Kathleen and May likely to set sail for a new horizon

From thisisexeter.co.uk

A "unique" tall ship and "national treasure" will close to the public next week and could soon set sail from the Westcountry for the final time.

The Kathleen and May, the last three-masted topsail schooner in the world, has been moored in Bideford for more than a decade while enthusiasts painstakingly restored the 100-year-old vessel to its former glory.

The ship is listed in the UK National Register of Historic Vessels – ranking it alongside such nautical celebrities as the Cutty Sark and the Mary Rose. But the district council has recently refused to extend a lease on a maritime centre at its Brunswick Wharf home, prompting the owner to consider letting the up-for-sale ship leave the port.

Steve Clarke, a local councillor and construction boss who spent £750,000 on restoration, says he is "disappointed" and thinks Torridge District Council is missing out on a "catalyst" for redevelopment.

Mr Clarke, who received an OBE for services to maritime heritage, says the vessel, estimated to be worth £2 million, is a national treasure and subject to an order preventing it from being sold abroad.

He says the ship, which has been on the market for more than a year, should be publicly owned.

"Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any support with local councillors and they have decided they want the yard back for their regeneration," he added. "Its future is now in the lap of the gods, but I have had five offers from other ports – it is unique and is like selling a Rembrandt."

The voluntary organisation behind the Kathleen and May will be forced to vacate the recently-opened maritime centre on Wednesday.

The two-year lease had allowed a trust to occupy buildings on the work in return for carrying out work to the value of £17,800 in lieu of rent. The council says the ship can continue to moor at the wharf and says it will ensure access.

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