Sea Trust sea-going coracle under construction at Ocean Lab, Goodwick Parrog (From Western Telegraph)

Sea Trust sea-going coracle under construction at Ocean Lab, Goodwick Parrog

4:26pm Monday 8th March 2010 in

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An intrepid crew took to the sea in a replica of an ancient sea-going coracle, or cwrwg, yesterday (Sunday).

Goodwick based cetacean spotting charity, Sea Trust, is building a traditional sea-going coracle from hazel, willow withies and cow hides.

Before the volunteer team started building the traditional craft from scratch, they got to work restoring a partially built cwrwg brought down by Hereford boat building expert Peter Faulkner.

The completed cwrwg was launched yesterday afternoon, and the crew, most of whom are involved in the boat building project, paddled from Goodwick across the bay to Lower Town, celebrating their successful voyage at the Ship Inn.

The cwrwg project was started on St David's Day and the cwrwg that is being built from scratch will be named after his mother Non.

"Known in Welsh as a cwrwg and Irish as a currach these boats would have been a familiar sight on both sides of the Irish Sea in St David's time," said Sea Trust founder Cliff Benson.

Members of the public are welcome to come and watch as the build progresses at the Ocean Lab on Goodwick Parrog.

Gaynor Mcmorrin, of Fishguard Arts Society, is filming the project, as well as ITV Wales. Time lapse photography will also be used to record the build.

Once completed Non and her sister vessel will be on display at the Ocean Lab and will also be used to promote a number of forthcoming events.