The world’s only wind-powered cargo ship arrives in Falmouth

By WB Craig From West Briton

With her hold full to the brim with rum, cocoa and coffee from the Caribbean, a unique ship arrived in Falmouth.

The Tres Hombres is the world’s only wind-powered trans-Atlantic cargo vessel still in operation – and she is anchored at Custom House Quay until Monday.

The impressive sailing cargo ship, which is to be the subject of a BBC documentary, is on her fifth consecutive return journey from Europe to the Caribbean as part of a campaign to raise awareness for ethical transport.

She arrived in Falmouth on Wednesday ahead of a six-day timetable of events which included a civic reception, chocolate workshops, a film screening and rum tasting.

As well as the fairtrade cargo, the Tres Hombres carried representatives from New Dawn Traders, the Bristol-based importer of the ship’s own-brand rum.

A spokesman for Fairtransport Trading & Shipping, which operates the Tres Hombres, said: “Trading in the finest ethical products all along her route, Tres Hombres is leading the way towards reviving an industry in shipping goods under sail.

“Tres Hombres and New Dawn Traders’ shared mission is to create an emission free fleet of sailing cargo vessels, thereby assisting the global challenge of removing fossil fuels from international supply chains.”

Tres Hombres set sail from Holland in October, calling in to Norway, France, Portugal and the Canaries on her way to Brazil and the Caribbean – and is returning via Bermuda, the Azores and England before the last leg to her home port in the Netherlands.

As part of the celebrations, there will be an Apocolypso Rum party at Falmouth Fish Factory tonight from 8pm.

The boat is available to visit by waterferry at the quay throughout its stay. Call Carl on 07522446659.

For more on this story go to: http://www.westbriton.co.uk/world-s-wind-powered-cargo-ship-arrives-Falmouth/story-20984017-detail/story.html#ixzz2zRU4MYfq