Kathleen and May

Rumours abound in relation to that old schooner, Kathleen & May.

Some would have you believe that she is about to set sail for a trading career in the South Atlantic [ Mea culpa. Ed ] and some others have consigned her, yet again, to the ignominy of a permanent dry dock at Liverpool. However, as I understand it, the rumours are somewhat exaggerated as is often the case.
The ship, although not likely to be seen again in her old home port of Bideford, remains in the ownership of her saviour, Steve Clarke but is now managed by a training organization in Liverpool where she will be based for the forseeable future.
As this is being written she is being positioned with several other historic tall ships near Tower Bridge to form part of the great River Thames pageant celebrating the diamond jubilee of H.M.The Queen. It is then planned for her to voyage to Brest for the maritime festival, after which she is expected to return to Liverpool. Plans beyond the end of July seem sketchy but it is to be hoped that opportunities will continue to be found for Tommy Jewell’s old ship to ply the coastal waters she knew so well.

Colin Green