East Anglia’s most historic ship takes to sea again
Excelsior, the 99 year old traditional gaff rigged fishing ketch known as a ‘smack’ is allowed to leave harbour thanks to the lifting of Covid19 restrictions.
Adapting to Covid19 means Excelsior, the iconic Lowestoft-built sailing smack at long last is able to take passengers out for monthly daysails.
Along with other sailing charitable trusts around the UK, Excelsior Trust has not been able to carry passengers aboard its 99-year old historic ship until restrictions were eased. Now the boat’s sailing season is able to adapt to the current situation which means that for the time being it will be offering daysail trips.
Excelsior’s Chairman Jamie Campbell. “We will ask everyone to maintain the necessary social distance. This keeps both our guests and our crew safe. We are keen to get to sea again and are delighted that once more this much loved and familiar sight will be seen off the shores of East Anglia.”
Excelsior is maintained to her original features and guests can experience what life was like aboard this important part of maritime history nearly one hundred years ago.
Nick Dwyer, Excelsior’s skipper: “A daysail experience on Excelsior will encompass a fisherman’s breakfast (bacon butty and a cuppa) and safety brief before leaving Lowestoft. Guests will be encouraged to take a hand hoisting the sails, steer the boat or sit back and watch how a professional crew does it all. We will either head out to sea amongst the waves and spray or stay on inland waterways and enjoy the serenity and wildlife.
For lunch we will provide succulent Lowestoft smoked seafood or vegan alternative served by the crew. Soft drinks will be supplied or guests can bring their favourite tipple (no corkage).
All proceeds support the work that we do with groups of disadvantaged young people. Those amongst this group have often reported what a life-changing experience time on board Excelsior has given them and we are keen to continue this work.”
The next daysail is out of Lowestoft on the 28th August. For booking call Abbie on 0845 308 2323 or email her: sailing@excelsiortrust.co.uk
Main photo: © Rob Howarth photography