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Expert rules out move to Jackson Dock
AN expert has explained why Hartlepool's very own tall ship has its own permanent berth.
Bryn Hughes, the general manager of the HMS Trincomalee Trust, outlined why the town's proudest attraction was not out in the open.
Mr Hughes was responding to suggestions made during the Tall Ships event that the vessel should be moved to nearby Jackson Dock. Britain's oldest warship afloat is the centrepiece of the Hartlepool's Maritime Experience.
The reasons included cost levels and the type of environment, said Mr Hughes.
"Being berthed afloat at the Maritime Experience means we are in an ideal sheltered environment. We can control the level of water in the dock, we can have level gangways and can dry dock if and when that is required. None of that applies to Jackson Dock.
"The Maritime Experience is ideal as the ship is the centrepiece. There are exhibitions, children's hands-on facilities, a museum, cafe, lunchrooms and a workshop.
"There is the opportunity for films, weddings and lunches on board. All of those would need to be duplicated if we were in Jackson Dock."
Trincomalee is also under constant maintenance and that work is viewed by thousands of people who come on board each year.
And lastly, Trincomalee is held in her current position by a dam board which is expensive to remove, said Mr Hughes.
He said Jackson Dock was "a stage" which was used by numerous organisations for events, and was not for berthing.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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