Mt.Edgcumbe, Saturday 4th August
The Huff
of Arklow Restoration Project - Eyemouth ISCA historical
craft collection.
Eyemouth
International Sailing Craft Association (EISCA) is the recipient of a grant of
£40,200 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) it was announced today. The award will go towards the restoration of the famous ocean racer
“Huff of Arklow” the historic sailing yacht based at Mashfords boatyard in
Cremyll, on the Rame
Peninsula.
Led by
volunteers from the local community, such as the social enterprise Maker
Junction and the Plymouth&Caradon Council, the project will focus on the
original restoration of this unique Uffa Fox design, the last remaining Flying
30’ . The yacht was built in 1951 and was at the
forefront of yacht design at that time, being one of the first sailing vessels
to be able to plane (lift up out of the water). The vessel now requires
conservation works to ensure her structural strength is not lost.
Cremyll
Keelboats, a trading name of EISCA, will run the project from their base at
Mashfords boatyard. The project will include a technical learning curve for two
young EISCA apprentices in boatbuilding under the professional support of the Falmouth Marine School.
EISCA is an educational charity dedicated to the preservation of historic craft
which shaped the relationship between the man and the sea. EISCA’s aim is to
make its wide collection available to the public. Through this project the
public will gain direct access to a unique sailing yacht at every stage of the
restoration process from the land-based renovation work to the practical use of
the boat during sail training voyages.
The project
will give the local community on the Rame Peninsula and beyond the opportunity
to learn about the development of yacht design in Great Britain during the 20th
century and in particular about the career of Uffa Fox and his experimental
designs. Public open days will be held during the course of the restoration, as
well as exhibitions and a lecture. In
addition a website will be created to illustrate the vessel and the work of
Uffa Fox. The first exhibition, starting on Saturday 4th August in
the English Gardens at Mt.Edgcumbe, will take place every Thursday to Sundays
from 10am to 4pm until 2nd September.
EISCA project
managers Dominic and Barbara Bridgman commented on the good news: “We are
thrilled that the “Huff of Arklow” project has been recognised for this grant
by the Heritage Lottery Fund. With HLF’s support we feel confident that a great
number of people will be able to enjoy Huff’s unique features.”
Commenting on
the grant award, Richard Bellamy, HLF’s acting Head of South West, said: “The
sea and sailing have an important place in the heritage of the South West, and
so we were delighted to be able to support this exciting project, which will
ensure that a unique vessel is restored to seaworthy condition and that the
work of its pioneering designer can be understood and valued by a wider
audience “
Name of
grantee organisation: Eyemouth International Sailing Craft Association
About the
Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money
raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains
and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to
take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to
archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every
part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported over 30,000 projects,
allocating £4.6 billion across the UK. Website: www.hlf.org.uk
For further
information, images and interviews, please contact
Barbara
Bridgman, manager at EISCA t/a Cremyll Keelboats
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