Our Aims
MBLA is a registered charity established to manage, maintain and sail the lugger 'Happy Return' and to preserve the skills required for this traditional fishing craft.
We want members to have fun while developing sailing and other skills.
Keeping traditional sailing skills alive
It requires special skill to sail a lugger - they are much heavier than a modern boat and it takes team-work to put to sea, hoist the sails, tack, jibe, handle in heavy seas and sail into the wind.
On board we have a fully qualified skipper and mate as well as a mate/skipper in training, and typically, a crew of 4 who will have varying levels of sailing experience. The Association has an active training program to grow the traditional skills required to support our busy sailing program which any member can become part of and rise should they wish to become a mate or skipper.
Youth Program
We work closely with Penzance Sea Cadets and other local groups to give young boys and girls experience of sailing on a traditional lugger and an understanding of the importance of preserving our heritage. They participate in our annual maintenance program and get to know many of the skills needed to keep a heritage boat in top condition.
Preserving a piece of history
Our main objective is to preserve a piece of our historical heritage by keeping Happy Return in tip-top condition. In fact you could say that she in as good a condition as when she was built in 1905.
This takes a tremendous amount of effort, and money, and our work is supported by a dedicated band of volunteers and fundraisers.
Social Program
We have regular meetings throughout the year including meeting up for a chat at the Dock Inn each month, talks on topics of local intertest, an annual dinner and other social events, especially in the winter.
veteran Engineers
Happy Return requires constant maintenance and a periodic refit. Many members are retired engineers and craftsmen and the Association is keeping their valuable skills alive, ready to hand on to the next generation.
Community support
The Association allows many retired people who like to sail but are now prevented by finance or physical factors to keep sailing, have social contact with like minded people and help maintain their health and wellbeing.
Code of Conduct
The Mounts Bay Lugger Association (MBLA) committee guidance on conduct and grievance procedure for Happy Return sailing in the bay, on trips away, and at events. Learn More