Historic boat Barnabas returns from 1,400 mile Celtic voyage

The 143-year-old working boat, Barnabas, returned to Newlyn Harbour after a 1,400 mile Celtic voyage.

Her two-month excursion was brought to an end on Saturday, as Barnabas was welcomed back by a crowd and the Cornish Maritime Trust (CMT) volunteers who oversaw the journey.

The 66 day voyage aimed to educate, preserve heritage and foster community connection.

(Image: Gillian Thomas)

The plan for the voyage originated from Dave Need, a shipwright who wanted a more sustainable way to transport the masts from Ullapool.

Consequently, it turned into a full-scale training mission intended to maintain historic boats and pass on the sailing skills to future sailors.

(Image: Cornish Maritime Trust)

During the six legs of the journey, up to eight volunteers stayed on deck or below, sleeping in confined encounters comparable to those of the 19th-century fishermen.

Sharing meals below the deck, their diet ranged from cuppa soup to fish stew, black pudding butties and occasionally a three-course meal.

They kept their personal hygiene by diving into the sea or pouring bucket loads of seawater.

The voyage united volunteers from 18 years to 79 years old, including 13 women and 18 people under the age of 30.

(Image: Cornish Maritime Trust)

Barnabas's followers were able to experience the voyage vicariously through regular updates on the CMT’s Facebook page.

The page presented atmospheric visits to iconic destinations, like the Isle of Man, and wildlife encounters, such as sights of minke and pilot whales, sea otters, seals, porpoises, and striking footage of dolphins following the historic boat.

The voyage also tested the crew's navigational and sailing skills to the edge, especially during unexpected Force 6 at night on the Irish Channel.

However, their restless efforts and persistence seemingly gave them a unique insight into the arduous and challenging life of their fishing predecessors.

To catch up on the skippers' logs, images, and videos of the voyage, or to learn more about the Trust, visit the Cornish Maritime Trust’s Facebook page.