Fight starts to keep old gaffer in Devon

The brown-sailed, ketch-rigged trawler Provident which has been owned by The Island Trust for a quarter of a century is being sold.

Now Trinity Sailing which own and run Leader, one of the UK’s last sailing trawlers and Golden Vanity a classic yacht built on the lines of a smack are battling to keep Provident in her home waters.

All three craft were built in the same shipyard at Galmpton Creek on the River Dart and are chartered for cruises to the West Coast of Scotland, the West Country, Brittany and Northern Spain.

Provident is especially well known having sailed in and around Salcombe for decades. Trinity need to raise 200,000 pounds sterling. Anyone who wants to help should call them on 01803 883355 or email team@trinitysailing.co.uk