FOR the first time in her 144-year life, the historic dipping lugger, Barnabas, thrilled spectators as her hull and rig lit up at the Newlyn Harbour Lights event on Friday, December 12.

Moored against the 700-year-old Old Quay, the iconic shape of yesteryear was set off by a dramatic firework display, providing a fitting celebratory backdrop to an outstanding year for the vessel.

Barnabas is maintained and sailed by the volunteer-led Cornish Maritime Trust and 2025 has seen her home two prestigious awards: Classic Boat magazine’s ‘Centenarian of the Year' and National Historic Ships UK’s ‘Flagship 2025’ status.

Festooning the historic lugger took nearly 700 metres of lighting and several days of work for volunteers, led by father-and-son team skipper and trustee Rob McDowell and young member Pax McDowell, with technical expertise from Chris Yacoubian of Cornish Camera Co and Chris Cass of Mousehole Harbour Lights.

The delightful display was made possible by the generosity of Cornish Camera Co, Newlyn Harbour Lights and TLC Electrical Supplies.

Barnabas, the last St Ives dipping lugger still sailing, is now based in Newlyn’s Old Quay, bringing local maritime history to life for locals and visitors alike.

Providing educational opportunities for a new generation of heritage sailors, she’s often seen sailing across Mount’s Bay where a century ago hundreds of similar working boats would have graced these waters.

“We wanted to celebrate this exceptional year for Barnabas and share her with a much wider audience at this festive time,” said Rob.

“It’s a thank-you to the community for all their support this year, and also a great opportunity to remind everyone of the shape of Barnabas’ beautiful lug rig as we look to the next task – fundraising for her new sails!”

Having successfully raised more than £20,000 in 2024 to step two new masts and an outrigger, the trust now faces its next major challenge: raising a similar sum to replace Barnabas’ four iconic terracotta sails in order to keep her sailing into 2026 and beyond.

The charity is inviting individuals to sponsor or part-sponsor a sail, either as a community gift, or in memory of a loved one who cherished time on the water or was passionate about Cornish history.

Those sponsoring a large part of one of the four sails, may have a name discreetly stitched into the sailcloth, allowing precious memories to quite literally ‘sail on’ across Mount’s Bay for decades more.

Those interested in contributing are encouraged to contact the trust by emailing Esmé Page via [email protected]

As Winter draws in, the trust’s work continues with evening skipper theory training sessions for volunteers, ongoing boat maintenance, and the restoration of the Fisherman’s Rest on Newlyn Old Quay, which volunteers plan to develop into a community information and member training hub.