Local MP Sheryll Murray was one of the guests of Polruan shipbuilding firm C. Toms and Son Ltd when the first Thames Barge for over 80 years was launched on Sunday.
The ‘Blue Mermaid’ is the most high profile vessel the yard has ever built. The vessel which will be fitted out in Essex is for the Sea-Change Sailing Trust.
The Sea-Change Sailing Trust was established in 2007 to give the disabled, disadvantaged and socially excluded young people an action centred learning environment through seamanship and maritime skills.
Outcomes include improving key skills and developing self-belief. They learn through working as a team and grow leadership abilities. They benefit over 200 people each season in this challenging environment.
After the event Sheryll Murray MP said, “It is fantastic that a local firm like C. Toms and Son can get this important contract bringing employment to the area. Their skills where very evident in the excellent barge that they have built. I have known what an excellent boat yard Toms have been since I brought my late husbands fishing boat to them for services as far back as the nineties.”