The Canal & River Trust has successfully completed a complex year-long salvage operation for the historic sailboat White Heather, a 1926 Cornish lugger. This vessel, once a fishing boat, passenger carrier, and transatlantic cruiser, faced imminent loss after sinking at Gloucester Docks in 2023 due to disrepair.
Originally built for fishing, White Heather transitioned to passenger services in Fowey during the 1980s and 1990s, later undertaking a notable Atlantic voyage in 2003. After appearing at the Gloucester Tall Ships Festival in 2011, the vessel deteriorated, and its owner could not afford the necessary restoration. The Trust stepped in, collaborating with Digital Dry Dock Ltd to document the vessel’s condition through 3D scans.
Recovery efforts were initially delayed due to the fragile state of the hull, but a successful lift occurred in January 2024. The boat was transported to RW Davis & Son Ltd for preservation. After months of outreach to find a new custodian, a prospective owner with credible restoration plans was identified, leading to the vessel’s relocation to Hayling Island in May for restoration work.
Morgan Cowles, heritage manager at the Canal & River Trust, emphasized the team’s dedication in securing a future for White Heather, highlighting its rich history as a story worth preserving.
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