THERE was a strong community turnout for the National Historic Ships UK 'Flagship 2025' Award Ceremony for Barnabas on Friday, June 6 at the Old Quay in Newlyn.

Hannah Cunliffe, director of National Historic Ships UK, drove six hours to deliver the smart red, blue and white pennant and the brass plaque for the boat in person. She even managed a quick sail with the trustees and crew before the ceremony.

The event was attended by the mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds and town clerk James Hardy, as well as over 50 members of the community, with folk and shanty music provided by a 15 year old volunteer on the Melodion.

Photo by Penzance Council
The ceremony took place in Newlyn. Picture: Penzance Council

Mayor Reynolds spoke of how proud he was of the trust and the boat which is ‘flying the flag for Kernow!’

Photo by Penzance Council
Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds. Picture: Penzance Council

The 144 year old St Ives dipping lugger, Barnabas, is one of just four flagships named by National Historic Ships UK for 2025 - all of them operational boats this year.

Photo by Penzance Council
From left to right: Dave Need, Hannah Cunliffe, Will Bauress (CMT Volunteer), Rob McDowell, Toby Floyer (CMT Chair of Trustees) and John Brooks (CMT Trustee). Picture: Penzance Council

Hannah spoke of the very stiff competition and praised the hard work of all the Cornish Maritime Trust volunteers in maintaining the boats, training the next generation of sailors and flying the flag for historic ships.

Photo by Penzance Council
Rob McDowell (CMT Trustee), Hannah Cunliffe (director of National Historic Ships) and Dave Need (CMT trustee) with the pennant and brass plaque. Picture: Penzance Council

Hannah pointed to the events Barnabas will be attending in her ambassadorial role, beginning with Falmouth Classics at the weekend and Looe Luggers later in the Summer.

Photo by Penzance Council
Hannah Cunliffe speaking to the community. Picture: Penzance Council

Alexandra Bolitho, patron of the Cornish Maritime Trust (unable to attend because of the Royal Cornwall Show) expressed her joy on the award. She said: “Our maritime heritage is so strong in Cornwall and has played such an important part in Cornish life and culture, so I’m thrilled for the Trust - and it’s richly deserved.”

Barnabas, which was built in St Ives in 1881, will be sailing over to Falmouth from Newlyn tomorrow (Wednesday, June 11) to compete in the Falmouth Classics.

Two of the Cornish Maritime Trust’s other historic boats will also be there in their home port: Softwing (1900’s Truro River Oyster Dredger) and Ellen (1882 Goran Haven Crabber).

All three boats will be moored to the Haven Pontoon and volunteers are looking forward to welcome visitors. The Pontoon is open to the public each morning before races circa 9.30-10.30am.