Sutton Harbour is preparing to welcome two historic tall ships when they sail into the city this summer bringing organic and fair-trade products with the aim of promoting food sustainability.
The last remaining operational 1800’s Tamar Barge, ‘Lynher’ and a replica three-masted lugger boat ‘Grayhound’ will arrive in Guy’s Quay in Sutton Harbour for a one-day event on Thursday 22 June.
Members of the public will be able to browse and purchase the produce brought in by the boats while they are moored up. It will be laden with a variety of extra virgin olive oils, olives, organic almonds, chickpeas and wine from Portugal, as well as Colombian chocolate bars, cocoa powder and panela – unrefined sugar.
The arrival of the historic vessels is part of the wider ‘Sail Trade South West’ initiative helping to educate people about Devon and Cornwall’s rich maritime heritage. The one-day event at Sutton Harbour is expected to be popular with visitors and locals alike.
The event, supported by Plymouth City Council, is being organised by the not-for-profit Community Interest Company, Lynher CIC, which is helping to restore these historical ships and educate coastal communities about carbon emissions related to food transport and distribution in the UK.
Lynher CIC was formed in 2016 and has received a grant of nearly £250,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to begin work on their latest project. The organisation is restoring the 1930’s Port Mellon lugger boat ‘Ibis FY519’ to help promote the benefits of having a net-zero carbon, circular food economy.
‘Ibis FY519’ will also create volunteering and learning opportunities with chance for the community to learn new skills such as boatbuilding, seamanship, digital skills, cooking, and dancing.
Lynher CIC is working with New Dawn Traders to bring together a network of small producers and beautiful sailing ships. You can pre-order produce to collect from the boats on the day between 11am and 6pm. Order online at www.openfoodnetwork.org.uk/sail-trade-lynher/shop
Sutton Harbour, with its proximity to the Barbican, is considered one of the finest places on the south coast for heritage ships to visit and its historic backdrop and variety of local amenities and facilities makes it an ideal location. From the Mayflower’s first voyage, the harbour’s historic cobbles draw boat enthusiasts to the area all year-round.
For more information about Lynher CIC, visit www.tamarbarge.org.uk
