A historic replica ship remains closed after harbour officials called for further work on its gangplank, but its owners insist there is “light at the end of the tunnel” and hope to welcome visitors back in time for Easter.
The Golden Hind, docked in Brixham Harbour, announced on Tuesday, February 17, that it has not yet been given permission to reopen following discussions with harbour authorities and engineers.
In a post shared on social media, the attraction said: “Ahoy shipmates! So an update as promised! So unfortunately we have not been given to go ahead to reopen as the harbours have requested additional work to be done on the replacement gangplank after a meeting with the engineers who tested it.”
The statement continued: “So a lot more positive this evening and a lot more light at the end of the tunnel. We will look at what we have to do and have a rummage around the ship to see if we can find any of Sir Francis’s treasure but will do our utmost to have the ship up and running by the Easter Holidays.
“Thank you to everyone for their support and love for the ship and Brixham, it does mean an awful lot.”
The update follows the vessel’s sudden closure with immediate effect due to health and safety concerns. The attraction’s owner previously told said recent stormy weather had damaged the ship’s gangway plank, prompting him to build a replacement.
However, Brixham’s harbour authority raised safety concerns after the new gangplank was tested, leading to the continued closure while further work is carried out.
The Golden Hind was built in 1988 as a replica of the Tudor vessel sailed by Sir Francis Drake in the sixteenth century. The original ship became famous after Drake completed the first circumnavigation of the globe by an Englishman between 1577 and 1580, returning with a cargo of gold, silver and jewels.
Drake, who was born in Tavistock in about 1540, later became mayor of Plymouth and served as an MP. He also played a key role in the defence against the Spanish Armada and died in 1596 off the coast of Panama at the age of 56.
Today, the Brixham-based replica operates as an educational visitor attraction, hosting pirate-themed festivals and weddings. It also offers overnight stays on board as part of an “Air b-n-Sea” experience.
In an earlier announcement, the owners said the closure was not their decision, adding: “This is not a decision we have taken but have higher powers to answer to.”
They have now said they are working to meet the harbour’s requirements and aim to reopen in time for the Easter holidays.
