Boat transport news - Brighton timber to sail for Olympic art project
The West Sussex-based Cultural Olympiad initiative, the Boat Project, has already asked for raw material donations for its 30-foot vessel and is now seeking volunteer crew members. It is only a matter of time before it needs boat transport.
Brighton residents have already donated a part of the West Pier and any donation of wood will be gratefully accepted for the build as long as it is from the South East and has "an interesting story behind it".
Eventually, the ship will sail along the South Coast during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games.
The Lone Twin art group is creating the vessel after winning the Art Council's Artist Taking the Lead commission for the South East and the ship will be one of 12 regional large-scale art projects completed to mark 2012 under this banner.
The team includes yacht designer Simon Rogers and boat builder Mark Covell – who just happens to be a British Olympic silver medallist and America's cup sailor.
Mark said, "This boat will not only look beautiful it will sail beautifully as well."
Gregg Whelan and Gary Winters of Lone Twin, said, "We've been open for 10 weeks and the response has been incredible, we've had thousands of people through the door bringing us hundreds of donations.
"This project is literally changing lives as our brilliant volunteers roll up their sleeves and learn a whole host of new skills, everyday's a school day in the boat shed!"
Lone Twin project coordinators say all offers of help will be considered (email sadie@lonetwin.com for more details) including boat building skills, crew members and boat transport. West Sussex residents should look out for the ship which is currently being built in Thornham Marina, Emsworth.
Contact Lone Twin by post or in person via the address below.
