For the first time in her 144-year life, the historic dipping lugger, Barnabas, thrilled spectators as her hull and rig lit up at the Newlyn Harbour Lights switch-on last Friday night. Moored against the 700-year-old Old Quay, the iconic shape of yesteryear was set off by a dramatic firework display, providing a fitting celebratory backdrop to an outstanding year for the vessel.
Barnabas is maintained and sailed by the volunteer-led Cornish Maritime Trust and 2025 has seen her home two prestigious awards: Classic Boat magazine’s ‘Centenarian of the Year’ and National Historic Ships UK’s ‘Flagship 2025’ status. The delightful display was made possible by the generosity of Cornish Camera Co, Newlyn Harbour Lights and TLC Electrical Supplies. It captured imaginations across the generations, near and far, with one young local reveller exclaiming, “It looks just like Moana!” and online follower Yvonne Colgan commenting, “Wow, Barnabas is certainly the Star of the Show!”.
Festooning the historic lugger took nearly 700 metres of lighting and several days of work for volunteers, led by father-and-son team Skipper and Trustee Rob McDowell and young member Pax McDowell, with technical expertise from Chris Yacoubian of Cornish Camera Co and Chris Cass of Mousehole Harbour Lights.
Barnabas is the last St Ives dipping lugger still sailing. Now based in Newlyn’s Old Quay, she brings local maritime history to life for locals and visitors alike. Providing educational opportunities for a new generation of heritage sailors, she’s often seen sailing across Mount’s Bay where a century ago hundreds of similar working boats would have graced these waters.
“We wanted to celebrate this exceptional year for Barnabas and share her with a much wider audience at this festive time,” said Trustee and Skipper, Rob McDowell. “It’s a thank-you to the community for all their support this year, and also a great opportunity to remind everyone of the shape of Barnabas’ beautiful lug rig as we look to the next task – fundraising for her new sails!”
Opportunities to sponsor a new sail in memory of a loved one
Having successfully raised more than £20,000 in 2024 to step two new masts and an outrigger, the Trust now faces its next major challenge: raising a similar sum to replace Barnabas’ four iconic terracotta sails in order to keep her sailing into 2026 and beyond. The charity is inviting individuals and individuals to sponsor or part-sponsor a sail, either as a community gift, or in memory of a loved one who cherished time on the water or was passionate about Cornish history. Opportunities for ‘in memoriam’ gifts begin at £1,000. Those sponsoring a large part of one of the four sails, may have a name discreetly stitched into the sailcloth, allowing precious memories to quite literally ‘sail on’ across Mount’s Bay for the next 30 years and more.
Those interested in contributing, including those exploring separate Corporate sponsorship opportunities, are encouraged to contact the Trust via Esmé Page: ep@esmepageconsulting.com
As Winter draws in, the Trust’s work continues with evening skipper theory training sessions for volunteers, ongoing boat maintenance, and the restoration of the Fisherman’s Rest on Newlyn Old Quay, which volunteers plan to develop into a community information and member training hub.
Press enquiries/dropbox link via: Esmé Page: ep@esmepageconsulting.com
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About the Cornish Maritime Trust
The Cornish Maritime Trust is a charity which exists to preserve Cornwall’s maritime heritage by maintaining and sailing working vessels from the days of sail. Run by volunteers, it aims to educate people about Cornwall’s maritime heritage, trains people of all ages in the skills associated with traditional sailing, restoration and maintenance, and shares the enjoyment of sailing historic working boats with community. The Trust operates four unique boats: Barnabas (1881 dipping lugger, 40ft), Softwing (1900 Truro River oyster dredger, 24ft) and Ellen (1882 Gorran Haven crabber, 17ft) as well as one replica (1890’s dipping lugger, 22 ft), Silver Stream, used for training.
The Trust is always happy to welcome new members with an annual membership scheme from £30 which makes sailing and learning affordable. The charity relies on donations and sponsorship to continue its vital work. To find out about membership or to support the Trust, please visit: https://cornishmaritimetrust.org/ or follow Cornish Maritime Trust on Facebook.
About National Historic Ships UK and the ‘Flagship of the Year’ awards
NHS-UKis a government funded, independent organisation which gives objective advice to UK governments and local authorities, funding bodies, and the historic ships sector on all matters relating to historic vessels in the UK. It maintains the National Register of Historic Vessels, which lists over 1,500 historic craft. It also manages the Shipshape Network, which was set up to promote the regeneration of traditional maritime skills around the UK. www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk
NHS-UK’s annual Flagship Awards have been running since 2009. The Awards provide an opportunity to demonstrate and celebrate the value of historic vessels to the wider public. This can be through a variety of online activities, special events, open days, workshops and tours. Competition was particularly strong for the coveted accolade this year. Applications were received from a range of operational and static vessels on the National Registers based on their seasonal programmes and planned level of outreach. NHS-UK has awarded four very different craft the status of Flagship of the Year 2025; this year they are all operational vessels.
