A Devon businessman has launched a bid to save one of the world’s most historic ships and bring her to Falmouth as a tourist attraction. HMS Carrick, the Cutty Sark’s sister ship, is the earliest surviving clipper ship and the only surving 19th Century wooden sailing passenger ship in Britain.
Property developer Tim Roper has agreed to buy HMS Carrick, which is 176 foot long and weighs 800 tonnes and is currently moored in Scotland, facing destruction.
Mr Roper said: “It is such a historical vessel and such a beautiful vessel that to scrap it would be a crime really.
“I have been up to see it and it is simply the most fantastic thing in the world. How could anyone not want to save her and restore her to her original beauty.
“I have an exclusive agreement with North Ayreshire Council to buy her and I then have to bring her back to Falmouth I think that will cost in the region of £300,000 and £400,000 so it is a big task.”
HMS Carrick was launched as the City of Adelaide in Sunderland 1864, five years before the Cutty Sark.
Originally designed to carry cargo and passengers to Australia, more than half the current population of South Australia can trace their families’ arrival to the ship.
After spells as a cargo carrier and floating isolation hospital, the Royal Navy bought her in the early 20th Century to be re-named HMS Carrick and used as a training ship.
Mr Roper is now hoping other businesses will get involved to help with the cost of the work.
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