Sponsors
National Historic Ships UK acknowledges the financial support of its sponsors
Turn to Starboard is a Falmouth-based charity that was set up in 2013, with the aim of offering sailing experiences and training to UK service veterans. The main aim is to focus on well-being and re-establishing self-belief and motivation. At first, they used chartered boats for this experience, until Spirit of Fairbridge was gifted to them by The Prince’s Trust in 2014. Renamed Spirit of Falmouth (Spirit), she has since sailed over 1500 veterans and helped the charity to raise much needed funds while undertaking sponsors' voyages.
About Spirit of Falmouth:
Built in late 1984 as Spirit of Merseyside, she is a replica of the Liverpool Pilot Schooner, Leader, used in the 19th century in the days of sail to guide vessels into the port of Liverpool. Spirit is the last representative of her marque: all nine of her predecessors no longer exist. She is on the National Historic Ships UK Replica List, which was set up to provide an overview of all replica vessels which have been built in the UK or abroad to a UK design. This List is entirely independent of the National Register of Historic Vessels (NRHV) but is intended to identify replica craft for the purposes of research, public interest, filming or charters and to promote the traditional skills involved in building and sailing these vessels.
As the charity's flagship, Spirit of Falmouth provides 60% of their sailing experiences. At 92 feet long, 90 tons displacement and with a main mast 85 feet tall, she is an important part of maritime heritage. She regularly voyages between the Scillies to the west and Torbay to the east and is a well-known visitor to all the west country ports on the south coast.
Fundraising Appeal:
Whilst Turn to Starboard has been able to fund the routine maintenance and operation of Spirit since 2014, she now needs an emergency injection of money to enable them to fulfil next season's commitments. Simply put, the wear and tear of the last ten years and her previous lives means that they now need to invest some time and money in her to secure her future.
There is an immediate requirement to replace both her masts at a cost of £40,000 and all her sails at a cost of £46,000. Without this work, she cannot continue to sail.
Other grants and funding are being sought, but if there is any way that you can help, Turn |to Starboar would be deeply grateful, and your support would mean a great deal to a large number of service veterans.
Zone
South West
