A guide to shipwrights, sailmakers and blacksmiths who understand classic and historic sailing ships is to be launched by the National Historic Ships organisation.

The organisation and its advisory committee were set up in 2006 to advise the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on ship preservation and funding. They also advise bodies such as the Heritage Lottery Fund on which vessels are worthy of cash attention.

The National Historic Ships Directory of Skills and Services will be launched by top ocean sailor, author and journalist Tom Cunliffe at the Earls Court Sail, Power and Watersports Show on Friday 28 November.