THE last surviving lug-rigged St Ives Mackerel Driver ‘Barnabas’ has been voted ‘Centenarian of the Year’, receiving the highly-coveted Gstaad Yacht Club award at the worldwide Classic Boat 2025 Awards in London.

The unique 143 year old working boat is moored in Newlyn and owned by the Cornish Maritime Trust (CMT), a community charity whose mission is to preserve historic vessels and teach endangered heritage sailing skills to the next generation of sailors.

Trustees travelled to London to accept a magnificent silver trophy at the Royal Thames Yacht Club on the edge of Hyde Park, applauded by hundreds of sailors and adventurers from around the world.

CMT celebrates Centenarian of the Year trophy with Cindy Schoenrich Gstaad Yacht Club - Esme Page.
CMT celebrates Centenarian of the Year trophy with Cindy Schoenrich Gstaad Yacht Club (Picture: Esme Page)
Barnabas Skippers with Classic Boat's 'Centenarian of the Year' Trophy together with its MD Cindy Schoenrich in Thames Royal Yacht Club Knightsbridge.
Barnabas Skippers with Classic Boat's 'Centenarian of the Year' Trophy together with its MD Cindy Schoenrich in Thames Royal Yacht Club Knightsbridge (Picture: Esme Page)

“Cornwall can be immensely proud of this award which recognises the huge efforts of our community and so many others who are passionate about preserving our maritime heritage,” said chairman and skipper, Toby Floyer.

“Coming after our ambitious voyage last year, it’s great to know that support for our work is growing, both in the UK and now internationally. We have exciting plans for 2025 and beyond, and this accolade could not come at a better time.”

In 2024 Barnabas completed a two month, 1400 mile voyage to four Celtic nations, training along the way 43 sailors aged 18 to 79, and raising £20,000 to replace her two masts and spars.

Barnabas by Hyde Park Knightsbridge - Esme Page.
Barnabas by Hyde Park Knightsbridge (Picture: Esme Page)
Barnabas - Cornish Maritime Trust- Toby Floyer.
Barnabas - Cornish Maritime Trust (Picture: Toby Floyer)

The solid silver bowl trophy, weighing several kilos, and its accompanying silver champagne flute, were hand-crafted by heritage Silversmiths, Robbe & Berking in Germany. They were presented by Cindy Shoenrich, Managing Director of Gstaad Yacht Club in Switzerland, proud sponsors of the Centenarian Award.

Trustees of the CMT are planning an opportunity in the coming weeks for local supporters to see the unique trophy and celebrate Barnabas at her mooring on the Old Quay in Newlyn. All are welcome and details will be posted to the charity’s facebook page in the coming week.

Interest in the Classic Boat annual awards continues to grow, with over 25,000 votes cast online this year and sailors and adventurers from across the globe gathering to celebrate maritime achievements in nine categories.

5. Barnabas near Crosshaven, Cork - credit Bob Bateman.
Barnabas near Crosshaven, Cork (Picture: Bob Bateman)
Barnabas passes Mousehole - Cornish Camera Co DJI_20240622153811_0010_D_07062024KR
Barnabas passes Mousehole (Picture: Chris Yacoubian)

This international award for Barnabas marks a new level of recognition for the Cornish Maritime Trust which maintains four historic boats and is open to new members of all ages.

Those interested to sail with the Trust or support its vital work can follow the charity on Facebook or Instagram or contact the Trustees via the website: www.cornishmaritimetrust.org