Jack Tar working on board The Irene

Jack Tar was a common term used to refer to British seamen.

There are many plausible explanations for "Tar".

The one I like most is that sailors used to plait their long hair into a pigtail, then smear it with light tar to prevent it getting caught in any of the ship's gear.

This beautiful West Country Trading Ketch , IRENE was built in 1907 and now earns her keep as both a sail training vessel and a sustainable cargo business.

She was in Plymouth for a few days last week.