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The Spirit of Fairbridge' was built in Liverpool and completed in 1985 by the Merseyside Trust which was set up to provide a boat building project for young Merseysiders working under the supervision of craftsmen. She is a 92 foot replica of a Mersey bay pilot schooner, used in the days of sail to guide large merchant ships into the port of Liverpool.

Built using of larch planks on an oak frame her design is based on the original pilot schooner she has been operated as a sail training vessel. Below decks, she has a large forecabin to accommodate up to 12 young people, two heads (toilet compartments) three staff cabins, a main saloon and galley area, wetlocker, engine room and lazarette. Above decks she looks very much as an original pilot schooner would have, except for now obligatory safety equipment such as life rafts, guardrails and rescue boat.

Originally named the Spirit of Merseyside between 1991 and 1996 she was renamed Spirit of Scotland through sponsorship by Scottish Nuclear. In 1997 she was renamed again, Spirit of Fairbridge after the charity which has operated her since her launch in 1985. She is now know simply as 'Spirit'

Between 2005 and 2007 Spirit underwent an extensive refurbishment below decks including a new engine/engine room which will allow her to continue her extensive work with young people. She is seen here moored in Greenock with a new crew just out of shot eager to get aboard.

Continuing with memories; the tall ships event has been in Greenock twice and provided an amazing spectacle. On the first occasion, the weather wasn't kind but we, accompanied by family from NZ, enjoyed the sights and sounds of these majestic ships, a happy time with far off family and memories to be treasured,. The second visit was two summers ago, the weather was amazing and this time the twins were here, just at the right age to be enthralled by these craft, their crews and the entertainment that went with the event. It was wonderful to see the docks as they must have been in the age of sail bustling, busy, bedecked in sail, although not for the sailors of days gone by the welcome of an army of ambassadors to assist with their every need.

She will sail with the tide this evening I suspect, here is hoping for fair seas and a following wind for her eager young crew... The Spirit of Fairbridge...Enjoy

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