National Maritme Museum Cornwall
The National Maritme Museum Cornwall (NMMC) stands alongside the harbour between the Docks and the eastern end of town. The NMMC holds the Small Craft section of the National Maritime Museum, and also runs themed exhibitions and events. It opened in Falmouth on March 14th, 2003.
November 2004
(The tower on the skyline is an old meteorological observatory, now a private house.)
Ellen McArther, round the world single-handed speed record, 2004 - 2005
And so, in late December, Ellen left Falmouth for the start point of the attempt off Ushant. From then on, the world watched her progress in the media, especially via the internet. When it looked as if the record attempt would succeed, the NMMC prepared for a celebratory welcome home, with a big screen for live updates and a countdown clock!
I couldn't be at Events Square (in front of the NMMC) for the finish, but I followed it at home on the internet, like millions of others. Ellen set a new World Record of 71 days, 14 hours, 18 minutes, 33 seconds. If someone had told me, when I was a teenager learning to sail, that a woman would one day sail around the world alone in just two months, I wouldn't have believed it!
Now there remained just the short hop back across the Channel for the celebrations.
The day of B&Q's return dawned bright and clear as the winter sun rose over Pendennis:
The day of B&Q's return dawned bright and clear as the winter sun rose over Pendennis:
24.09.2008. Pete Goss and Spirit of Mystery:
"Spirit of Mystery is a replica of the Mount's Bay lugger Mystery which made a voyage to Australia in 1854/55."
Pete Goss built a replica of Mystery to repeat the voyage, and put the boat on display at the NMMC prior to starting the trip.
Pete Goss built a replica of Mystery to repeat the voyage, and put the boat on display at the NMMC prior to starting the trip.
Spirit of Mystery, with Pete Goss and crew, left Newlyn on 20th October 2008, to try to re-enact the voyage.
After various adventures, they arrived in Melbourne on 9 March 2009.
After various adventures, they arrived in Melbourne on 9 March 2009.
Foot of 'NMMC' |