posted by JCK at 16:15
Plain Kate is an essential part of FACT's volunteer staff accommodation. But she's old and needs some urgent and major repair work. The purpose of this blog is to keep friends, volunteers and supporters up-to-date with progress and needs. If you'd like to support this project by practical help, or by devising fund-raising events, please email David Hillyer. Alternatively, you can easily give online, now, by clicking on this button...
Plain Kate was built as a motor yacht at Cann's yard in Harwich in 1925 (see her original registry certificate). Cann's were well known for building spritsail barges (as well as smacks and bawleys – more info here) and her construction is based on similar sturdy principles. Plain Kate has an attractive pine-panelled saloon aft and, originally, her engine room was forward where the skipper had his quarters.
In 1978, the then owners, David and Pat Alexander, gave Plain Kate to Fellowship Afloat, which needed more accommodation for its volunteer staff. Cabins and bunks replaced the engine room and she took up her place alongside FACT's original centre, the ex-spritsail barge Memory – whch, incidentally, had also been built at Cann's yard, in 1904.
Since then, Plain Kate has been home to hundreds of loyal, expert FACT volunteers. Hearty gap-year types winter aboard; in summer, she's packed with seasonal volunteers serving during the busy period.
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