| Photographer: | bobjak [View profile] | Title: | SPIRIT OF FAIRBRIDGE | Added: | Sep 09, 2012 | | Captured: | September 08, 2012 | IMO: | Unavailable | Hits: | 118 | | Location: | Oban, United Kingdom | | Photo Category: |
Traditional rig sailing ships from 120'(36.6m) LOA | | Description: | Spirit of Fairbridge was built in Liverpool between 1981 and 1985 by the Merseyside Trust. The trust was set up to provide a boat building project for young Merseysiders working under the supervision of craftsmen. Spirit is a 92’ replica of a Mersey bay pilot schooner, used in the days of sail to guide large merchant ships into the port of Liverpool.
Her construction is of larch planks on oak frames. While her design is based on the original pilot schooner she has always been operated as a sail training vessel and is fitted out as such. She operates under the Maritime Coastguard Agency “code of practice” for small commercial vessels and is inspected annually to ensure her safety equipment and procedures are all in order. Below decks, she has a large forecabin to accommodate up to 12 young people, two heads (toilet compartments) three staff cabins, a main saloon and galley area, wetlocker, engine room and lazarette. Above decks, Spirit looks very much as an original pilot schooner would have, save for now essential safety equipment such as life rafts, guardrails and rescue boat.
Originally Spirit of Merseyside between 1991 and 1996 she was renamed Spirit of Scotland through sponsorship by the power company Scottish Nuclear. In 1997 she was renamed again, Spirit of Fairbridge after the charity which has operated her since her launch in 1985.
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