Kaskelot
Photo Rick Tomlinson

Plymouth’s historic Sutton Harbour is preparing to welcome its first tall ship visitor of 2017 – the majestic barque Kaskelot.

The three-masted vessel, one of the largest wooden tall ships still in commission, is sailing into Sutton Harbour in the heart of Britain’s Ocean City on 21 April for a three-week stay.

Originally built in Denmark in 1948 and once a support vessel for the Danish fisheries in the Faroe Islands, Kaskelot has more recently become famous after appearing in hit Hollywood films and TV dramas such as Cutthroat Island, Longitude and David Copperfield.

The world-class sailing ship will be berthed alongside Quay Road (alongside The Ship Inn) and open every weekend until she leaves Plymouth on 15 May.

Visitors can board Kaskelot for £3.50 per adult and £2 per child, and funds raised will be used to support the ongoing maintenance of the vessel.

As well as welcoming visitors and joining in the fun for Plymouth Pirate Weekend from May 12-15, Kaskelot will also be:

·         Running sail-training and history workshops for local primary schools, including fun sea shanty singalongs

·         Offering unusual team-building sessions for local businesses

·         Hosting corporate events on board

·         Jointly hosting a Ship to Shore arts and craft market on April 30th with live music and children’s activities, both on board and on the quayside in Sutton Harbour

The traditionally renovated tall ship is a popular sight in Plymouth’s historic waterfront quarter, drawing huge crowds when she last visited in 2015.

Jessie Atkinson, Ship’s Manager for Kaskelot, said: “We really enjoyed our last visit to Plymouth and are so excited to be back for a longer visit this spring, staying in Sutton Harbour for three weeks with lots going on.

“We’ve already linked up with half a dozen local primary schools as part of our schools’ engagement programme to help children learn more about how to rig and sail a traditional tall ship, and we still have space for more, so please get in touch if you think your school might enjoy this opportunity.

“We’re also offering local businesses the chance to use Kaskelot as a fantastic location for a team building workshop, so your staff can climb the rigging as part of trust and confidence building activities delivered by a highly experienced consultancy, and we are even available as a very special venue to host corporate hospitality events too.

“We’re excited about the Ship to Shore market, and taking part in Plymouth Pirate Weekend to round off our visit. It should be a great three weeks.”

The Ship to Shore market is open from 10.30am – 3.30pm on  April 30 and is free to attend, with more than 25 stalls based both on board Kaskelot and shoreside on Quay Square (near Cap’n Jaspers) manned by local arts and craft traders and food producers.

There will also be live music, sea shanty dancers, a choir, painting workshops, children’s workshops, a colouring competition and a chance to win a meal for five at Rockfish Plymouth.

During Plymouth Pirate Weekend from May 12-15, Kaskelot will be berthed alongside Quay Road along with another tall ship, the Johanna Lucretia, adding to the atmosphere for this hugely popular family event.

Throughout the day on Saturday May 13th and Sunday May 14, Kaskelot will be offering hands-on sail training sessions, suitable for all ages to learn more about how to set the sails – but from the comfort of a harbour berth.

Tickets for these sessions will cost £6 for adults or £4 for children, and include other on-board activities.

Mark Brimacombe, Marina Manager, said: “It’s always a delight to see a traditional wooden tall ship berthed in Sutton Harbour alongside the cobbled quayside, bringing the legendary maritime history of Plymouth’s famous harbour to life for our many visitors.

“We can’t wait to welcome Kaskelot back to Sutton Harbour; she is without doubt one of the finest wooden tall ships of her age still in commission, immaculately restored, and providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.

“It’s very exciting to be hosting workshops for local primary schools this spring, with children able to find out more about maritime history in a very atmospheric setting.”

To book a school workshop session for up to 40 children, priced at £5 per child, or to enquire about team building courses or corporate events on board, contact Jessie at jessieatkinson@sportcel.com

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