THE historic sailing vessel Garlandstone, moored at Morwellham Quay, is to be recommissioned this weekend, writes Alan Gregory.

The current owner — the National Museums and Galleries of Wales — is handing the vessel over to Morwellham in recognition of the successful restoration.

A new ship's bell will be presented by the Morwellham and Tamar Valley Trust and 'eight bells' will be sounded at midday.

'After an owners' tour of inspection, the formalities will close with a tot of rum all round,' said quay director Peter Kenwright.

Morwellham will be open as usual and all visitors will be invited to witness the ceremony which promises to be a colourful occasion with music and sea shanties, he said.

Weather-permitting, the Garlandstone's sails will be raised and she will be 'dressed overall' — decked from stem to stern in bunting.

'This generous gift is wonderful news for us and recognition of the efforts of my predecessor Gary Emerson, the trust, the staff and volunteers,' said Mr Kenwright. 'We intend preserving this historic vessel for future generations to admire and enjoy.'

The Garlandstone was the last wooden merchant sailing vessel, save one, to be built in southern England.

She was built on the Devon bank of the Tamar, opposite Calstock, by master craftsman James Goss and launched in 1909.

From the outset she was described as 'a pretty little vessel, with a beautifully rounded counterstern and a jaunty bow, her sides showing a gentle curve throughout'.

She is 76-foot long with a 20-foot beam, a gross tonnage of just less than 76-ton and a carrying capacity of 100-ton.

But she ended up a hulk in Portmadog Harbour after an eventful life. Eventually she was towed back to Morwellham for restoration just a stone's throw from the place of her birth, by Morwellham's engineering director Bob Le Marchant.

The ten-year restoration was carried out by an enthusiastic band of volunteers and staff led by master shipwrights Tommi Nielsen, of Gloucester, and Alan Williams, of Essex, many of whom will be at the ceremony.

The restoration was able to take place thanks to funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, the European Economic Redevelopment Fund, the Science Museum and the Friends of Morwellham.

The ceremony will take place aboard the vessel at 11.45am on Saturday June 24.