Two organisations devoted to the protection of historic vessels throughout the UK will shortly combine as The Maritime Trust will join forces with Heritage Afloat.
The Maritime Trust was established in 1969 in response to concerns at the steady loss of the nation’s historic vessels, while Heritage Afloat was established in 1994 to speak collectively for the owners and operators of historic ships.
In most cases, continued operation offers the best prospect of survival for historic ships and boats. Heritage Afloat has successfully resisted the closure and redevelopment of historic docks and slipways needed by such vessels for periodic maintenance. It also represents the UK at European Maritime Heritage, which campaigns at European-level for freedom for operators of historic vessels to earn their upkeep costs.
The combined organisation will adopt the title of Maritime Heritage Trust, and will have charitable status. It will encourage the formation of regional sections, the first of which covers Wales, where a major interpretive campaign called ‘Wales and the Sea’ will begin in early 2012, culminating with Cardiff County Council’s hosting of an international conference in October 2012 on the role of maritime heritage as an economic driver. For more information email John Robinson rob.crusoe@btopenworld.com
