58-years long story
The Jean de la Lune (JDL)
was built in 1957 in Brittany as a Staysail Schooner. She was initially designed as one of the last French wooden Sailing Fishing Vessels in Lorient and worked out of Douarnenez. She is constructed out of oak planks on an oak frame, and her graceful fine lines reflect those of a traditional French sailing vessel. JDL was originally designed for sail but was subsequently fitted with an engine as motors generally displaced sails in response to the economic demands of the commercial fishing environment.
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When her career as a fishing vessel ended in the mid 1970s, she was sold and converted by her new owners once again into a sailing vessel. The JDL was then taken to Colchester where her owners spent eight years stripping her down to the bare hull and rebuilding her as a Brigantine with accommodation for 4 crew and 12 guests in 7 well appointed cabins.
Today JDL is once again registered as a Sail Training Ship members of Sail Training International and all cruises advertised in the schedule section adhere to the strict rules defined by the MCA.
Sail training vessel means a sailing vessel which, at the time, is being used either:
- to provide instruction in the principles of responsibility, resourcefulness, loyalty and team endeavour and to advance education in the art of seamanship; or
- to provide instruction in navigation and seamanship for yachtsmen;
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JDL is built to reflect the original lines of a traditional sailing vessel and fitted as a Brigantine she is sleek, quick and manoeuvrable. Brigantines were the preferred type of a ship for all Pirates for their speed and quick escape.
What We Do
Jean de la Lune works closely with the Sail Training Charity to help take families and young people to sea. We have designed a school programme taking young people of all ages to sea. Check our dedicated web page www.schoolatsea.co.uk
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Sail Training is a great fun outdoor adventure activity for people of all ages and abilities. Not only teaching about traditional seamanship, keeping the skills of our maritime heritage alive, but through the learning of these skills and the experience of being at sea, Sail Training helps people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents and understand the value of working as a team. By confronting the demanding challenges, both physical and emotional, Sail Training inspires self-confidence and personal responsibility whilst promoting an acceptance of others, whatever their social or cultural backgrounds.
The
Sail Training Charity aims to reach out to communities to increase the awareness of Sail Training and the multitude of benefits it brings and to provide access for families and young people to participate in Sail Training through the provision of free or subsidised berths on board Sail Training Vessels such as
Jean de la Lune.
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In order to achieve these aims, the Sail Training Charity relies solely on the generosity of their supporters. If you would like to help us in our aim of taking young people to sea you can make a donation of any amount easily and securely. The Sail Training Charity is register with the
Small Charities Coalition.
What We Need & What You Get
The current owners EIP Sailing are committed to ensuring that the vessel continues to be maintained to the highest standard. She was moved from her berth in Leith, Edinburgh, and sailed to Poland where she underwent a comprehensive refurbishment and restoration whilst ensuring that all of the improvements remained true to the spirit of traditional wooden sailing vessel.
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Whilst the majority of work has been already done there is still plenty left for this year. We are collecting our funds for a major replacement of our two masts. This has to take place soon although a date still has not been set. It will involve taking off all sails, yards, ropes and days and days of hard work. We are constantly on the lookout for people who can help with the ongoing wood, metal and brass renovation. Estimated budget for this work you can find below:
- Masts and rigging replacement ~ £65,000
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Further cabins renovation ~£20,000
- Bathrooms renovation ~£10,000
- Galley renovation ~£20,000
- Additional navigation equipment for training purpose ~£10,000
- Additional safety systems (e.g. automated bilge pumps) ~£25,000
If you think
you can help in return for sailing - get in touch or buy our Perks and gadgets. There is place for everyone.
What we have already done
JDL has had a complete overhaul in 2014, from treating the wooden hull through to the new light-weight sails. Internally, JDL has been designed to feel cosy and comfortable whilst maintaining the wood panelling but with new upholstery in warm colours reflecting the feel of a traditional wooden ship.
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Today there is spacious and comfortable accommodation for 25 persons on board in 11 cabins: 1 single, 7 double, 2 triple and one for four persons.
Risks & Challenges
The only risk and the greatest challenge at the same time is you might fall in love with her - and you will want to come back. And often!
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