If a town was ever suited to ‘post-industrial’ re-development as a genuinely authentic harbour for artisan skills, then it would be Harwich.

The Mayflower Project was under discussion in this Essex port for many years and there are pictures of various crude replicas of the vessel on parade during the carnivals during the 1920s and 30s. However, the town still had a thriving place in the Maritime industry then and the project never really gained momentum. During the 90s the primary port activity in Harwich moved north to Felixstowe, a mile distant by sea and 40 by road. Since then Harwich has gently fallen into decline — despite its rich heritage. However, during 2009 the Harwich Mayflower Project effectively commenced (with the help and funding of an eclectic range of trustee’s, professional management and shipbuilding/training teams). By 2010 our Project was well under way, thereby creating new opportunities within Harwich Town and the hope of further afield.

Harwich has a rich heritage in the maritime industry, though this interest has waned over time. However, with the construction of a replica Mayflower (our very own flagship), the Mayflower Project offers a centrepiece for numerous other maritime interests throughout the town of Harwich. In constructing this vessel our aim is to provide multiple benefits to the local community. In the short term the ship-build has already provided apprenticeships for three eager learners, giving them a chance to learn a valuable trade in addition to working on the ship itself. It is our desire that the project also provides opportunities outside of Harwich. Way across the Atlantic Ocean the ‘magic’ of this vessel still pervades, 400 years on from that famous voyage. It is out hope that our very own Mayflower can grace those shores and sail the New England coastline during the summer — providing a completely unique deep-sea training vessel. The long term plan for this vessel is to sail too and along the American coast as regularly as the trade winds permit, keeping the vessel in an actice and permanent state of preservation. Consequentially, the crew will experience a unique way of sailing and learn valuable skills along the way. The Mayflower will give younger and disadvantaged citizens a unique opportunity; whoever heard of a history lesson with seagoing skill and leadership development all rolled into one?!

Though the Project is still young we are already up and running. We have already begun the renovations on the old Railshed and have won praise from across the country. We are currently expanding our horizons and are looking into replenishing the much maligned train station, bringing the building back to its former glory. We hope to have the refurbishments completed on the old Railshed shortly and open up our workshop to the viewing public. The enthusiasm of the project staff and volunteers is impressive and central to the success’ we have already achieved and hope to achieve. We are always looking for volunteers and contributors so if you have anything to say please let us know.

Project Strategy

The aims of the Project are to:-

1: To assist in the rejuvenation of the town of Harwich, Essex through offering improved youth opportunities in the area
2: Through the construction of a Mayflower replica to provide links and offer sail training in the East coast of the USA
3: To oversee the development of a new Maritime Heritage site, with the Mayflower as the centre-piece.

The primary driving forces within the Project are:-

1: The creation of an international vessel offering opportunity to the young who live along the Mayflower’s original route.
2: To provide sail training for young underprivileged learners in the USA.
3: To generate seagoing opportunity (and income) for sophisticated yachtsmen in a unique carrack rigged vessel
4: To use the Mayflower as an international ambassador and publicity generator for her two ‘home ports’
5: To provide the basis for the development of a maritime centre in Harwich

Andy March,

Managing Director