A Falmouth based sailing charity which helps forces veterans with PTSD is making a desperate appeal to raise more than £100,000 to repair its tall ship.
Turn to Starboard has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise £45,000 to go towards replacing the masts of the ‘Spirit of Falmouth’ which have rotted through.
They also need another £46,000 to replace the sails. Without the work being completed the charity will no longer be able to sail.
The charity was originally set up in 2013, with the aim of sailing UK service veterans.
The main aim is to focus on well-being and re-establishing self-belief and motivation.
At first, it used chartered boats for this experience, until ‘Spirit of Fairbridge’ was gifted to the charity by The Prince’s Trust in 2014.
It was renamed ‘Spirit of Falmouth’ (Spirit). Since then, she has sailed over 1,500 veterans and helped us to raise much needed funds while undertaking sponsors' voyages.
Spirit is listed on the National Register of Historic Ships (Registered Number is 2929).
Originally built in late 1984 as Spirit of Merseyside, she is a replica of the Liverpool Pilot Schooner, 'Leader', used in the 19th century in the days of sail to guide vessels into the port of Liverpool.
Spirit is the last representative of her marque: all nine of her predecessors no longer exist.
But now the charity needs to raise £45,000 to replace the ships masts which have rotted through.
“Spirit, as our flagship, provides 60% of our sailing experiences,” they say in their appeal.
“At 92 feet long, 90 tons displacement and with a main mast 85 feet tall, she is an important part of maritime heritage. She regularly voyages between the Scillies to the west and Torbay to the east and is a well-known visitor to all the west country ports on the south coast.
“Whilst Turn to Starboard has been able to fund the routine maintenance and operation of ‘Spirit’ since 2014 she now needs an emergency injection of money to enable us to fulfil next seasons commitments.
"Simply put, the wear and tear of the last ten years and her previous lives means that we now need to invest some time and money in her to secure her future.
“We have an immediate requirement to replace both her masts at a cost of £45,000 and all her sails at a cost of £46,000. Without this work, she cannot continue to sail.”
“We are seeking other grants and funding but if there is any way that you can help us, we would be deeply grateful, your support would mean a great deal to a large number of service veterans."
You contribute to the GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/f2bb0b58
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