Celtic Maritime Connections News
You can read our previous news here
Celtic Maritime Connections the web site
This web site has been a great success, both for the project and to tell you about the ships and the stories of our maritime heritage today.
It is about the opportunities to see tall ships and traditional vessels and to keep you updated with their news.
(Again, if you have any Tall Ship or traditional vessel news, please forward it to me and I will gladly include it in these pages)
I also use this site to refer to maritime history, relevent to archivists and family historians, but in the main I have continually supported festivals and Maritime Heritage.
Even though the project has now finished, the web site will continue running for as long as it is possible. However, I would ask all readers to help by fowarding me any news or information that you believe is relevant, so that we can include it here and keep it all running.
A last footnote, I am sure we all know of some struggling Tall Ships and Large traditional Vessels, this is just a word of thanks and encouragement to those that struggle with the financial burden, they might not always see that we appreciate them, but without them our maritime Heritage would be considerably weaker.
So if you see one visiting a port near you, make an effort and go to see it, your few pounds will help us preserve these national treasures.
The Celtic Maritime Connections Project
The Interreg project that has developed the whole idea of Maritime Heritage as a tourist attraction in West Wales, has now drawn to a close.
The project partners finally produced a book on the Milford Haven waterway as a conclusion to the project, entitled "Pembrokeshire's HIdden Haven". The book is designed to take the reader on a journey through time travelling up the waterway to the limit of navigation at Haverfordwest and is an example of the story of the rich heritage that surrounds the Welsh Coast.
The Book is available at book stores throughout Pembrokeshire.
I have met with many people during the three years that I have managed the project, I have spoken my thoughts and listened to many ideas and hopes. I have been lucky enough to have worked with a dedicated team of partners and volunteers and can only praise the work of Pembrokeshire College Mitec and the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society.
Together we have highlighted the opportunities for young people in the traditional marine environment and shown that Maritime Heritage is in fact a real tourist attraction that can create change in the economies of the coastal regions of Wales. Hopefully we have set the seed for future strategies that will take advantage of our sadly neglected Martime Heritage and hopefully it can be a part of the regerative process around our coasts.
We know that this path is a long one and that it is also a difficult one, but the enthusiasm of those involved must surely win through and the true advantages harnessed to a great use. Now is definately the time to move forward and I would hope all the readers of this site would lend their support to make it all happen.
Opportunity for Wales
In this age of recession and depression, Celtic Maritime Connections has made a further step forward in its agenda to create a single unified voice in Welsh Maritime Heritage.
By linking to regeneration, tourism and social issues we are developing an approach that uses the Welsh Maritime Heritage and culture of the coastal regions as a driver. Training opportunities for those that have missed out in the past will be pivotal, with a policy of inclusion and respect. Together we have a chance to create an opportunity for Wales, if you want further information please contact Richard James on the contacts page.
The London Boat Show at Excel
This year I was lucky enough to meet one of Yachtings greatest adventures whilst at the London Boat Show, I am of course talking about Tom McNally!
Tom the most down to earth hero I have ever met, wooed us with his stories and tales of the sea as we stared with disbelief at the tiny craft that is to take him, yet again accross the Atlantic. For some of us an Atlantic crossing under sail might be a dream, a fantasy never achieved, Tom has done it 8 times and each time in a smaller and smaller boat.
Now some call Tom mad, some call him a fool, but if you look carefully you will see one of the bravest and most capable persons you might meet and all in the name of Cancer research!
take a look at the Sail4Cancer site Tom McNally Sail4Cancer
Whatever you do, dont laugh, or regard him as a fool, but rejoice in the fact that here is the UK's unsung sailing hero, a man with a heart to achieve something for us all with no regard for money or his own position, there aren't many about like him!
Semaine du Golfe
As the links between Milford Haven and the Morbihan develop, the Seafair team have now been invited to Semaine du Golfe and we are now delighted to announce that Wales will be the official hosted country at the event for 2009.
More News will follow soon.
for further information and for further opportinities to take part, call Richard James, via the contact page
The Tenby Lugger
The last surviving Tenby Lugger, which has been held for safe keeping by the National Museum of Wales at their Nantgarw site is to be handed over to the people of Pembrokeshire in the care of the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society.
It is early in the planning stage but the society intend to restore this 1897 vessel using traditional skills and at the same time telling the story of the history and culture of the community that she was a part of..
When the vessel is completed it is planned that it will be used for local festivals and events and to bring traditional sail training opportunities for young people.
Picton Castle visits Milford Haven
The Tall Ship Picton Castle visited Milford Docks this September, the Picton Castle, star of Sky TVs Tall Ships Chronicles came back to Milford after almost 80 years.
The Picton Castle is a 3 masted barque that now and works out of Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, she is 179ft long and carries 12450 sq ft of sail on her soaring masts.
She has sailed around the world 4 times and is said to be the most travelled Tall Ship afloat today, apart from her modern day fame, our other interest is her historical association with the Port of Milford Haven.
She was originally a Castle class trawler and fished from here before the second world war (1929 to 1930), she was then requisitioned as a minesweeper during the war and helped guard the Thames, she took part in the Dunkirk evacuation and she helped clear the mines surrounding Norway where she is still hailed as “The Liberator of Norway”
Now she is representing the Sail Training Association of America, who have very high regard for her.
This is not a huge tall ship, she is an obvious conversion from her original trawling days, howevershe is beautifully presented and her history and voyages are second to none.
Image courtesy of Pembrokeshire Photography
Celtic Maritime Connections representing Wales at the start of the Tall Ships race in Liverpool
The Tall Ships race is organised by Sail Training International and even though it is a Tall Ships extravaganza, it is all about Sail Training, Youth and Culture.
Whilst it is wonderful to see these huge majestic vessels with their skyscraper masts and the crowds that pour in to see them, this is a very different maritime event to the heritage events we normally see. The Tall Ships races do contain aspects of maritime heritage and they undoubtably attract people but here the focus is Sail Training and young people.
Now the concern that I have with this, is that we dont have sail training here in Wales and the authorities in Wales dont appear to be concerned about that!
I have just come back after meetings with ASTO and the STI and it is generally accepted that where Wales is, there is a large hole and it is Welsh youth that miss out on such an obvious opportunity of learning and experience.
I wont go into the number of white papers that have been produced explaining the advantages of Sail training for young people, suffice to say the skills that it provides can be life changing.
I have it on good authority that Wales was offered to host the end of the Tall Ship race in 2012, the Olympic year. A bid was submitted and was recieved with enthusiasm, however due to the short sighted approach of the Welsh Assembly Governement they withdrew their funding from that bid!
So what would a Tall Ships Race mean to Wales, obviously Tourism and obviously media attraction (like no other, as there is no other spectacle like this) But the real points that are being ignored are, Youth and the Sail Training opportunity we dont have, Maritime Heritage which our elected members appear to ignor and the cultural significances to the entire country.
As you might have guessed the Tall Ships bid was placed by Cardiff City, as this is one of the only ports that can take these ships in these numbers at the moment, unfortunately the Tourism significance is dumbed down by the city as it is an attraction in itself. So it appears that a decision was made on this criteria alone."why have Tall Ships when we can fill the hotels without them?"
Do We In Wales Want to Have the Tall Ships Race here in our country?
Do we in Wales as a Nation support the whole thing that the Tall Ships Races represent?
The only way we can achieve this is by a unilateral approach, it is time our young people had opportunities and it is time we as a nation proudly fly the Tall Ships race flag.
I would be interested in anyones comments and obviously interested in everyones support, come on all you Welsh Mariners, let us all campaign for this Welsh agenda.
Huge and Gracious Tall Ships at Liverpool Wellington Dock
The Tall Ships race Liverpool
Seafair Festival a great success
From the 17th June 2008 Milford Docks proudly hosted Tall Ships, The Jeannie Johnston took her place at the quayside together with the "SquareSail" Barques of Kaskelot and the Earl of Pembroke and in addition on Thursday the 19th June the French schooner La Recouvrance joined them for the weekend.
Through a mixed bag of weather I am pleased to say that, again thanks to South Hook LNG and Milford Haven Port Authority, we succeeded in bringing down over 2000 schoolchildren to visit the ships. Each one taking away their own unique experience, each one a potential Tall Ship sailor and each one enjoying every minute of their visit.
On the quayside we had traditional music, food and events, the Cutty Sark team joined us and put on a wonderful exhibition of traditional crafts in the marquees and the quayside buzzed with life.
All in all it was a huge success regardless of the wind and rain.
Seafair 2008
The Jeannie Johnston
La Recouvrance
Jeannie Johnston to come to Milford Haven
The Jeannie Johnston is deputising for the Dunbrody to come to Milford Docks this June
The Jeannie is a well travelled three masted Barque which has told the Irish emigration story on her travels, whilst she is in Milford she will be supported by the Dunbrody players and once again Pembrokeshire schools are welcome aboard her to experience the emigration and slavery story first hand thanks to the sponsorship of South Hook LNG
Bristol Channel Pilot Cutters at Milford Haven
The Bristol Channel Pilot Cutters Owners association were in Milford for the May 3rd Bank Holiday this year.
Cariad winning the first race
Cariad and Mascotte battling for the pilot's work!
(Photographs coutesy of Mike Crutchley www.pembsphotos.co.uk )
As a first ever 3 day pilot cutter event to be held from Milford Haven there were three Pilot Cutters taking part
Mascotte
Marguerite
Cariad
The Pilot Cutters enjoyed varying weather conditions, close racing and a great deal of enjoyment during their stay at Milford Haven. It was an ideal location with inner harbour racing for heavy weather days and coastal courses for milder condiotions
Welsh Boat Show
The West Wales Maritime Heritage Society will be manning a stand at this second show in Carmarthen over the first May Bank Holiday
Halcyon in Milford Docks
We are pleased to be hosting Halcyon once again in Milford Haven, she is in pristine condition having just come out of Tommy Nielson's yard in Gloucester arriving at Milford via Cowes.
Come down to Milord Docks over the first ten days in May to see this beautiful 95 foot classic gentleman's yacht, for those interested in chartering follow the link
What has 2008 got in store for us?
Here we are in March and the year is begining to take shape and what a busy year it is going to be.
This is of course Seafair year, 2008 marks the second Seafair which is a bienial event and so far over 200 vessels have shown an interest in coming to the Milford Haven waterway.
Seafair is taking place from the 18th to the 25th June, a wednesday to a Wednesday and scheduled to allow travelling time to and from this event and linking nicely to Brest, Belfast and Liverpool.
This year also promises a visit from the widely acclaimed Barque "Picton Castle" a vessel which, in her other life fished out of the port of Milford and which people from all around the area are excited to see. www.picton-castle.com
Another vessel which passes close by and which we have extended our hospitality to, is the Viking Ship Sea Stallion! www.seastallion It would be fantastic if we could entice her to come into the Haven and follow in the footsteps of the Vikings that settled here in Pembrokeshire. watch this space!
Also have planned is a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter race weekend on the first bank holiday in May. This is being sponsored by the Port Authority and organised by the Bristol Channel Pillot Cutters Owners association and we hope we will have a few Pilot Cutters in to do battle over the weekend. For more details please contact myself in the first instance, Richard James 01646696371.
Meanwhile on land we are working with the South Wales and North Wales Boat Shows and carrying on from 2007 spreading the maritime heritage word and getting people in touch with their maritime identity, after all this is a maritime nation!
The Pembrokeshir Gig association
We are very lucky in Pembrokeshire as we have our own gig, this is a big rowing and sailing vessel based on the Bantry Bay Gigs. It looks like a baby Tall Ship and it is incredibly good fun to use. It gives us in Pembrokeshire an opportunity for youth groups and communities alike to use it to build team spirit and to learn to work together as a team. On
London National Boat Show
The Project was lucky to be invited to be hosted at the London Boat Show by the Classic Boat Magazine, we were pleased to be a part of their stand and we met and talked to many people involved in the Maritime Heritage of the UK.
Again I am not suprised to hear that so many people feel we have lost our maritime identity in this country, it is something we have been discussing for some time, that as a maritime nation we have almost forgotten that heritage.
The Cutty Sark team where also on the same stand, together with Pembrokeshire College MITEC students, showing traditional boat building skills and large scale restoration skills.
The numbers of passing people who stopped to stare and ask questions was unbelievable, which makes you believe that people are interested in our maritime heritage!
Another year, Happy New Year 2008
It is another year with Celtic Maritime Connections and the winter has been a busy one.
CMC went to Southampton Boat Show to visit the HMS Bounty replica and to talk maritime heritage.
HMS Bounty is a beautiful Ship It was built for the movie . The MGM studios commissioned the Bounty's construction in 1960 for Mutiny on the Bounty with Marlon Brando. The Tall Ship Bounty Foundation acquired the ship as a donation from its previous owner, Ted Turner, in 1993. In February of 2001 the H.M.S. Bounty was purchased from the Foundation by the Tall Ship Bounty Organization LLC.
The Tall Ship Bounty Organization LLC is dedicated to keeping the ship sailing and using her as a vehicle for teaching the nearly lost arts of square rigged sailing and seamanship
Also towards the end of last year the Project and I were invited to speak at a North Wales Symposium for Maritime Heritage and Tourism, it was a great honour to speak and we met many new and interesting people there and thanks to their great hospitality during the visit.
Welsh Sail Training - an opportunity for youth
Celtic Maritime Connections in conjunction with its partners and other interested parties are driving an agenda for youth sail training opportunity. Using smaller vessels to access the smaller ports of Wales we are trying to establish support that would allow all Welsh youth the chance to learn the lifeskills that being under sail in a traditional craft at sea brings.
Whilst other parts of the UK and other European Countries understand the advantages of Sail Traing for youth, we in Wales sadly have no such agenda. Edinburgh University showed in its recent study that the advantages gained through Sail Training were significant to the development of young people, by facing challenges, working together as teams and understanding leadership.
It is shocking when you see the statistics in Wales
Watch Rhodri Smith's video here Hwylio Cymru? Sailing Wales?
Anyone interested in knowing more or in supporting us with this agenda, please contact me, Richard James on cmc@mhpa.co.uk
Seafair Milford Haven 2008 taking shape
Organisation for next years Seafair event on the Milford haven waterway is begining to pick up pace with almost seventy applicants already and a number of larger traditional vessels and tall ships expressing their interest.
This event promises to become the primary Welsh traditional and classic boat festival and is set in the future to encompass the culture and heritage of Maritime Wales.
Watch this site and www.seafairhaven.org.uk for updates
Finally Lost the Battle? Is this the end? What is our Government doing to preserve our Maritime Heritage?
The Kathleen and May is for Sale !
After years of financial hardship, using all his personal funds, Steve Clarke has had to finally step back and put the Kathleen and May up for sale.
This ship is of such enormous historical significance as a heritage vessel for the Uk, the West Country and Wales in particular, the last trading schooner.
The last of a breed that was built all along the coast, that every farm and coastal community was associated with, being as it was the main means of transport of goods and cargo.
Can we stand back and see her go? Is it right that yet another part of our heritage be sold to the United States where they at least see the significance of such things?
Or will she slowly be left to rot in the mud at Bideford ?
The Maritime Policy for the EU states
" The EU should give attention in analysing legislative obstacles to the achievement of maritime objectives to those which hamper activities and promoting aspects of maritime heritage and identity. It can use Community funds to help coastal regions to build the institutions needed to preserve their maritime heritage."
Yet in Wales and in the UK as a whole we continually live in the hope that private individuals take on the role of the maintenance and preservation of our maritime treasures. Our long dead nation that once ruled the waves is sitting back in rheumy silence whilst other countries see and understand the importance of this preservation.
The costs associated are becoming prohibitive to private individuals now and the question should be asked, why should individuals be left with that task?
We must all face the fact that a serious economic business of charter or exhibition will never be cost effective here. Therefore the sooner a realism, which has occurred in the United States and is occurring in Northern Europe, seeps through the closed doors of our parliamentary buildings the better.
Until that day happens will we all sit sadly and watch the death throes of our Heritage Vessels, frustrated by lack of commitment and vision?
For these are some of the greatest tourist attractions we can ever have.
Aberaeron Bi-Centenary Saturday 28th August 07
Celtic Maritime Connections and the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society are pleased to be supporting the Port of Aberaeron in the bi-centenary of its charter.
Come along and meet the crew, it is an opportunity for all to become involved, see the Atlantic Challenge Gig and find your nautical ancestors with Reg Davies on hand to talk to you.
The project is keen to support and help in events accross Wales to promote Welsh Maritime Heritage
Grand Turk's visit to Milford
Milford Haven was again proud to host the Grand Turk, whilst deterioration in the weather prevented day sails, everyone remained positive and enjoyed looking around the ship.
Talk of Pirates and the like!
With all the talk of Pirates of the Caribbean and Pirate ships being discovered wrecked off the coast, it is time we told some home truths about, perhaps the Greatest Pirate, our very own Black Bart, Barti Ddu also known as Bartholomew Roberts.
The most successful raider in the history of piracy, he took prisoner an astounding 470 vessels, and so renowned was his ferocity that many of those ships were surrendered to him without a fight.
Born in Wales, 325 years ago this month, he went to sea in 1695 at the age of 13. He served on British merchant vessels before fighting in the 1702-1713 War of the Spanish Succession. Apart from a brief mention of him as mate of a Barbados sloop, he is not heard of again until 1719, when he sailed as third mate aboard the slave ship Princess.
The Princess was anchored at a small, semi-derelict fort on the Gold Coast of West Africa (present day Ghana) when she was captured by two pirate ships, the Royal James and the Royal Rover, led by another Welshman, Captain Howell Davis.
Roberts was said to have been reluctant to be forced into piracy - but he soon saw the point of it. A contemporary quotes Roberts as saying: "In an honest service, there is thin victuals, low wages and hard labour. In this, plenty and satiety, pleasure and ease, liberty and power...
"No, a merry life and a short one shall be my motto."
Thanks to the Daily Mail for the above information
Strangely Pembrokeshire people dont seem to be aware that one of the worlds most significant pirates came from the county, whilst he was infamous and often brutal as a Pirate leader, it was not unusal for brutality in the early part of the18h century. This was after all before the Irish potato famine in an age where the value of life, especially that of the poor, meant little. So we should perhaps also recognise the skills and accomplishments of a farmer's son from Pembrokeshire who sailed the Caribbean and became one of the most able Naval tacticians of his time.
The Grand Turk due into Milford Haven
The Grand Turk wass due into Milford Haven on Friday the 31st June and was due to be taking passengers on day sails whilst she wass there.
Although the ship was being delayed slightly due to the weather conditions in Ostend, it was expected that she would arrive in time to take her passengers out
Kathy Mansfield Photographer
As the Seafair Milford Haven 2008 organisation begins to gather pace, here is a chance to catch up on some of last years photographs. Visit Kathy Mansfield Seafair pictures and explore some of Kathy's other photographs while you are there, including the 2007 Semaine du Golfe photographs
Rhodri Smith Artist
Celtic Maritime Connections is pleased to include the work of Rhodri Smith on this web site, visit "Art and Culture" and click on Rhodri Smith. Rhodri creates pictures of traditional and classic vessels from around our coasts,
follow the link on the page to visit his web site
Welsh Boat Show
Celtic Maritime Connections and the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society were at the Welsh Boat Show with stands displaying Tall Ships and traditional and classic vessels, we were supported by the Milford Haven Port Authority and the vessels the Dunbrody, the Kathleen and May, the Ruth, Sail Josephine, the Keewaydin, Halcyon and the Svanskar.
The first view of the Seafair Milford Haven 2008 event brochure was available hot off the press and tickets for the Grand Turk day sails from Milford Haven were on sale.
If you would like more information or to be included in other events like this, contact me via the contact page.
Irene update
We have more news about the Irene and the progress of her rebuild, go to Projects/Ships and follow the link to the Irene page or click Irene below
Keewaydin comes to Milford
On Thursday 26th May the Sailing Trawler Keewaydin will be coming into Milford Docks. The Keewaydin is one of the last sailing trawlers still in existence, it will be her first voyage since she was recently rebuilt on the Teifi estuary.
With Milford's history so closely linked to the Fishing Industry, it is very special to see a sailing trawler in the Dock once again.
Ships and Classics and Celtic Maritime Connections
The project continues to link to and support Historic Vessels, Tall Ships and Classic Yachts, details on these can be found on the Projects pages of this web site.
Celtic Maritime Connections at the Boat Show
Celtic Maritime Connections will be found at both the Welsh and the South Wales Boat Shows this year. We will be accompanied by the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society and our partners and sponsors.
Tickets for the Grand Turk day sails will also be available at the Welsh Boat Show, come along and meet us.
Halcyon arrives in Milford Haven
This week Milford Haven welcomed a magnificent classic yacht to the home of Seafair and the welcoming warmth of the Secret Waterway of Pembrokeshire.
Halcyon was built in 1929 by Thorneycroft for Lancashire industrialist Sir Samuel Turner. She still sported a bowsprit, but Bermudian rig was revolutionary then, with the advantage over gaff that it could be handled with smaller crews. Her life as a gentleman’s yacht was only the start of her adventures.
In 1957 Halcyon was acquired by the Warsash School of Navigation to temporarily replace the famous ‘Moyana’ (winner of the first tall ships race). Halcyon proved so successful as a training vessel for hundreds of British Merchant Officer Cadets that the school kept her for 32 years and never built the topsail schooner designed for them (The replacement design was sold to the Sail Training Association and became the ‘Sir Winston Churchill’). |
In 2006 Halcyon underwent an impressive professional refit with painstaking attention to detail at Tommi Neilsen’s Yard in Gloucester to restore her to her 1920’s glory, from her new copper sheathed hull to the interior panelling and fittings.
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For further details on SeafairMilford Haven 2008
contact Richard James email: cmc@mhpa.co.uk or telephone: 01646 696371
Tall Ships and Classic vessels of all sizes are welcome to this second Seafair which promises to be bigger and even better than last time and is idealy placed for the later Brest and Liverpool events
Masts and Yards
The masts and yards event held in Milford Haven on Friday March 16th was a great success. The evening was dedicated to the culture of the sea and the songs and shanties that were sung painted evocative pictures of our seafaring history.
It was agreed by all that this was a great first step towards bringing a greater dimension to Maritime heritage, as Gary Jones said, "the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society look after the boats and we look after the stories and the songs, together we tell the full story of our seafaring past"
Masts and Yards a Session of Salty Singing
Come to the Lord Nelson in Milford Haven on March 16th and listen or take part in this great evening, as we try to bring together everyone interested in the music connected with our Maritime Heritage.
The evening which is being put on by PLANED in conjunction with Celtic Maritime Connections, is being supported by Pussers Rum and there will be a prize of a bottle of Pussers Royal Navy Rum that they have donated for the occasion.
Pussers Rum - www.pussers.com
Tall Ships visiting Milford Haven in May and June
On the events page you will see that we have visits from the Stavros S Niarchos on the 24th May until the 27th May and the Grand Turk from the 31st May until the 4th June
The Grand Turk (Hornblower Ship) will be doing 5 hour day sails in the Haven as well as being open to visitors alongside and for those more intrepid sailors we have also available passenger places on the feeder trips to Milford Haven from Ostend and to Barrow In Furness from Milford Haven. Places are limited on these longer trips so contact the Celtic Maritime Connections office as soon as possible for details.
Celtic Maritime Connections accommodation links
We are keen to list accommodation providers throughout Pembrokeshire, for those interested in linking from this web site please contact the Celtic Maritime Connections office
See the Accommodation Providers section on the links page.
Cardiff Pier Head Building -
After considerable campaigning by this project for this Welsh Maritime Heritage icon to be used for something more befitting its standing, I am pleased to report that the Welsh Assemble Government is now giving this building back to the people of Wales.
We must all now make sure that it is used to tell the story of Maritime Wales.
The Kathleen and May
Celtic maritime Connections is proud to be able to present a link to the Kathleen and May website, The Kathleen and May is a frequent visitor to the port of Milford Haven where she always receives a warm welcome, the ship has a long history of trading around the Irish Sea Coast and was probably the last sailing trader to have visited Pembroke Castle quay.
Seafair Haven 2008 Dates released
It has now been agreed that Seafair Haven will take place from:
Wednesday the 18th June - Wednesday the 25th June 2008.
Events
Look at the events page for the 2007 events, with visits from Tall Ships, river festivals
Salty Sea songs and Aberaerons Bi-Centenary we are beginning to get a great
calendar
A Happy New Year - 2007
We are all looking forward to 2007 with thoughts and proposals for an all Wales Maritime Heritage voice, the WWMHS have been central to this idea and would welcome peoples thoughts on the subject, already groups in North and South Wales have been approached and everyone is in complete support.
You can read our previous news here
