National Historic Ships
Working Together to Protect Britain’s Maritime Heritage
National Historic Ships UK (NHS‑UK) is the government‑funded organisation responsible for advising on the preservation of historic vessels across the country. The Cornish Maritime Trust is an active part of this national network, with our fleet recognised on the National Register of Historic Vessels and our work regularly supported by NHS‑UK.
This partnership strengthens our mission to preserve, sail, and teach the skills associated with traditional Cornish working boats.
Recognition for Our Historic Fleet
Several of our vessels are formally recognised by National Historic Ships UK, including Barnabas, the last surviving St Ives dipping lugger from a fleet of more than a thousand boats in the late 19th century.
In 2025, Barnabas was named one of NHS‑UK’s Flagships of the Year, an honour awarded to vessels that demonstrate exceptional public engagement and heritage value.
This recognition celebrates:
- Her historic significance
- Her active sailing programme
- Her role in teaching traditional lug‑rig seamanship
- Her contribution to festivals, events, and community outreach
NHS‑UK also highlighted Barnabas’s connection to the Newlyn Old Harbour restoration, emphasising the importance of her presence there.
Sharing Knowledge & Traditional Skills
The Trust works with National Historic Ships UK to document and share the unique skills required to sail and maintain lug‑rigged, gaff rigged and spritsail rigged vessels.
Together, we contribute to:
- National knowledge‑sharing initiatives
- Documentation of traditional rig handling
- Training resources for historic vessel crews
- Public engagement through festivals and open days
This collaboration ensures that the expertise held by our volunteers becomes part of the wider national effort to safeguard maritime heritage.
Part of the Shipshape Network
Through NHS‑UK’s Shipshape Network, the Trust connects with other heritage organisations, boatyards, and maritime groups across the UK.
This network supports:
- The regeneration of traditional maritime skills
- Access to specialist advice and resources
- Opportunities for collaboration and training
- National visibility for our projects and vessels
Our involvement ensures that Cornwall’s maritime traditions are represented and celebrated at a national level.
A Shared Commitment to Preservation, Education & Community
National Historic Ships UK and the Cornish Maritime Trust share a common purpose: to protect historic vessels, preserve traditional skills, and engage the public in Britain’s maritime story.
Through this partnership, we are able to:
- Strengthen our restoration and maintenance work
- Expand our educational programmes
- Promote traditional sailing to wider audiences
- Celebrate the cultural importance of Cornwall’s working boats
Together, we ensure that these vessels—and the knowledge they carry—remain part of Britain’s living heritage.
Join The Trust
By becoming a member of the Cornish Maritime Trust, you will be helping to preserve Cornwall’s extraordinary maritime heritage. Joining the Trust will also give you many benefits: the opportunity to sail on our boats, the chance to develop skills of sailing and maintenance, the chance to contribute your own skills, and membership of a diverse community of people.