Copied from The Sea-change Trust Site…

Contract awarded to build new sailing barge

The Sea-Change Sailing Trust works with young people with learning difficulties, vulnerable adults, those suffering social exclusion as well as young people interested in learning traditional sailing skills. We are a RYA Training and Sailability Foundation Centre and an Approved Activity Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

In order to further widen the range of activities available we have been fundraising to build a new steel sailing barge. She will be a replica of an original named Blue Mermaid, which was lost during the Second World War and was the last sailing barge built during their heyday, in 1930.

The contract to build the hull and deck has been won by Polruan based boatyard C Toms and Son, a long established builder of steel vessels and construction will start during the next few weeks. Following this she will be towed to Maldon later in the year for rigging and fitting out.

Blue Mermaid will enable us to offer more sea time than is currently available with the barges we rent. She will be engine less so will operate in a very low carbon environment. She will additionally have the ability to carry cargo under sail and to offer trainees the opportunity to consider maritime careers.

Sea-Change appreciates the support of both the Rt Hon John Hayes MP, Minister for Transport and Boris Johnson, Mayor of London.

See: http://www.seachangesailingtrust.org.uk/

And: http://www.ctomsandson.co.uk/

All I can add is my, and the mate’s, sincere good wishes for the new ship’s good future, may it be long and fruitful: she’ll be doing a job  essentially outside the original barge’s design expectations in that she’ll not only carry cargo, but do so with trainees aboard, bonding and achieving something constructive together…