Please select your home edition
Edition
Pantaenius 2022 - SAIL & POWER 2 LEADERBOARD ROW

Blue Mermaid gets under way for first sail

by Don Ramsay 8 May 2019 15:08 UTC

In 1930 one of the very last sailing barges was launched, her name was Blue Mermaid. Her end together with that of her crew came during the war when she was mined in the Thames Estuary.

In May 2019 a full-sized replica of Blue Mermaid undertook her first shakedown sail in the River Blackwater.

Commissioned by Sea-Change in order to further develop their work with young people, Blue Mermaid was built by Toms and Son in Polruan and towed to Maldon, Essex for fitting out and rigging by Heritage Marine and James Lawrence Sailmakers.

Like her elder twin she is built of steel, remains engineless to deliver a low carbon operation and differs only in order to comply with modern maritime safety regulations.

The Sea-Change Sailing Trust makes a real impact on the lives of young people. Blue Mermaid will enable them to work with cargo in commercially minded training courses and take traditional seamanship training to a new level, giving them the opportunity to consider a career in the maritime world.

The charity will continue in parallel to deliver its traditional work residentially at sea with young people experiencing learning difficulties, suffering exclusion, disadvantage etc. in a structured and safe yet challenging environment.

To learn more please visit seachangesailingtrust.org.uk

Related Articles

Jazz Turner Faces Everything and Rises
Non-stop, solo, unassisted British Isles navigation has captivated sailors & non-sailors alike Jazz Turner's Project FEAR, her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles in her Albin Vega 27ft yacht has captivated sailors and non-sailors alike. Posted on 2 Jul
60m Perini Navi Sailing Yacht Katana delivered
An important milestone in the relaunch of the Perini Navi brand The Italian Sea Group is proud to announce the delivery of S/Y Katana, a 60-metre sailing ketch. This marks an important milestone in the relaunch of the Perini Navi brand, now fully integrated within the Group. Posted on 2 Jul
Packing for a Summer Sailing Weekend
Just because it's summer doesn't mean you're going to stay warm and dry all the time Just because it's summer doesn't mean you're going to stay warm and dry all the time, particularly when you're out on the water. The day may start windless, with a little dew on the ground, but a sea breeze can pick up in the afternoon. Posted on 1 Jul
Jazz Turner completes Project FEAR
Drama right to the end in her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles Jazz Turner has completed Project FEAR, her non-stop, solo, unassisted navigation of the British Isles in her Albin 27 yacht. A flotilla of supporters met her in Seaford Bay, which grew and grew the closer they came to Brighton Marina. Posted on 1 Jul
New Zero Weight 2-in-1 Shorts from Henri-Lloyd
When the weather's hot, there's nothing better to keep you cool on or off the water When the weather's hot, there's nothing better than Henri-Lloyd's Zero Weight 2-in-1 shorts to keep you cool on or off the water. Posted on 30 Jun
Barton Marine Partners with Amarcord Marine
To Distribute Product Range in Hungary Barton Marine continues to expand its distribution network through the appointment of Amarcord Marine Ltd in Hungary. Amarcord Marine is the sister company of Galco Yachting Ropes, a well-established family-owned manufacturer. Posted on 30 Jun
Preparing my boat for crossing the Atlantic
Nico takes you aboard Sine Finis, revealing essential steps in preparation for an ocean crossing Sailboats navigate through harsh environments, saltwater, waves, wind, and high forces, sometimes violent. Whether sailing for an hour or preparing for an ocean crossing, ensuring my boat is ready and well-equipped is always a priority. Posted on 30 Jun
Grand Soleil 65 Performance
A new chapter in the Plus line Following the success of the Long Cruise version, Cantiere del Pardo unveils the new Grand Soleil 65 Performance: the sportier evolution of a model already celebrated for its elegance, build quality, and onboard comfort. Posted on 29 Jun
Project FEAR is in the final few days
Charity circumnavigation almost over, in record time, with a record total raised Jazz Turner is expected to reach home (Brighton Marina) on Monday 30th June or Tuesday 1st July. She has sailed round the British Isles - all round Ireland and the Shetland Islands - without any assistance in 27 days so far. Posted on 28 Jun
Royal Thames YC 250th Anniversary Thames Pageant
24 RTYC member vessels are set to converge on the tidal Thames and form a flotilla through London London's Royal Thames Yacht Club will mark a very special anniversary at St Katharine Docks this month. Celebrating its 250th anniversary, 24 RTYC member vessels are set to converge on the tidal Thames and form a flotilla through London. Posted on 27 Jun
Henri-Lloyd Dynamic RangeSunstorm Marine - Winch Handle BagCure Marine - Cure 55 - Footer