The plans for the relocation of the historic Peggy yacht back to Castletown are now available online.

Manx National Heritage has published a question and answer document on its website to keep the public informed about progress of a project designed to highlight the story of the Peggy and her owner and designer within the context of the island’s maritime history.

Concept visuals of what the redeveloped nautical museum could look like can also be seen as they display views from the quarterdeck, quayside and Bridge Street.

redevelopment

This forms part of the £5 million redevelopment scheme as MNH aims to ’deliver a refreshed interpretation, creating a memorable experience for locals and visitors alike’.

In November, MNH published a report on the future strategy for the Peggy, her new boathouse and the story of George Quayle, the prominent politician and bank owner who built the vessel.

Connie Lovel, executive director at MNH, said: ’The Nautical Museum and the Peggy are irrevocably interconnected and interdependent in terms of their heritage values and significance. A powerful and compelling authenticity lies in the story of George Quayle, the Nautical Museum and life in Castletown and the Isle of Man in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

’We are striving to create an accessible and immersive environment which will engage with a diverse demographic and allow visitors to journey through the original buildings and encounter the spectacle of a fully-rigged Peggy beautifully and atmospherically displayed in a contemporary purpose-designed gallery.’

The Peggy is the oldest complete vessel on the UK National Register of Historic Vessels, whose fleet are assessed for significance based on their age, design innovations, historical associations, level of originality, condition and rarity.

Over the coming months Manx National Heritage will also work on a fundraising strategy, with a view to raise funds and secure financial support in partnership with Department for Enterprise.

Ms Lovel added: ’The uniqueness of the Peggy is clear which is why we are committed to returning her to Castletown and ensuring such an internationally important vessel is the centrepiece of the Nautical Museum. Castletown already has a concentration of heritage attractions, including one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world.

’The development of a world-class, fully accessible visitor experience at the Nautical Museum will add to the town’s attractiveness as a destination, adding significant value to the wider visitor economy and increasing its appeal for further investment.’