Bluebottle back in Falmouth (From Boating Cornwall)

Bluebottle back in Falmouth

9:10am Wednesday 1st July 2009

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This week sees the return of Bluebottle to the pontoon at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and marks the official reopening of the pontoon for the summer season. With the International Dragon Class Edinburgh Cup and South West Championship happening in Falmouth’s waters next week, it is a good time for Bluebottle to show herself off in fully glory.

Bluebottle, built in 1948, was presented to Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Philip as a wedding gift by the Island Sailing Club of Cowes, Isle of Wight. She is an International Dragon Class; a one-design three person keelboat, designed for cruising and racing.

Over the years, Bluebottle has had a varied and successful racing career, with the highpoint being selection as the British yacht for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where her crew returned with a bronze medal.

Along side Bluebottle on the pontoon are Aileen, the very first St Mawes One Design, and two boats lovingly restored by the museum’s boat restoration volunteers; Curlew, a Falmouth Quay Punt from 1905 and Daisy Belle, a traditional fishing boat.

Andy Wyke, the Museum’s boat collection manager, says: “The museum is very honoured to be entrusted with the care of such a prestigious boat as Bluebottle and as always it’s great to see her and these other wonderful boats back where they belong, in the water.”

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