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A 110-year-old Cornish fishing lugger has been brought to Newlyn harbourside
for major restoration - and hopes are high that she will sail again.
She was last in the port nearly 70 years ago. Work on the massive task
has begun by owner John Lambourn, 57, who spent 30 years in Hong Kong.
He is the son of artist George Lambourn of Mousehole and younger brother,
Sam, is a leader in the Cornish fishing industry. The St Ives lugger 'Ripple'
SS19 has had a remarkable history and, says Mr Lambourn, "when restored
will be come part of Newlyn's marine heritage."
She was brought by road from Penryn on Monday and 'brought ashore' by
crane after 68 years as a houseboat in and around the Fal estuary.
"The 44-ft long overall, 15-tons Ripple is a survivor. As far as
is known there are only two other original double-ended sailing fishing
luggers left and one of these is on the East coast of America.
"These distinctive fishing boats, peculiar to West Cornwall, were
once commonly seen off Cornwall, fishing with nets for pilchards, mackerel
and herring.
"This is a unique boat with a long and colourful history. Although
now dilapidated, she is to be rescued by a full restoration to seagoing
sailing conditions at Newlyn.
"Newlyn was chosen as the ideal location because this is where Ripple
landed most of her catch and would have so much to contribute towards
the presentation of its fishing heritage envisaged by the Newlyn Fish
Industry Forum."
Built in 1894 - at St Ives or perhaps Newlyn - she was registered two
years later at St Ives and fished until 1933 under the ownership of the
Barber family, through Bessie Barber. The first skipper was William and
his brother Matthew died in the lifeboat tragedy of 1937.
Mr Lambourn who has made his home in the port said: "It is not restoration
for restoration's sake. People will be able to go on board and we are
going to try to give her a new function when the work is complete.
"But she will be returned to full sailing conditions to sail in
local waters." The Newlyn Harbour Commissioners have provided a site
on land adjacent to Cosalt on The Strand.
This site, which is large enough to take the boat plus some working and
observation space, was chosen because it provides an opportunity for the
local community - and others who are interested - to watch the progress
of the restoration.
This, in turn, will lead to advice and draw out memories and artefacts.
"Such responses will also help fill in gaps in knowledge about these
luggers which might otherwise be lost to future generations.
"Advice has been promised on how these boats were built and rigged,"
he commented. She was originally a sailing lugger, principally by two
lugsails carried on two masts. This was later boosted in 1915 by the installation
of a 13hp port wing engine.
"Following a bad experience in a gale William Barber decided that
Ripple should be lengthened by ten feet. She came to Peake's at Newlyn,
sawn in half and ten feet added in her middle. This was probably done
in 1927 when two new engines of 26hp were fitted.
"This would have meant the end of sail as the main means of propulsion,"
John remarked.
"Following a serious engine room fire in 1933 at Newlyn, only put
out with the help of the fire brigade, Ripple ceased fishing."
Then came the years as a houseboat on the Fal, 50 of which were under
the ownership of West Cornwall man Ralph Tomlin.
After having several other owners she sank at her moorings and had to
be taken ashore.
SS 19 will prove a popular attraction in England's top fishing port in
the coming months and years.
Article copyright THE CORNISHMAN
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