HISTORY OF VIGILANCE

The restored sailing trawler BM76

Vigilance is a piece of living Brixham history. Built in Brixham in 1926, she worked with the local fishing fleet before seeing war service as a barrage balloon mooring vessel. Since then Vigilance has been used as a gentleman's yacht, film vessel, charter boat and adventure training craft in France, the Faeroe Islands, Ireland and the Isle of Man. She has now returned to her home port and is proudly owned, maintained and sailed by Brixham people. An excellent article on her history was printed in the September 1999 issue of Classic Boat magazine. There is also an excellent booklet "History of Vigilance" by marine historian Janet Cusack.

PRESERVATION of VIGILANCE

OWNERSHIP. Vigilance is owned by The Vigilance of Brixham Preservation Company Ltd., a company dedicated to the preservation and use of the last Brixham sailing trawler built. The shareholders are mainly local people with a love of historic sailing vessels. The company runs with charitable aims and objectives. Shareholders give their time voluntarily.

OBJECTIVES. The company aims to keep Vigilance based in Brixham, Devon, England, and to use her for the benefit of the people of Brixham. It is hoped that as many Brixham residents and visitors as possible will visit her and enjoy the unique experience of a voyage on this classic sailing boat. The owners actively encourage local schools and youth organisations to visit her as a living museum. In summer months Vigilance is frequently moored on a public access pontoon on the Southern side of Brixham harbour. If anyone is on board, please ask to be shown around.

RESTORATION & MODERNISATION. Vigilance has recently been refitted, restored and sympathetically modernised. The differing requirements of modernisation and restoration have been satisfied by providing comfort below decks whilst preserving the exterior looks and sailing qualities of this historic vessel. She is certified for commercial charter sailing. All safety and emergency equipment are to the latest standards. Her sails are progressively being replaced with sails of the original colour. (The colour of this text on this page!). Modern radar, GPS, echo sounder and VHF radio equipment is fitted. All cabins have been refurbished with comfortable bunks. There are three heads (marine toilets) each with wash basin with hot and cold running water.

MAINTENANCE. The owners intend to keep Vigilance in a seaworthy and shipshape condition, sailing as often as possible. The costs to date have been borne by the philanthropic owners. Visitor half day sailings and a limited number of charters are carried out each year to help with the substantial maintenance costs.

In winter 2003/4, a new engine was fitted. In winter 2004/5, work included fitting a new mainmast, upgrading the electrical systems, installing an EPIRB, fitting new heads, renewing the anchor chain, a total rigging overhaul and replacing a large section of the aft-deck and supporting timbers. In winter 2005/6, both bowsprit and mizzen mast were refurbished, the mizzen gaff was renewed, battery capacity was increased, new deck lights were fitted and the saloon stove renewed. In addition we purchased and felled a tree that is now being seasoned before eventually becoming a new mizzen mast. For winter 2006/7, we plan to replace the water tanks, renew the main boom, refurbish the forward cabins and fit an inverter.

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