Lucy Lavers is a restored wooden lifeboat currently based in Wells-Next-the-Sea. She's had a long and varied life, being involved in the Dunkirk rescue in WW2 as well as her time as a working lifeboat. Rather than try to cover her history here instead I'll point you towards the charity that own her,
Rescue Wooden Boats.
We first saw her two years ago when she was being restored in a shed in Stiffkey, on the North Norfolk coast. At the time we were impressed with the effort and workmanship that went into the restoration, which was completed in time for her to return to Dunkirk last year. Now she's available for pre-booked trips on certain days.
We went out on her this morning, setting out at 9am. The weather was good, a bit windy but still reasonably calm. We left the harbour, went out of the channel, found some choppy water then came back into the harbour after a brief look into Wells' new harbour. We were out for just over an hour, and the whole experience was thoroughly enjoyable.
I took far too many photos, here's a small(ish!) selection;
I've picked photos that I hope show the pride and workmanship that have gone into restoring this vessal.
Paul.