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All Aboard the Copper Jack š¢
Meet the volunteers keeping Swansea's industrial heritage alive
Andrew M
July 09, 2025
Every week, hundreds of people step aboard a 57-foot boat in Swansea Marina and sail back in time to when the city was the copper capital of the world.
This week, discover how a group of volunteers determined to preserve Swansea's industrial heritage turned their passion project into one of the city's most beloved attractions.
Catch you on Sunday!
Andrew
The Black Prince
Back in 2006, a group of locals started meeting regularly because they were concerned that Swansea's incredible history, a town once known as Copperopolis - the world's copper capital - was being forgotten.
These volunteers formed the Swansea Community Boat Trust (SCBT) with an idea - why not run a boat up the River Tawe, taking people past the sites where this industrial heritage could still be seen, and telling them all about it?
The Black Prince sails up the Tawe | Credit: SCBT
After years of hard work and fundraising, the Black Prince arrived on December 16th, 2010, and the boat was a hit, carrying nearly 15,000 passengers over three years.
But the Black Prince had problems with its flat-bottomed design, which meant constant breakdowns and cancelled trips. By 2013, the maintenance costs were getting out of hand.
The SCBT sold the boat and commissioned something completely new - a purpose-built vessel designed specifically for pleasure rides up the River Tawe. The Copper Jack era was about to begin.
The Copper Jack
In May 2014, The Copper Jack - named after the metals trade and maritime history that made Swansea famous - was launched on the River Tawe. At 57 feet long and licensed to carry 47 passengers, the boat was designed by Pratt Naval Architecture and built by Colecraft Engineering in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Unlike the Black Prince, The Copper Jack was built specifically for the job, with features that made it accessible to everyone - a hydraulic wheelchair lift, central heating for Wales' unpredictable weather, and a fully licensed bar serving everything from Welsh cakes to wine.
The 90-minute route takes passengers from Swansea Marina up the River Tawe to the historic copper works sites and back - or, if planned, stop at the new pontoon near the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks where you can disembark, explore, and perhaps enjoy a tipple at the Penderyn Distillery.
Along the way, youāll be treated to a stream of incredible facts about Swansea's industrial heritage in a fun and entertaining talk: did you know that at one time, 90% of the world's finished copper was produced in Swanseaa? Or that the pollution from hundreds of chimney stacks was once so toxic that locals joked if you fell into the River Tawe, you wouldn't drown... you would dissolve?!
As well as regular tours, the trust runs educational programs for schools at discounted rates, free cruises for over-50s funded by Swansea Council, and special music events that turn the boat into a floating concert venue.
Volunteer Spotlight
SCBT volunteer David Lewis, pictured fourth from the right | Credit: Gareth Lovering Photography/SCBT
David Lewis, 75, was commentator for our trip on the Copper Jack. After retiring nine years ago, he found himself at a loose end until his wife intervened with some tough love.
"My wife kicked me out of the houseā, he jokes, as we chat after docking back at Swansea Marina. āāYou got to find something to do,'" she said. "So I ended up coming down here, and the thing I was most suited to do was the commentary."
Now David organises all the boat's commentary volunteers and schedules them across 10 sailings a week in summer, dropping to three or four in winter.
The trust runs on about 70 volunteers in total, from Boast Masters and back office staff to the ātalkersā and galley team on board.
What David loves most are the school trips, even though three sailings in a day leaves him barely able to talk! "They ask more interesting questions," he explains. "But if you capture their attention, they're brilliant to have on board."
Aside from meeting thousands of passengers, the River Tawe has also rewarded the volunteers with some spectacular wildlife sightings over the years. David has seen seals in the marina, cormorants catching fish and eels, and his favourite - kingfishers. "The prettiest bird in Britain, I think," he says.
David even celebrated his 70th birthday on the Copper Jack - his friend's band performed at the front while the skipper went extra slowly up the river, turning the usual 90-minute trip into a two-hour jaunt. "We all got drunk and had a good time," he adds.
Challenges Ahead
Despite its success, the Copper Jack is facing some serious challenges. At 10 years old, the boat is feeling its age - it's perfectly waterproof, but there are things that need attention.
This November, the boat will be lifted out of the river and sent back to Colecraft for a major refurbishment that will cost close to Ā£100,000. "We haven't managed to attract any grant funding for that yet," David explains, though the trust continues to seek support.
The financial pressures are real - insurance costs, Maritime Coastguard Agency inspections, and now this substantial refurbishment bill - the day-to-day costs of maintaining a commercial passenger vessel add up quickly.
For now, the focus remains on what the Copper Jack does best - regular trips up the Tawe to share Swansea's industrial heritage to keep this unique piece of the city's story alive for future generations.
Take a Trip This Summer
Hop aboard The Copper Jack!
Fancy experiencing Swansea's copper heritage for yourself? The Copper Jack runs regular 90-minute trips from Swansea Marina - check the SCBT website for current times and availability. Tickets cost Ā£14 for adults, Ā£12 for concessions, and Ā£7 for children.
Or why not treat yourself to one of Copper Jackās special music events? The next one is this weekend on July 12th, with a performance from jazz duo Ellie Jones and Gary Phillips - with more planned throughout the summer - including during September's Swansea Jazz Festival.
All profits go straight back into the trust to keep the boat running and preserve this unique slice of Swansea's story.
As David Lewis tells us, SCBT are lovely group of volunteers doing something they're passionate about - and they'd love to share it with you. We couldnāt agree more.
A huge thanks to David Lewis and all of The Copper Jack crew for inviting us on board!
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