A Lowestoft smack built in 1921, this 77' (23m) historic fishing vessel has been meticulously restored to her original sailing appearance. 1921 | | Having been built on spec by John Chambers of Lowestoft, she was bought by a local consortium to replace their 1885 smack that had been condemned, following a collision with a steamer in fog. | 1935 | | Sold to Bjorn Stensland of Norway and converted to a motor coaster. | 1971 | | Sold to John Wylson who sailed her back to Lowestoft in 1972, whereupon he went into partnership with Mark Trevitt to restore her back to sail. | 1982 | After replacing much of the framing, the partners formed the Excelsior Trust to complete her reconstruction and operate her as a sail training ship. The trust was formally incorporated on 6th February 1983.
| 1985-8 | Restoration completed back to 'as built' condition on deck. Fitted out to modern standards down below (where all evidence of her fishing fit-out had been removed when she was converted to a coaster). | 1988 | | Commissioned by HRH the Princess Royal as a sail training ship. | 1989 | | Circumnavigated most of Britain on a proving voyage. Started sail training and entered her first Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race under Skipper, Mick Hart. Was the subject of a TV programme for the first time in Anglia TV's "Sailaway" series. | 1998-9 | | Trawled again under skipper Stuart White. The process of recreating the gear and the traditional clothing for the crew was the subject of a 55 minute programme by Channel 4 in their series: "The Real History Show". It was broadcast in 2000 under the title "Fish and Ships". | 1999 | | Rated by the National Historic Ship Committee as one of the nation's 60 most important historic vessels that now form the National Core Collection. | 2005-2010 | | Chartered by the Cirdan Sailing Trust to help provide sail training for disadvantaged young people. | | 2011- | | All charters once again operated exclusively by the Excelsior Trust. |
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