Boat project sails on
ALL hands were on deck at the recent Helen Blake replica project launch in the Talbot Hotel, where a large crowd arrived to register their interest.
The project was established to honour the nine lifeboatmen who lost their lives while trying to save sailors off the Wexford coast in 1914. It is the brainchild of David and Keith Power, who are descendants of one of the crew members.
Deputy Norwegian Ambassador Solve Steinhovden, who attended the centenary ceremony in 2014, made his return to Wexford to open the launch. He said it was a privilege to be invited and given an opportunity to meet the community who are committed to honouring the bravery of the crews who went to rescue the crew of the Norwegian schooner Mexico.
Dr Yvonne Byrne then outlined the details of the project and spoke about how it could benefit the local community. As the construction is to be carried out as part of a TUS training programme, she explained how the project could offer employment to 18-25 year olds who will receive training in both carpentry and boat-building skills. In addition to this, it is also expected that the replica will become a tourist attraction in the county.
A video from Naval Architect Theo Rye was played to the audience, in which he spoke passionately about the Helen Blake project. Wexford County Council Chairperson Tony Dempsey then paid tribute to the Fethard community saying that this project highlights the willingness of local people to get involved in events in their local community.
Mark Brennan concluded the evening by speaking about the crowdfunding element of the project and pointing guests towards the site Indiegogo should they like to donate. Once funds have been gathered for wood, the construction can begin under the supervision of local shipwright John Colfer, who counts the Dunbrody as one of his previous projects. The work is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.