saturday I had a lovely chat with the yard owner/manager at C. Toms in Polruan. This is very much a family firm and all are friendly and approachable.
Here are a couple of views of her awaiting launch…
A bow view on the ways…
A view down the hatches … a pure swept hold.
Leaving the yard I spotted my good Mate on a bench on the town wharf deep in conversation with a lady – who apparently hailed from Essex and had sailed on the Thalatta as a school girl.
Mate with her friend…
Sunday dawned fine and calm. A deep blue sky coloured the Fowey waterway. This was a good day for the making of history.
At the yard I chatted with members of the Bird family – a Capt Bird was skipper on the original Blue Mermaid sunk in July 1941 near the West Hook Middle Buoy (Before it was deleted in recent changes…). This for me was also a personal journey: my childhood home, the May Flower, was sailing , tack for tack, with the Blue Mermaid when she evaporated in front of them… Incidentally, the PLA have dived on the wreck and are working on bringing a fragment up for a memento for the Sea-change Sailing Trust.
The barge was blessed after a number of speeches including a formal welcome from the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall to all those who weren’t Cornish(!) and especially those from Essex!!
The blessing…
On her way…
Afloat…
Flying the Cornish and Essex flags with a Sea-change banner between.
The Blue Mermaid sitting serenely alongside the yards pontoon – doesn’t she look gorgeous…
My last glimpse as I worked my way up the steep pathways of Polruan to the car park with my Mate.
The barge is to closed up and towed by Thames Towage to Maldon. There is to be a special reception for her on 7 July at the Hythe.
Two things that were clearly obvious: the yard’s proud delight in building this vessel and the Trust’s deep satisfaction in the achievement. She will allow all year round work with clients. Currently they could utilise two vessels…
I believe she will cause a few ripples amongst the barging fraternity…