The Severn Salmon Boats Collection’s salmon punt is the last remaining boat of this kind in working condition; its strange and interesting shape can be traced back to the drawings dating from the Middle Ages as a picture on the Salmon Boat Collection site below shows. The photo here is one of mine, and links to a larger version if you click on it.
The collection’s stopnet boat is similarly the last original of a type that used to be seen in the rivers Wye and Severn.
The historic Lowestoft smack Excelsior was built in 1921 and is recognised by the National Maritime Museum as one of the top fifty most important vessels in our maritime heritage. And yet it’s possible for the ordinary joe to book time sailing on her for a day, several days or maybe a week to the Tall Ships Race, or perhaps to help other volunteers keep her in good condition.
Based at Lowestoft on the East Coast, the Excelsior Trust also maintains the 1884 Hull sailing trawler City of Edinboro’ and is restoring the Rye Harbour East Channel Punt Estralita. The Trust also runs the Excelsior Shipyard, which welcomes historic vessels for slipping. It’s well worth a visit, especially if you can take the opportunity to go sailing as well.
Gavin Atkin's weblog for the sort of people who like looking inside boat sheds: old boats, traditional boats, boat building, restoration, the sea and the North Kent Coast
