Tourism schooner plans unveiled

The schooner will be moored at St Helier when it is finished

Plans have been announced to build a two-masted schooner in Jersey.

The project aims to use local organisations and skills to produce a replica of a ship originally built in the island.

Once complete, the £1m vessel will be berthed in the St Helier harbour and used to promote the island.

Jersey was once the fourth largest ship building area in the British Isles, but the industry died out in the 1870s.

Island pride

The proposed 92-foot (28 metre), two-masted, four and aft rigged schooner could be created on the Waterfront and, once complete, berthed in the harbour.

It would involve community groups and schools working with professionals to produce the "Pride of Jersey".

Once complete, the aim is to make the vessel self-financing through corporate events, sponsorship and promotions.

It is also hoped that it will become a tourist attraction.