World Ocean Day: Mainbrace Announces Support for Clean Ocean Sailing – Ahead of World Ocean Day on 8th June, Cornish spirits brand, Mainbrace, has announced a new partnership with local ocean-cleaning initiative, Clean Ocean Sailing.
Mainbrace, a Cornish spirits brand known for its multi-award-winning rum and gin range, has announced its support for Clean Ocean Sailing, a local initiative aiming to clean up ocean plastics in Cornwall and beyond.
Founded by Cornish couple, Steve Green, and Monika Hertlóva, Clean Ocean Sailing aims to clean up the sea by collecting plastics from less accessible areas of the coastline, which are then sorted, and reused, or recycled. The organisation also provides regular recycling workshops, boat restorations, and sailing training for volunteers around Cornwall and beyond.
Its efforts have been noted across the country, with Prime Minister, Boris Johnson lending his support for Clean Ocean Sailing by presenting the team with a Points of Light award last year.
This is a natural partnership for Mainbrace, whose name itself stems from the old naval saying, to “splice the mainbrace”. In the days of sail, the mainbrace was a thick rope that steadied the main mast of a ship. When targeted by enemy fire, the brave team of sailors who spliced the rope back together would be rewarded with a double ration of rum or gin. Taking inspiration from the courage, teamwork, and friendship forged in the heart of battle, Mainbrace aims to add a modern spin on a traditional drink by evoking the spirit of the sea and highlighting the plight of the ocean.
Richard Haigh, Co-Founder of Mainbrace, elaborated: “As the spirit of the sea is at the heart of everything we do, we’re excited and proud to be able to contribute to Clean Ocean Sailing’s cause. As well as making a monthly donation towards keeping the oceans clean, we will be partnering with Clean Ocean Sailing to promote sustainable travel, as the team will be making some rum and gin deliveries as part of their voyages”.
Launched at the end of 2019, Mainbrace is a family-owned brand based in Helford Passage, Cornwall. The idea to enter the spirits business was sparked on a summer’s day at the Ferryboat Inn in Helford Passage, where the family were watching the local gig rowers celebrating after a race. That spirit of teamwork and celebration inspired them to bottle the moment, and thus, Mainbrace was born.
As a family of varied tastes, they wanted to create a Cornish rum that would suit a variety of usage options, fitting perfectly into a refreshing long drink, a sophisticated cocktail, or a drink that could be savoured neat. In the quest for the perfect blend that captured the spirit of the sea, they worked with mixologists in Cornwall and London to experiment with different flavours, eventually settling on a blend of two styles that have never been bottled together before: English Navy Rum from Guyana and Agricole Rhum from Martinique.
Mainbrace Rum is produced using locally sourced sugar cane and traditional pot and column still distillation – the same methods that were used to make navy rum for the British as far back as 1732. They take their rum seriously so there are no sweeteners, colourings, or other additives included in the blend.
Mainbrace Gin is handcrafted in Penzance, Cornwall using a traditional copper pot still in the London Dry style. Mainbrace Cornish Dry Gin is therefore artisanal crafted by distilling natural botanicals, with artificial flavourings or additives after distillation strictly prohibited according to the London Dry style.
To capture the spirit of the sea, the gin is made with Cornish water and local botanicals, namely lemon verbena harvested from St. Michael’s Mount, and three different types of seaweed, namely kelp, dulse, and sea spaghetti. These seaweeds create a delicious umami palate which is complemented by juniper, orris, lemon and lime peel, angelica root, and lime leaf for a subtle citrus flavour.
Poppy Watt