The Cornish Maritime Trust.

The Cornish Maritime Trust owns three historic, Cornish craft. Between them they have the three most important working sail rigs traditionally used in the historic Cornish fishing industry. They are sailed by our members and shown at as many of the traditional boat shows and rallies as possible. Visit our Sailing programme to see where the boats will be over the coming months.

Everyone is welcome to join as a member. Not all our members sail, some simply want to support us, attend our social events, talks etc. and meet up with like minded enthusiasts. We also hope that new sponsors will support us and thereby feature on our website.

The Trust was formed in 1994 with the object of preserving examples of historic working boats and their gear; showing them and how they were worked to as wide a public as possible.

The oldest and largest of the boats is Barnabas, a 40ft dipping lug rigged St Ives Mackerel Driver, built there in 1881. She is one of the few survivors of that vast fleet of West Country luggers, which fished all round the British Isles. She has undergone major restoration funded by the HLF, and has been refloated in the Penzance Wet Dock. Sailing on Barnabas is a unique experience and there is the added advantage of the beautiful Cornish coastal scenery.

The next oldest is Ellen, a 17ft Gorran Haven Crabber, built in 1882. She is sprit rigged and once again is a unique example of what was once a vast inshore fleet of small craft, comprising potters, longliners and netters. She will be based in Mousehole harbour for the 2008 season.

The youngest boat is Softwing, recently restored thanks to HLF funding and now sailing again in her home waters, the Carrick Roads. She is a 24ft Truro River Oyster Dredger, built in 1900. As one of the several types of vessel classed as Falmouth Working Boats, she is one of the few with her original sail plan. She is gaff rigged and was once sailed and worked by one man.