Historic boat Vigilance of Brixham undergoes vital repairs

Thanks to £820,000 COVID-19 recovery funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, the former fishing trawler will continue to set sail from Brixham, south Devon. 

Vigilance is the last sailing fishing trawler constructed at Upham’s shipyard in Brixham. Built in 1926, the charming 111ft sailboat is a rare survivor of its type and one of just 200 vessels forming the UK’s National Historic Fleet. 

Today the Friends of the Vigilance operate the boat, offering short cruises around Torbay and the English Riviera coast. Vigilance’s sleek lines and tall gaff rigged sails are a distinctive and essential part of Brixham’s historic harbour setting.

At risk

The COVID-19 pandemic halted much of the Friend’s activities, devastating income and causing a two-year delay to essential renovations and maintenance. Repairs have become urgent if Vigilance is to continue sailing. 

Vigilance will be taken to a Plymouth dry dock where works will be carried out to the boat's stern, hull and keel. The works, expected to last 20 months, are the first phase of repairs needed to guarantee the its long-term future.

Celebrating 100 years 

Brixham sailing trawlers had an expected life span of 12 to 15 years. Thanks to the dedicated care of the Friends of the Vigilance and NHMF funding, Vigilance is now set to celebrate its centenary in 2026.

NHMF’s COVID-19 Response Fund

The £830,000  funding comes from the government’s Cultural Assets Fund, which NHMF has distributed as part of our wider £40m COVID-19 Respond Fund.