Ferry link proposal for Cornish coastal villages
TWO seaside villages on Cornwall’s south coast could be linked by a passenger ferry service.
A Gorran Haven resident is working on setting up the link between the fishing village and Mevagissey – a trip he believes would not only be a tourism boon but help commuters who often find it hard to find parking spaces in Mevagissey.
Mark Wherry has permissions in place to start the service but has launched a Crowdfunder appeal to upgrade his boat, Gorran Girl, into a small passenger ferry. If he is successful it would mean people could travel by ferry from Fowey down the coast via Mevagissey to Gorran and then be able to explore the Roseland peninsula.
The tree surgeon and landscape gardener, who is a member of Gorran gig club, said: “Both villages have different qualities – Mevagissey has the harbour and pubs and Gorran has the fish and chip shop and beach. This would allow people to experience both.”
He added: “I had the idea to start running a ferry between Gorran and Mevagissey as there is no boat service at present but there has been one in the past.
“The boat needs quite a bit of work to get it up to standard as a passenger ferry and some major alterations. It will also have to have a ramp to enable people to board from the beach at Gorran, plus all the necessary equipment and training. The money raised will help me achieve these goals.
“I have permissions from all relevant parties, local support and lots of positive feedback already. If successful I would like to expand the business in the future and employ local people to help run the services.”
Mark aims to raise £5,000 to turn Gorran Girl into a ferry, and his appeal can be found on Crowdfunder.