34 years after her launch, Wharram Designs flagship Spirit of Gaia has returned to Cornwall, arriving back in Falmouth this week after a lively Biscay crossing, with her co-designer and builder Hanneke Boon at the helm. The 63’ (19.2m) Pahi catamaran is visiting her home port of Devoran, where she was launched in May 1992.
Spirit of Gaia was designed and built by James Wharram and Hanneke Boon at Wharram Designs headquarters in Devoran and launched at nearby Devoran Quay, where she is now moored alongside until Sunday 31st May.
The original launch was celebrated with Hawaiian and Cornish ceremonies and attended by around 400 people. Over the next 34 years James and Hanneke sailed Spirit of Gaia to the Pacific, around the world and latterly the Mediterranean.
This is the first time the boat has returned to UK waters since her launch. She will be sailing in Cornwall during June and will attend Falmouth Classics from 12-14 June, before heading south again in July where she will be the flagship at a Wharram Hui in Audierne in France from 18-20 July. Spirit of Gaia will also attend the Douarnenez maritime and traditional boat festival from 23-26 July.
There will be an open day to visit and view Spirit of Gaia at Devoran Quay on Saturday 30th May from 3pm, around high water. Hanneke will be on board to talk about her voyages and adventures.
