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Heritage Tall Ship Leader Built in 1892 Arrives on Newry Canal, Co Down

29th April 2022
The 130 year old Brixham Trawler 'Leader' leaves Newry's historic Victoria Lock to navigate the Newry Ship Canal on the way to the vessel's new home at the Albert Basin in Newry where it will be used for the benefit of the local community. The 130 year old Brixham Trawler 'Leader' leaves Newry's historic Victoria Lock to navigate the Newry Ship Canal on the way to the vessel's new home at the Albert Basin in Newry where it will be used for the benefit of the local community. Credit: Belfast Telegraph-twitter

A 130-year-old heritage tall ship named ‘Leader’ has docked in Newry, Co.Down where it will be used for the benefit of the local community.

The Brixham trawler was formerly a survivor of the fleets of sailing fishing boats that once fished in the Irish Sea.

Northern Ireland Sailing Charity, Silvery Light Sailing, has received a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £244,975 for the acquisition of the 1892-built heritage tall ship to host community sailing programmes and further expand their traditional boat building skills workshops.

Sailing from Bristol’s Underfall Yard after dry docking and a maintenance refit, the 130-year-old Brixham trawler, arrived at the Albert Basin in Newry, County Down.

The heritage vessel is again destined to become a familiar sight in Northern Ireland’s ports providing a unique sailing experience for local youth and community groups, public open days and festivals.

Further coverage from the Belfast Telegraph and also from Silvery Light Sailing’s social media channels @SilveryLight.

Published in Tall Ships
Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals. 

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