Hardiesse visits St Mawes

On 29 May 2014 at the invitation of St Mawes Sailing Club, in the evening Hardiesse went over to St Mawes harbour, and the skipper moored the ship stern-to at the quayside.

This was done by dropping the anchor in the middle of the harbour, and using a warp (heavy rope) tied to a bollard on the quay.  The anchor chain was paid out as the rope was pulled in, until the ship was held in position between the two.  There was almost no wind or swell in the harbour, and the rope/anchor arrangement held the ship not quite touching the quay, but near enough for people to step on board.  A couple of fenders were placed to protected the stern part of the hull if necessary.

About 100 people came on board to look around, going down the main hatch and emerging via the forward hatch.  Some enterprising people climbed the rigging (suitably geared-up with life-jackets and safety lanyards).

The event was arranged to say thank you to St Mawes Sailing Club and to another private individual who kindly contributed towards the cost of our AIS transponder (see page Where is Hardiesse now?).

When the ship’s instruments are switched on, you will be able to see the location of Hardiesse via the marine traffic website, for example:

http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/index/ships/range

It was an interesting evening and it allowed young people and parents to see the ship close at hand.  As a reminder, the Falmouth Sail Training Ship Hardiesse exists to provide the opportunity for young people to sail on a traditional sailing ship, at low cost or free for those who become regular crew.  The ship is run by volunteers and we are glad of any adults who are interested in helping with sailing or administration (there’s plenty of both!).  All the usual checks apply.  If you are aged above about 12, and you and a group of friends would like to arrange a day’s sailing (or longer), just get in touch.