SPIRIT OF FAIRBRIDGE

 
 

Class:

B

Flag:

UK

Length:

27.85m

Rig:

Gaff Schooner

Year Built:

1985

Home Port:

Glasgow, UK

Entered By:

Fairbridge

Biographical Data:

Spirit of Fairbridge was built in Liverpool between 1981 & 1985 by the Merseyside Trust. The trust was set up to provide a boat building project for young Merseysiders working under the supervision of craftsmen. Spirit is a 92’ replica of a Liverpool pilot schooner, used in the days of sail to guide large merchant ships into the port of Liverpool.

Her construction is larch planks on oak frames. While her design is based on the original pilot schooner she has always been operated as a sail training vessel and is fitted out as such. She operates under the Maritime Coastguard Agency “code of practice” for small commercial vessels, and is inspected annually to ensure her safety equipment and procedures are all in order. Below decks she has a large forecabin to accommodate up to 12 young people, 2 heads (toilet compartments)3 staff cabins, a main saloon and galley area, wetlocker, engine room and lazarette. Above decks Spirit looks very much as an original pilot schooner which would have saved for now essential safety equipment such as life rafts, guardrails and rescue boat.

Originally Spirit of Merseyside between 1991 & 1996 she was renamed Spirit of Scotland through sponsorship by the power company Scottish Nuclear. In 1997 she was renamed again to Spirit of Fairbridge in deference to the Charity which has operated her since her launch in 1985.

Between 2005 and 2007 Spirit has undergone an extensive refurbishment below decks including a new engine/engine room, galley and head compartments & staff cabins. Most importantly the bilge areas under the cabin soles and water tanks have been exposed, properly cleaned back and repainted. While maintenance onboard is never ending it is hoped that the latest refurbishment will allow Spirit to continue to operate for years to come.

Spirit offers a unique experience to young people already engaged in the Fairbridge programme. Sailing on Spirit is part of a holistic development approach and we only refer young people who are ready for the experience and who will receive ongoing support returning to their ‘home’ team. By harnessing the motivation young people show whilst on board Spirit we are able to help them make life-changing decisions.

Further Information at:

www.fairbridge.org.uk/spirit
 
 
After two years of preparations involving an estimated 13,760 hours of voluntary effort, Waterford successfully hosted The Tall Ships Races 2011 from June 30-July 3.
It’s estimated that 500,000 people enjoyed the spectacle in the city and along the Suir Estuary. To all those individuals and organisations that made this huge international event possible and to the people of Waterford who embraced the occasion brilliantly – thank you. To those who visited Waterford, we look forward to welcoming you back soon and invite you to visit www.discoverwaterfordcity.ie to keep up-to-date on what’s happening in Ireland’s oldest city. To the sail training family at the heart of The Tall Ships Races, we look forward to your return!

Here we showcase a small selection of Dylan Vaughan’s photography from four magical days.