The Kathleen and May is the only remaining West Country three-masted schooner of her type in the world – so is quite unique.  She was built in 1900 at Connah’s Quay in the North Wales ship yard of Ferguson and Baird.  Her owner at the time was Capt John Coppack and she was named Lizzie May.

In 1908 she was sold to Martin Flemming of Youghal in South East Ireland and her name changed to Kathleen and May (the names of Flemming’s daughters).

She sailed regularly between Ireland and the west coast of England carrying mainly coal. By 1931 she changed hands again having been purchased by Capt Jewell of Appledore in North Devon and continued trading with Southern Ireland until 1961 by which time the use of such vessels became unsustainable. She spent a few years in private ownership, unused and deteriorating badly.

In 1970 Prince Philip formed the Maritime Trust with the intention of preserving these various types of vessel from extinction.

The Kathleen and May was restored to exhibition level and opened to the public in Plymouth and London. The Trust was unable to continue with the care of the ships purchased, so the Kathleen and May was laid up in Gloucester Dock, once again falling into disrepair.

Fortunately there was a happy ending and the chance of a new beginning when she was found and bought by Steve Clarke OBE (awarded for his services to Maritime History) and restored by his enthusiasm and the skills of a team of shipwrights and craftsmen aided by a group of volunteers.

She is currently run by Steve Clarke, and by volunteers now known as the Friends of the Kathleen and May.

She goes to sea every summer, crewed by a group of professional seaman and volunteers, sailing to France, N. Spain, Ireland and the West coast of England, sometimes carrying a cargo of wine and always becoming a great tourist attraction wherever she visits.

 

Wendy Clarke

 

PLEASE MAKE OUT CHEQUES TO “The Friends of the Kathleen and May” WITH YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS WRITTEN ON THE BACK Learn more about this fascinating ship in the book ‘The story of the Kathleen & May’ (2005) available from:

 

The Friends of the Kathleen and May                                    Cost:    £5.00  incl p & p
c/o  The Lion Store
19 Barnstaple St
Bideford,
DEVON EX39 4AE