New Rig for Tall Ship Loth Loriën

by Helen Armour on 20 Mar 2009
The Dutch tall ship Loth Loriën will be sporting a new sail rig when she arrives in Portsmouth in May 2009. This beautiful ship has undergone a transformation over the winter to convert what was a three-mast schooner into a three-mast barquentine.

The ship’s owner, Jaap van der Rest, has spent the last few months working hard to replace the foremast and adding four new yard arms and square sails in time for the summer season. The change in rig will give the ship a totally different appearance and will also change her dynamics under sail.

'The changes have made a lot of work for the team' says Van der Rest 'but the transformation is astonishing – she looks fantastic!'

The work was carried out in a ship yard in the north of Holland where the foremast was removed and shortened and the new fittings for the yards secured in place. The new steel yard arms were built off-site and the new sails attached before they were hoisted into position on the mast. The new rope work has now to be completed before the first sail tests can be carried out.

The Loth Loriën will be in Portsmouth from 23 May through to 14 June, at Gunwharf Quays, from where she will be making day trips in the Solent for public sailings and corporate groups.

So why make the change, you may ask? 'Well it all comes down to what sells' says the ship’s UK sales agent Red Sky Sailing. 'A ship with square sails is much more sought after by our customers as it adds greater diversity to the sailing and passenger participation levels on board. It also looks more traditional – most of our customers are looking for a square-rigger so the new Loth Loriën will be very popular.'

A sailing day on board a tall ship like Loth Loriën usually involves the guests learning to hoist and stow the sails, taking the helm and climbing the mast. The ship also offers first class catering and service on board, so creating a superb day of interactive hospitality.

Visitors will be able to see the ship at Gunwharf Quays and any enquiries regarding sailing days should be made to Red Sky Sailing on 01273 777978 or see www.redsky-sailing.com.