Businessman buys £195,000 Golden Hind to host son’s party
A BUSINESSMAN bought a £195,000 replica of Sir Francis Drake’s boat so that his son could have his 6th birthday party on it.
The Golden Hind in Brixham Harbour, Devon, was unsold at an auction last month. However Sean and Mary Twomey, who moved to Torquay eight years ago, decided to buy the replica after hearing it was still for sale.
Mr Twomey, who runs a youth hostel, said it was his son’s request to have his birthday party on the Golden Hind that made them decide to buy it.
“The kids are so excited they have been bouncing off the walls,” he said.
He originally viewed the boat with “no intention” of buying it, but “fell in love with it” after a look around.
The vessel, which has a heavy-duty steel hull, has been a tourist landmark in Brixham’s inner harbour since 1988.
The Twomeys now plan to hold children’s parties and creative writing summer holiday clubs on the boat.
Sir Francis circumnavigated the Globe on the original Golden Hind, setting off from Plymouth in 1577 and returning laden with riches in 1580.
Mr Twomey added: “Generations have grown up with it in Brixham and we would like to keep it here. We’re not going anywhere and the Golden Hind isn’t going anywhere – not on our watch anyway.”