It is a large space – 173ft (53m) long with a high Dutch-barn-style roof supported by two lines of wooden buttressed pillars. The roof came later, in 1814, and you can see how the prevailing wind – the slip faces southwest – has tilted it back somewhat. You can also see “footholds†– notches cut into the pillars, where yard workers would climb into the roof for maintenance, high above the granite block floor.
The slip was derelict for 60 years; though it is one of Plymouth’s great seamarks – you can see its great gaping entrance from miles out to sea. But for the last two years this is now home to a few boats, as Will Stirling and his team of 14 or so craftsmen moved in – Will’s own Integrity is here, along with Mirelle – both were due to slip as Mirelle’s refit nears completion. There is also the main project – a 72ft (22m) Silvers motor yacht, here for serious restoration. So after decades of neglect, this heritage slip, which had begun launching ships of the Georgian Royal Navy, is now back in service, as a heritage site – serving heritage vessels.Â
