The historic Norfolk Wherry Ardea (Latin for Heron) is currently at the Excelsior Trust’s Harbour Road Yard in Lowestoft for maintenance out of the water. Having had new coats of varnish on the topsides and tar varnish and antifouling on the hull, Ardea is looking good for her summer season on the Norfolk Broads.
The 98-year-old historic vessel was built in Lowestoft for philanthropist Howard Hollingsworth for pleasure cruising around the Norfolk Broads. After subsequently spending many years on the European Waterways, Ardea eventually returned to the Broads and joined the Wherry Yacht Charter Charitable Trust fleet of five wherries in 2015.
The Excelsior Trust is delighted to be able to host Ardea for this essential work. It is part of the Trust’s increasing activities in developing its services to historic vessels, and other more modern ones, since the sad demise of the nearby International Boatbuilding Training College. Facilities at the yard include two slipways, moorings, the largest forge in Suffolk and a fully equipped woodworking shop, all essential in maintaining our local maritime heritage vessels.
Andrew Scull, Chair of Wherry Yacht Charter said:
“As part of its aim to “Keep History Sailing”, WYCCT is privileged to be working with the expertise of Excelsior Trust and Paul Buttifant of Swallowtail Boats to maintain Ardea and to prepare her for her centenary celebrations in 2027.”
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Source: Press release
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