Excelsior, still going strong

Experience a piece of living history aboard an East Coast icon

One of the few remaining Lowestoft Sailing Smacks in the UK, 101-year-old Excelsior is a familiar sight off the East Anglian coast. Among the nation’s 60 most important historic ships, this award-winning traditional wooden sailing vessel, authentically maintained to original features, offers the opportunity to experience a very different way of life, far removed from that on land. All on board are treated as part of the crew, gaining hands-on experience of navigating a ship under sail, taking watches at night and living at close quarters with like-minded people.

It’s thanks to Lowestoft-based architect John Wylson and a management team of committed volunteers that the opportunity exists. In 1971 John rescued Excelsior LT472 from Norway, sailing her back home and, with help from keen enthusiasts, setting about dismantling and rebuilding the vessel, using completely authentic shipbuilding techniques and materials similar to those which would have constructed the » TheCoastalGuide 2022 7

Lowestoft fishing smack fleet a century earlier.

The Excelsior Trust was formed as a registered charity in 1983 under the chairmanship of Lord Somerleyton, its goal to restore and maintain Excelsior and to provide traditional sailing for everyone. Between 1985 and 1989 the Trust completed a total rebuild of 77ft Excelsior, returning her to original sailing condition – an effort supported by many local companies, organisations and people.

Excelsior was commissioned as a sail training vessel by HRH The Princess Royal in 1988 and since then almost 10,000 people have sailed on her – in fact the vessel has covered 75,000 sea miles to destinations around the UK, Northern Europe and Scandinavia.

During her centenary year in 2021 Excelsior was awarded the Freedom of the Town of Lowestoft (below) as an acknowledgement of the importance and high regard for the vessel locally – it was the first time the award had been made to an inanimate object!

In July 2022 the Trust is organising a Smack Race involving similar vessels from around the UK and Europe and this will present a magnificent sight off the East Coast. At the same time a Vessels Festival will take place on shore, showcasing local maritime heritage and small businesses in the area, many associated with the sea. See p33 for more details.

Many who’ve enjoyed a trip on board Excelsior have returned as volunteers to help maintain this beautiful ship and keep her available to offer others a similar experience. For information on how to get involved, both afloat and on shore, or for information on sailing opportunities and the 2022 Smack Race, visit www.theexcelsiortrust.co.uk

Excelsior has been used by television and film makers in productions such as Channel 4’s The Real History Show: Fish and Ships and the BBC’s The Last Journey of John Keats where Andrew Motion, the poet laureate and Keats biographer, reenacted Keats’ last journey to warmer climes to delay the full onset of tuberculosis.

Excelsior has been an extra in Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass and Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk; and in productions specifically featuring her, such as ITV’s Anglia Afloat, BBC’s Coast, C5’s Fish & Ships and Channel 4’s Homes by the Sea. Earlier in 2022 she was filmed for the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip autumn series.

Step on board and you’re promised an adventure which can involve hard work if you wish but, most of all, fun! Day sails usually take around seven hours and can cater for up to 12 people. You’ll be welcomed on board by the skipper and crew and given a safety and essential information briefing with morning tea and coffee while meeting your fellow crew members before setting sail. After learning the basics you’ll have a hearty lunch at sea and time to relax before heading back to port. The atmosphere on board is very relaxed and the experienced crew are happy to let you be as involved or hands-off as you wish.

Holidays range from three to eight days and include destinations around the UK and Northern Europe. You’ll live alongside the crew and participate in all aspects of sailing Excelsior. Excelsior is also experienced in taking groups of young people aged 14 upwards on day sails and voyages. For many it’s the experience of a lifetime often with life-changing results, strengthening friendships and facing new challenges. Groups come from schools, universities, youth organisations, cadets and scouts, as well as other charities supporting those who may be disadvantaged in life. • All trips are suitable for ages 14+ (some exceptions may apply) due to the size of the safety equipment on board. Online bookings are subject to an additional 6% booking fee. 2022 trips

Heritage Day Sail Experience From Lowestoft: leaving from Lowestoft’s Heritage Quay, by the South Pier, Excelsior sets out to sea. Join in with hoisting the bowsprit, take charge of the tiller or simply sit back and enjoy the salty air and the sound of the wind in the sails. From Ipswich: enjoy a day sail along the picturesque River Orwell. Leaving from Ipswich Haven Marina, you’ll have the opportunity to help hoist the sails and get hands-on with sailing Excelsior. £99 per person to include tea, coffee and refreshments throughout the day.

Thames Estuary Trip, Lowestoft to London, June 5 This three-night voyage from Lowestoft via the Thames Estuary to St Katharine Docks by Tower Bridge gives participants the chance to see London from a completely new perspective before arriving at this historic mooring in the heart of the City of London. Adults (25+) £375, Students (14-24) £285. Summer Solstice Dawn Voyage from Lowestoft, June 20–21 Be first to see the sunrise from the most easterly point in England. You will be welcomed on board Excelsior in the evening and introduced to your crew and fellow adventurers before sharing supper and getting prepared for an early morning departure to watch dawn break. This will be followed by a few hours’ sailing off the Suffolk coast. £175 to include supper, breakfast, lunch and refreshments.