VOLUNTEER carpenters and boatbuilders are needed to help complete a project to restore one of the country’s oldest classic racing yachts.
Classic racing yacht Leila
Enthusiasts set up a trust in 2008 to restore the historic racing yacht Leila. Now after more than 18 months of hard work, it is hoped that local woodworkers will be able to help get her back in the water.
The yacht is being restored at a boatyard in Southwold after she spent 12 years wasting away in Great Yarmouth harbour, where fresh water was rotting her frames, planks and stanchions.
Most of the classic sailing yacht has now been restored, but the project needs some extra help to make the final push towards being able to sail later this year.
Leila Sailing Trust project co-ordinator and local sailor David Beavan said that after spending nearly £90,000 already, including a £50,000 heritage lottery grant, he hopes that local volunteers will help get the deck finished in time for the yacht to appear at the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival in September.
yacht Leila
Anyone who can help with the project should call David Beavan on 01502 724904. For details about the trust, visit -leila2c.org
Classic Yacht Leila is a rare example of a Victorian racing cutter, built in 1892 in Charlton, London for a businessman who sailed with the Royal Temple Yacht Club at Ramsgate, and is on the National Historic Ships Register. She won the Round Britain race in 1904. Since 1961, she has been owned by the Alison family and moored on Fisher’s Quay, Great Yarmouth. She was found by Rob Bull and David Beavan of Southwold in the summer of 2008, when they set up the trust. She will mainly operate from the historic berth in Lowestoft.
Leila, an 116 year old, 15 ton gaff cutter of 42 foot on deck, 10 foot beam and 8 foot draught, is being restored for sail training for young people of Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Southwold. An appeal is being launched for funds to repair hull damage and fit her out to Marine Coastguard Agency Standards.
classic yacht Leila
