We Are Sail trade SW CIC
Sail Trade SW CIC began life as Lynher CIC, set up around ten years ago to save the 1896 Tamar sailing barge LYNHER (left). Today she’s the only restored and working Tamar barge, and one of just 200 vessels in the National Historic Fleet, the UK’s most significant historic vessels. She’s a living reminder of Victorian days, when water transport was essential and LYNHER carried up to 40 tons of cargo along Plymouth’s waterways.
After being abandoned for 12 years in the Cremyll boatyard, a significant community effort enabled directors Dominic and Barbara Bridgman to restore LYNHER between 2016 and 2018. Post-restoration, LYNHER served as a community educational resource along the Plymouth Waterways until the pandemic hit. It was LYNHER’s story as a cargo-carrying barge that inspired the Bridgmans to seek a vessel capable of transporting cargo across the Channel. This led them to find IBIS and to found Sail Trade SW CIC.
Sail Trade South West Promoting Sailing Heritage and Sustainable Food Culture
We’re a lively mix of sailors, food lovers, boatbuilders and community innovators. What brings us together is a love of the South West’s rich sailing heritage and a shared goal: helping to build a more sustainable, fairer planet.
At Sail Trade South West, we’re passionate about keeping traditional sailing alive and growing a sustainable food culture. We believe every small action counts, and that together they can make a big difference.
Our community celebrates good food and encourages sustainable habits, and we run a range of services and events to bring our mission to life. Come and join us!
We’re also looking for a few people to help strengthen the foundations of this venture. If you have skills in marketing, promotion, distribution, IT or anything else you think could help, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch!
Barbara Bridgman
Sustainability Lead & Sailor Barbara hails from Monte Argentario, Italy, where her love for wooden boats and sailing began in her youth. Her enthusiasm for wooden boats led her to the UK in 2001. Since then, Barbara has covered the role of Yachtmaster Sailing Instructor and served as office manager for several sail training charities. As a couple, Barbara and Dominic have restored and preserved a select few historically significant boats together.
Dominic Bridgman
Project Manager & Sailor Dominic is a skilled sailor and passionate boat conservationist. His journey includes solo sailing his wooden Wayfarer dinghy across the Channel and serving as First Mate on the J Class racing yacht VELSHEDA. Dominic transitioned into education and sail training, skippering various boats to take young people from diverse backgrounds out to sea. He is also a skilled boat restorer and problem - solver. He has held several positions, including Yachtmaster Sailing Instructor and Examiner.
Meet IBIS . . .
A Cornish lugger built in 1929 by Percy Mitchell of Mevagissey and Port Mellon
Ibis is one of the biggest fishing lugger built in the previous century by Percy Mitchell of Mevagissey and Port Mellon. Percy built Ibis during the summer of 1929. Ibis was a successful fishing boat who brought fortune to the coastal communities she served. She was re-commissioned in the summer of 2025 after three years of restoration thanks to the National Heritage Lottery Players.