Whitstable oyster boat saved
Edited by Steffan Meyric Hughes: +44 (0)207 349 3758
Email: steffan@classicboat.co.uk
, the last surviving Whitstable-built oyster yawl, has been spared an ignominious Thanks to generous local support, the 42ft (13m), 1907 larch-on-oak fishing boat is now in the early stages of a restoration in the care of registered charity Whitstable Maritime. The project, taking place in public view on hardstanding in Whitstable’s active fishing and ballast harbour, is headed by trust chairman Gordon Vincent and the day-to-day running is in the hands of shipwright Morgan Lewis and technical advisor Alan Staley. After restoration to full working glory, the aim is to welcome visitors aboard and teach them about the boat and Whitstable’s maritime heritage. In summer months will lie afloat at Whitstable South Quay, donated by Canterbury City Council Harbour Board. Gordon Vincent told CB: “ has been caught just in time. Had she rested out on the saltings much longer she would have been reclaimed by the sea. The deterioration has been arrested and the restoration is now underway. Skills, volunteers and money are now the essential factors” he said, adding “Fortunately enthusiasm and commitment are not in short supply”. The trust’s crowd-funding campaign, which includes a short video and updates on the status of the project can be found here:
