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CAMBRIA
TRUST Restoration of the famous Thames Sailing Barge 'CAMBRIA' Why save the CAMBRIA? |
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are other sailing barges in existence, but CAMBRIA has a special
significance, having been the last true representative of commercial sail
in Western Europe, carrying her last cargo under sail alone in 1970, well
into the era of the container and the 38 ton lorry.
CAMBRIA has always attracted interest since the day of her launch in 1906. Her skipper (and subsequent owner), the late Bob Roberts immortalised CAMBRIA in various books on his life at sea. During the past 30 years she has also been the subject of a number of television and radio programmes and magazine articles, including a 4 page section in the Sunday Times Colour Supplement. Not least, CAMBRIA was a handsome vessel with a beautiful hull shape. Those who knew her in trade well remember the picture she made with her russet red sails, grey and black hull, black bulwarks with gold leaf ecorative line and scrollwork at both bow and stern. When fresh from a refit she was more akin to a yacht than a trading vessel. Upon reflection, there is no need to justify the restoration and preservation of something that is intrinsically beautiful. Even in these utilitarian days, a thing of beauty is still a joy forever. |
