This project is being completed by a group known as Turn to Starboard and involves the ongoing restoration and preservation of The Spirit of Falmouth. 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 - none of her nine predecessors exist any longer. In 2014 she was donated to Turn to Starboard by The Princes Trust and renamed the Spirit of Falmouth and since then she has sailed over 1500 veterans, continuing to train and allow ex-service personnel to experience mindfulness and wellbeing, as well as helping to raise much needed funds while undertaking sponsors' voyages. We all know from personal experience that time takes a toll, and vessels such as this are no exception. The masts have been surveyed in situ, the fore being condemned the aft requires removal for further examination. The sails have been assessed and reported to be beyond repair. The sails are now 40 years old and have reached the point that they can not be repaired further so the aim is to replace them. Without this preservation effort and investment, an important part of the nation’s sailing heritage could end. Although a replica, she is older than many of the service veterans from groups like Blesma, The Chelsea Pensioners, Fighting for Pride, We Salute You and many more military organisations who sail with her, not just for training but for wellbeing experiences. The Turn to Starboard team continues to demonstrate that vessels such as this have a valuable national role, and the Trust considers it an honour to contribute by way of a restoration award.
