Sailhaven CIC is made up of a team of volunteers in Lochin Boatyard who have been hard at work bringing a 1961 mahogany-built yacht back into use to benefit the Newhaven community.
The group were also recently awarded £9,000 from Newhaven Enterprise Zone’s Community Support Fund, which will go towards fitting a new engine, a GPS system and more.
We spoke to the Sailhaven CIC team to talk more about the project so far, their plans for the future, and the benefits of volunteering on a community project.
What do you enjoy the most about your operation in Newhaven?
Newhaven is a town full of potential and goodwill. It is also a working port, which offers incredible views if you know where to look!
How did it feel to find out you had been awarded your funding?
An overwhelming sense of relief and gratitude towards the people who believe in us.
How will this funding from Newhaven Enterprise Zone support your group?
It will allow us to finalise our project and deliver what we have promised to the community.
What inspired you to start the Sailhaven project in the first place?
The sea is a hugely underutilised asset, and yacht sailing is an unaffordable hobby for most people. By creating this association, we’ll soon enable the local youth to experience the benefits of what is literally on their doorstep without the price of an expensive outing onto the sea.
Tell us what it’s been like for the team to work on this restoration project?
It has been very challenging at times as money was never guaranteed, and as a result it’s been stressful, but mainly hugely rewarding – and we know that the best is yet to come!
When the boat is ready to launch, how will the project benefit the Newhaven (and wider) community?
It will allow children to discover the nautical world, learn new skills and provide a sense of belonging in the wider community.
How can people volunteer their time to support your group and what kind of work would they do?
We will soon be looking for professional skippers, but we’ll also need maintenance volunteers who can donate a bit of their time to keep the boat pristine and in full working order.
Tell us about the experience of volunteers who give up their free time to help your group. What do they love about it?
They love the sense of achievement and the friendship that has emerged from the association. They are all retired and enjoy being part of this huge project which keeps them active, social and busy.
How do you think people’s perceptions of Newhaven are changing?
I think associations like ours and events can play a huge role in changing the town. There are lots of activities and events happening here now, and they’re well publicised which has created plenty of community involvement. It would be great to have a big banner on the swing bridge to publicise events too!
What would you like Newhaven’s future to look like in 10 years’ time?
It would be great to see weekly markets, lots of nice restaurants on the West Beach, and yachts going in and out of the bay.
We hope that in 10 years’ time at Sailhaven CIC, we’ll run a multi-boat association, with bigger boats capable of long journeys across The Channel.
We could even have a tall ship called ‘The Newhaven’ – now that would be an incredible sight!
Do you have a favourite place in Newhaven that you would recommend to visitors?
Yes, I would definitely recommend walking up to the NCI Tower at the Old Coastguard Lookout. You get some brilliant views up there.
What else would you like Newhaven Enterprise Zone to spend its funding on in the town?
It would be great to see funding for events on The Green. It could be an open-air cinema, gigs, or a Saturday market with local produce. The Green is a great space to bring our community together to enjoy events, help businesses grow and support one another.
