Pioneer Sailing Trust operates the restored Essex smack PIONEER CK18 from Brightlingsea. The Trust runs sail-training experiences and teaches traditional marine skills at Harker’s Yard. Its work has a strong Mersea connection through the vessel’s years as a clubhouse and houseboat.
Sailing and learning aboard PIONEER
The Trust generally sails from April to October, taking groups of up to twelve participants with a professional crew of three. It works with schools and community organisations as well as other groups, and offers opportunities to learn practical sailing skills on a traditional working vessel. Booking details and availability are published by the Trust.
Harker’s Yard and apprenticeships
Established in 2009, Harker’s Yard provides boat restoration and training at the Shipyard Estate in Brightlingsea. The Trust offers a Level 3 Heritage Engineering Marine Technician apprenticeship, including joinery, engineering, electrics and other skills needed to maintain traditional craft.
The working smack
Built at Rowhedge in 1864 by Peter Harris, PIONEER worked out of Brightlingsea dredging for oysters and scallops. She was lengthened to about 70 feet in 1889 and fitted with a seawater well for carrying live shellfish. Later machinery included a steam capstan and an engine.
From the Mersea mud to restoration
After fishing work ended, PIONEER became a sailing clubhouse at East Mersea and later a houseboat at West Mersea. She sank in the Strood Channel and was recovered in 1998. The Trust was formed in 1999; the vessel was relaunched in 2003 and its restoration completed in 2005.
See the Pioneer Sailing Trust for training and sailing opportunities, and National Historic Ships UK for the vessel’s register entry.