Support Our History
In Memoriam Sail Sponsorship
Honouring Loved Ones Through Living Heritage
A Lasting Tribute Carried by the Wind
In Memorium
For those wishing to sponsor an entire sail, in memory of a loved one who cherished time on the water, there is an opportunity to have their name stitched discretely into the sailcloth.
The Cornish Maritime Trust’s ‘In Memoriam’ scheme offers a unique and deeply meaningful way to honour someone special. By sponsoring a new sail for one of our historic vessels, you create a tribute that becomes part of a living tradition.
As the sail is crafted, the name of your choice is carefully sewn into the cloth—becoming a permanent part of the boat’s story and a legacy carried across the waters of Cornwall and beyond.
This is remembrance not as a static monument, but as something alive, purposeful, and full of movement.
How the Scheme Works
The “In Memoriam” programme is designed to be simple, transparent, and personal. Every sponsored sail directly supports the preservation and active sailing of our traditional fleet.
1. Choose the Sail You Wish to Sponsor
Each of our vessels periodically requires new sails, handmade to traditional patterns.
Opportunities may include:
- Mizzen sails
- Main sails
- Jibs and staysails
- Topsails
We will guide you through the available options and the significance of each sail within the boat’s working history.
2. Provide the Name to Be Sewn Into the Sail
You may choose:
– The name of a loved one
– A family name
– A tribute to someone connected to the sea
The name will be carried on the sail through all its adventures.
3. Follow the Making of the Sail
Where possible, sponsors are invited to:
- See the sail during its creation
- Meet the sailmaker
- Learn about the traditional techniques used
- Understand the heritage behind the design
This process connects you directly to the craftsmanship and care that go into every sail.
4. Attend the Sail’s First Hoist
When the new sail is ready, we hold a small gathering to mark its first hoist.
Sponsors and their families are welcome to join the crew as the sail is raised for the first time—an emotional and symbolic moment as the tribute takes to the wind.
5. Watch Your Legacy Live On
Once in service, the sail becomes part of the boat’s active life:
- Sailing in Mount’s Bay
- Taking part in regattas and festivals
- Training new sailors
- Carrying forward the traditions of Cornwall’s maritime past
Your tribute travels with the boat, seen by crew, volunteers, and the wider maritime community.
Why This Tribute Matters
Traditional boats rely on the generosity and passion of those who believe in preserving Cornwall’s maritime heritage. By sponsoring a sail, you are:
- Supporting the ongoing restoration and maintenance of historic vessels
- Helping keep traditional seamanship alive
- Creating a lasting memorial that is active, visible, and meaningful
- Contributing to the future of community sailing and education
It is a way to remember someone not with stillness, but with movement—on the tide, in the wind, and across the waters they loved.
A Personal Connection to Cornwall’s Maritime Story
Every “In Memoriam” sail becomes part of a larger narrative: the story of the boat, the people who sailed her, and the community that keeps her alive today. Your tribute joins that story, carried forward with every voyage.