A meeting in Cornwall tomorrow (Sunday) will talk about a new project to build a replica of the Polruan schooner Jane Slade, said to be the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier’s first novel as the remains of the 19th century vessel were anchored in the River Fowey near the house that she was living in. 

The project is being started by Nikki Alford who owns another historic vessel, Bessie Ellen, and Sean McLaughlin.

The original Jane Slade was built in Polruan by the Slade family in 1870 and operated as a successful fruit schooner. 

She was the inspiration for Daphne du Maurier’s novel The Loving Spirit.

The aim is to build a new schooner which will provide traditional sail training and maritime education whilst also carrying cargo and passengers.  The new Jane Slade will be a community boat and a focus for people on the River Fowey and the St Austell Bay area.

There will be a community meeting today at the Russell Inn in Polruan between noon and 4pm to launch the project.

Nikki and Sean are inviting everyone who is interested to pop in to hear about the plans and share their thoughts and ideas.