Brixham sailing club to rescue as heritage trawler looks for new home

The historic sailing trawler Vigilance of Brixham has secured a new harbour-side base just  months before she begins sailing again in her centenary year.

The volunteer-run charity that owns the vessel had been based in a barn at Berry Head for more than 20 years 

But it was forced to find new premises when the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust  went into liquidation.

A new home has now been found in the former sail loft of Brixham Yacht Club, overlooking Brixham Harbour and close to the vessel’s mooring on the Heritage Pontoon.

The space includes storage for equipment ranging from spare warps (ropes) and fenders to paint supplies, along with a small kitchen and meeting area for volunteers.

Vigilance of Brixham BM76 is owned and operated by a charity, and chair of the trustees Rob Murray said the move had turned an unexpected challenge into a positive development.

“We had used the barn for more than 20 years and when we were given notice to leave we wondered whether we would find anywhere suitable near our mooring in the short time available,” he said. 

“It’s funny how what first appeared to be a big problem has turned into a real benefit. The old barn provided storage and basic workshop facilities, but with the sail loft we have all that as  well as a small kitchen and a meeting area. There’s even electricity – this is luxury. The sailing gods were obviously on our side.”

Many of the charity’s volunteers answered the call for help and the entire contents of the old store  were moved to the new premises in just two days.

Volunteer Nigel Orme said:  “Not only do we have better facilities here, but everything is a lot tidier – although I do wonder how long that will last.”

Richard Spreckley, Commodore of Brixham Yacht Club, said the club was delighted to welcome the historic trawler’s volunteers to the former sail loft.

“We already count many of Vigilance’s volunteers among our membership and it is good to forge ven closer links. Heritage boats like Vigilance are an important part of Brixham’s maritime history and we are very pleased to be able to support the work being done to preserve her.”

Built in 1926 at Upham’s yard in Brixham, Vigilance is one of the last surviving Brixham sailing trawlers. Following a £1.6m restoration, Vigilance of Brixham has now returned to the Heritage Pontoon in Brixham Harbour and will resume half-day sailing trips around Torbay this summer – her centenary year.

Bookings are now open online, with a 15% discount available quoting code VIG15.Full details: https://vigilanceofbrixham.co.uk