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 20^th 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 4^th August in the English Gardens at Mt.Edgcumbe, will take place every Thursday to Sundays from 10am to 4pm until 2^nd 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

www.eyemouth-isca.org

www.cremyll-keelboats.org.uk

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 

info@cremyll-keelboats.org.uk or office@eyemouth-isca.org