Tall ship starts her final voyage from West harbour

A tall ship has sailed from her historic Westcountry harbour for the last time.

Despite previously declaring it would be a "tragedy" for the tall ships to leave Charlestown, near St Austell, Square Sail Shipyard managing director Robin Davies said Kaskelot will not return.

The tall ship Kaskelot leaves her berth at Charlestown for the final time, on a new charter Picture: Rob Preston

She set sail on March 13, after a contract was signed for a two-and-a-half-year charter of the boat, which Mr Davies said he hoped would lead to a sale.

The remaining two ships – Earl of Pembroke and Phoenix – remain in the harbour for the time being and Mr Davies said the sale of the harbour itself has not progressed.

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In July 2012 Square Sail put the harbour, its assets, and about two acres of development land, subject to planning permission, up for sale for a total of £4.4 million.

The port's freehold was available for offers in the region of £1.5 million, including beaches and potential for a marina, subject to planning permission, as well as income from moorings, parking, property rents and filming.

Square Sail's assets, including the tall ships, were for sale at £1.4 million and land suitable for commercial or residential development was on the market for £1.5 million.

"It would be a tragedy to break it up," Mr Davies, who has been running the company for 45 years, had said at the time.

"I have a responsibility to ensure it goes into the right hands. I want them to carry on the work I've done and maintain the ships working here."

But speaking this week about the departure of Kaskelot, he said: "The vessel will not be coming back to Charlestown. It's under contract and there's a strong possibility it will end up as a sale."