Help Drew Save White Heather — A 1926 Cornish Lugger, A Piece of Living History

Ahoy, fellow sea lovers and history enthusiasts!

I’m Drew, and I’m reaching out to you today with a cause that’s close to my heart. I need your help to save and rebuild White Heather, a 99-year-old Cornish lugger, and a vital part of our maritime heritage.

Built in 1926, White Heather is one of the last remaining examples of the iconic Cornish luggers — those sturdy, graceful vessels that once ruled the seas along the coasts of Cornwall and beyond. These boats were not just ships; they were lifelines to the people of Cornwall, working day in and day out to bring in the harvest from the sea — the catch that fed families, sustained communities, and kept the Cornish fishing industry thriving for centuries.

But as the years rolled on, change came like a storm on the horizon. With the invention and adoption of the engine, the traditional way of life that the luggers embodied was destroyed virtually overnight. The gentle hum of wind in the sails was replaced by the loud rattle of engines. The craft and skill of sailing these magnificent boats — passed down through generations — began to fade into memory. Entire communities that relied on the rhythm of the tides and the wind for their livelihood watched as the sea changed, and so did their lives.

White Heather carries that lost history within her timbers. She is not just an old boat; she’s a link to the past — to the stories of men and women who lived and worked on the Cornish coast, to the sense of pride and community that once flourished around the traditional fishing industry. Her sails may have been stilled by the winds of time, but her legacy is not over. With your help, we can ensure that White Heather is restored to her full glory, so that the generations to come can sail her decks, learn her history, and keep alive the spirit of the Cornish luggers.

Why is it so important to save White Heather?

Heritage: These boats are symbols of a way of life that has all but vanished. The Cornish lugger communities were known for their close-knit bond, their unique knowledge of the sea, and the craftsmanship that went into building these vessels. Preserving White Heather means preserving that heritage.

Education: By restoring White Heather, we create an opportunity to educate future generations about the history of Cornwall's maritime culture. Young sailors, shipwrights, and those interested in traditional boatbuilding will have the chance to learn from a living piece of history.

Inspiration: There's something magical about seeing a Cornish lugger glide across the water, her sails catching the wind, a reminder that tradition and modernity can live side by side. White Heather isn't just a boat — she’s an inspiration, a beacon for preserving our past while looking forward to the future.

But, like all old boats, White Heather needs care, expertise, and time. The process of restoring her to her former glory will take significant resources: materials, skilled craftsmen, and, of course, the passion of all of us who believe in saving what we can before it’s lost forever.

This is where YOU come in.

Every penny you contribute will go directly to the restoration of White Heather — a beautiful, historic vessel that has weathered nearly a century on the seas. Your support will help fund the work needed to rebuild her hull, restore her rigging, and give her new life on the water once more.

So I ask you, fellow lovers of history, of the sea, and of Cornwall — please consider donating to this cause. Whether it's £5, £50, or £500 — every donation brings us closer to saving this incredible piece of history.

White Heather has been through many changes since she was built as a fishing boat for the Thomas brothers of Mevagissey in 1926, she is currently in a shocking state with a gaff cutter rig, I plan to rebuild her from the waterline up and reinstate the proper, traditional, dipping lug rig that would have been seen on the horizons around England for centuries before the engine destroyed this way of life. Help me bring White Heather back to life, and help us ensure that Cornwall's rich maritime legacy is never forgotten.

Thank you for your support!

With gratitude and salty winds,

Drew