Charity & Fund Raising Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

This page showcases news of yachting charity and fundraising events from around the world. If you have any yacht industry charity news please contact CharterWorld for publication. The yachting industry is an excellent arena to promote a range of charities concerning everything from ocean environmental causes to people in need.

Registration fees from 2010 DAME donated to Whisper Boat Building Academy

July 30, 2010

Registration fees from the 2010 DAME (Design Award METS) – the 20th in the history of the competition – will be donated to the Whisper Boat Building Academy (WBBA) in South Africa, the only boat building school for people with disabilities.

The WBBA helps deaf, previously disadvantaged, South African young people acquire learning and skills in composite construction and boatbuilding. The DAME proceeds will be used to fund development of a skills programme with learning aids suited to deaf students, and to train teachers and interpreters.

Last year EUR18,750 was raised for the African Medical & Research Foundation (AMREF) Flying Doctors and used in the creation of accessible water supplies and sanitary facilities in Mtwara, Tanzania.



Two decades of excellence
The DAME (Design Award METS) – the most prestigious design competition for new marine equipment and accessories in the world – celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2010.
Over the past 20 years, independently appointed judges have scrutinised several thousand innovative products in specific marine categories and the DAME has come to set the pace for new concepts and designs in the worldwide leisure marine industry. It is the industry’s top design prize. For the past three years, all product registration fees have been donated to a designated charity thus extending the scope and value of the competition.

METS Trade Show

Call for entries
Exhibitors wishing to submit products for the DAME 2010 should complete the online application by September 20, 2010. All products entered for the competition must be displayed at METS or the SuperYacht Pavilion (SYP) in 2010 and comply with the standard terms & conditions of participation.

Tremendous boost Winner DAME
Winning the 2009 DAME Award brought FLIR Systems under the media spotlight. “Being the overall winner of the DAME in 2009 gave a tremendous boost to the FLIR Systems METS participation,” confirms Christiaan Maras, FLIR Systems marketing director Europe/Middle East/Africa. “Not only did we attract a lot more visitors, also the international press easily found its way to our booth. After the show we had a lot of press coverage worldwide in all important maritime magazines. The DAME Award helped us enormously to put our new M-Series thermal imaging camera in the market worldwide.”

METS & SYP 2010 will be held on 16-17-18 November 2010 in the Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre, the Netherlands.

About METS incorporating SuperYacht Pavilion
METS, the world’s largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international marine leisure industry, is organised by Amsterdam RAI in association with the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA). The show’s target groups are yacht builders, naval architects, repair yards, distributors, dealers, wholesalers, captains, marina operators and equipment manufacturers from around the world. The SuperYacht Pavilion is the central platform for the worldwide super yacht industry and a ‘show within a show’ at METS.

Oceana launches expedition to assess long-term effects of Gulf of Mexico disaster

July 22, 2010

The Oceana team is to identify possible oil spreading moves, carry out tests to detect unnoticed contamination, and tag migrating sharks and turtles. Oceanographers Xavier Pastor and Mike Hirshfield will lead a team of scientists supported by a high-definition underwater robot (ROV) and specialised divers.

the oceana logo

Oceana announces the launch of its 2010 Gulf of Mexico Ocean Expedition that will include a team of scientists from both sides of the Atlantic with experience in the most serious oil spills of recent decades. The objective is to go beyond the work done by other organisations, by assessing the long-term impact of the BP spill. Possible oil spreading moves will be identified in order to study the effect on sensitive habitats and migratory species tagging will be conducted to survey their capacity to avoid contaminated areas.

Oceana is one of the few international organisations dedicated exclusively to marine conservation. For this campaign, Oceana will charter the vessel Latitude, a 51 metre long range expedition charter ship capable of sailing in both shallow and deep waters, and adapted to serve as a diving platform. The research ship will set sail from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) in two weeks and will work intensely for two months in the Gulf of Mexico.

Expedition yacht LATITUDE

The crew will include professional divers who have worked with the organisation on other campaigns, as well as prestigious international photographers and videographers. The expedition will also use two underwater robots (ROV), one with the capacity to descend as far as 1,000 metres and film in high-definition. The ROVs will document the presence of the spill in the water column and coast, and analyse the impact on fauna and flora, including shallow and deep water corals off the western coast of Florida, amongst other important areas of the Gulf of Mexico.

turtle

The expedition will be lead by oceanographer Xavier Pastor, Executive Director of Oceana Europe, widely experienced in disaster response to previous oil slicks. Participation in the expedition from the U.S. includes Dr. Mike Hirshfield, Chief Science Director at Oceana, who will head the expedition’s scientific team; and Dr. Jeff Short, one of the world’s leading experts on spills, who participated in the work to clean up the Exxon Valdez spill and continues to work on its current repercussions.

“The expedition aims to assess the spill’s long-term impacts and detect contamination that remains unnoticed at the moment,” explains Xavier Pastor. “We will identify the ecosystems that have been affected and those that may be in danger if the oil is captured by sea currents and transported towards southern Florida, as well as those that may be seriously affected in the area if another accident like this one occurs in the future. All of this information will be made available to scientific and governmental institutions and will help endorse campaigns to pressure authorities to change the energy model in favour of clean energies.”

bluefin tuna

The project includes shark and sea turtle tagging in order to monitor their migrations and study their ability to avoid contaminated waters. In addition, samples of fish will be taken to analyse the degree of hydrocarbon contamination. The Gulf of Mexico is an important reproduction and feeding area for a variety of species, including endangered species like bluefin tuna. The affected area is the only place of the world, aside from the Mediterranean, where this species spawns.

The team of scientists will also take samples of sediments, larvae, plankton and water. Dredges and bongo-type nets will be used in collaboration with universities from the United States.

Oceana already documented the fragile ecosystems of the Bahamas during its 2005 Transoceanic Expedition on board the Oceana Ranger research catamaran. At that time, marine scientists and divers studied the decline of species like the Nassau grouper, and the difficult state of sharks, turtles and corals in those waters, compiling scientific data to justify the conservation proposals that the organisation continues to work on today.

LATITUDE underway

Since the spill was acknowledged Oceana continues to urge Congress and the U.S. government to ban all new offshore drilling. In addition, reports on the spill’s impact on various species in the area are being drafted.

In the energy field, Oceana develops intense campaigns in favour of offshore wind energy and is one of the few non-governmental organisations concentrated on specific problems like the acidification of marine waters due to increased emissions of CO2 and its impact on corals and marine organisms with calcareous skeletons. Oceana has also publicly opposed petroleum prospecting in the Mediterranean, especially in Spanish and Italian waters.

Oceana

July 22, 2010

The Oceana Organisation was founded in 2001 and it is the largest international organization which is focused solely on ocean conservation, protecting marine ecosystems and endangered species.

Oceana has offices in Europe, North America, Central America and South America which work together on a limited number of strategic, directed campaigns to achieve measurable outcomes that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance. The Oceana Ocean Organisation believes in the importance of science in identifying problems and solutions and scientists work closely with our teams of economists, lawyers and advocates to achieve tangible results for the oceans.

Oceana, a Planet Green NGO partner, is an organization that is at the forefront of ocean and ocean-life conservation. They have set forth campaigns to stop dirty fishing, destructive trawling, to protect sharks, sea turtles and people from mercury-contaminated seafood. They also work towards ending subsidized fishing and have advocated for reduced greenhouse emissions.

Oceans cover the majority of the earth’s surface, but we rarely ever visit them. They are the ultimate fly-over country. Oceans, however, contain an abundance of life, including phytoplankton which generate most of the oxygen that we breathe. So, you see, we kind of need oceans.

Oceana has over 300,000 members from all over the world, and you can become a member by signing up to be a Wavemaker. But you don’t have to join to support the ocean. You can donate or you can use their pocket seafood guide to distinguish what fish are endangered and what fish are OK to eat. Plus, they have a list of wonderful tips that can teach you how to live in sync with your planet’s oceans.

The Problem

The oceans are vast, but they are not immune to human influence. We have already altered or destroyed many marine ecosystems and driven million-year-old species to the brink of extinction. According to a study published in Science, less than 4 percent of the oceans remain unaffected by human activity.

We are taking too many fish out of the water.
In the last few decades, commercial fishing has evolved into a high-tech, heavily subsidized industry that uses cutting-edge electronics, computer systems, huge amounts of fuel and miles of gear to find and catch more fish in remote places formerly out of bounds to fishermen.

Amber Valletta

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says that at least 75 percent of seafood species are overexploited, fully exploited or recovering from depletion and need more effective and precautionary management.

We are putting too many pollutants in the water.
Mercury is a toxic pollutant emitted by land-based industrial plants. This mercury finds its way back into our food chain via our seafood with potentially serious consequences. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one in ten American women has enough mercury in her blood to pose a risk of neurological damage to her developing baby.

Meanwhile, offshore fish farming, rather than taking the pressure off wild seafood species, results in increased overfishing to feed the farmed fish as well as the despoiling of seafloor habitat. Concentrated fish waste dropped from the open-water pens blankets the ocean bottom, snuffing out oxygen and life.

Last and perhaps most alarming, carbon dioxide is making our oceans warmer and more acidic . As a result, corals and other creatures at the base of the ocean food chains have trouble forming shells. Without a drastic reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, many of the world’s coral reefs will disappear and entire ocean ecosystems may collapse.

We are squandering the oceans’ resources.
Destructive fishing practices that include driftnets, longlines and bottom trawls are ruining ocean ecosystems by indiscriminately killing fish and other wildlife, including seabirds and marine mammals. Each year, more than 16 billion pounds of bycatch are thrown overboard thanks to wasteful fishing techniques.

Bottom trawls drag heavily weighted nets along the ocean floor in search of fish or crustaceans in a practice akin to clearcutting a forest in order to catch a rabbit. Centuries-old habitats such as coral gardens are destroyed in an instant by bottom trawls, pulverized into barren plains. Endangered sea turtles drown on longline hooks while sharks have their fins sliced from their bodies, which are then tossed overboard.

© OCEANA and Soledad Esnaola

The Oceana Goal
Oceana was created to identify practical solutions and make them happen. The good news is that we can restore our oceans to their former glory. In many cases, laws governing fishing and pollution already exist – we simply need to enforce them and ensure that management and industry obey a few commonsense principles.

To most effectively protect the world’s oceans, Oceana is:

MARINE-FOCUSED: Oceana is 100 percent dedicated to fighting on behalf of oceans.

GLOBAL: Oceana has campaign offices in North America, South America, Central America and Europe.

CAMPAIGN-DRIVEN: Oceana channels their resources towards a limited number of strategic, directed campaigns to achieve measurable outcomes that will help return our oceans to former levels of abundance. Some of our campaigns are regional, others are international.

FACT-BASED: Oceana believe in the importance of science in identifying problems and solutions.

Please visit oceana.org for more information

Plastiki bottle boat nearing end of ocean environmental mission

July 22, 2010

The Inmarsat sponsored vessel made buoyant by 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles, is nearing the end of its three-month voyage to highlight the environmental impact of waste dumped in the oceans.

The unique catamaran, the brainchild of British environmentalist David de Rothschild, is due in Sydney by the end of this month, having crossed the Pacific from San Francisco.

Along the way David and his crew have used a Thrane & Thrane Sailor FleetBroadband 500 terminal, supplied by solutions provider Satcom, to keep the expedition in the public eye and raise a debate on finding ways to tackle the problem of the 15 billion pounds (6.8 billion kg) of rubbish which ends up in the world’s oceans every year.

The Plastiki Expedition Vessel

Global conversation
Since its departure in March, the crew have conducted over 50 media interviews, resulting in more than 300 print articles, 200 radio and TV broadcasts and over 1,000 mentions on websites.

David said: “One of the founding principles of the Plastiki expedition was to create a global conversation around the issues and the solutions needed in order to beat waste, especially the plastic pollution that plagues our oceans.”

“Without FleetBroadband and Inmarsat’s unwavering commitment and vision to support our call to action, the Plastiki wouldn¿t have been able to reach the global audience it has – and in turn create such an immense voice for change.”

Plastiki Expedition

Huge audience
The 20-metre (60ft) catamaran, which has a hull made of 12,500 reclaimed plastic bottles, has relied solely on renewable energy systems to power its FB500 terminal. With video production equipment supplied by Livewire Digital and airtime sponsored by Inmarsat distribution partner Stratos, the expedition has been able to send store-and-forward video to its own website and the world’s media.

Coverage has included weekly TV and web reports on CNN International and a slot on the Oprah Winfrey Show, watched by six million viewers across America.

The crew has also used FleetBroadband to keep in touch with colleagues and family onshore.

State celebrations
Skipper Jo Royle said: “I have never experienced such clarity in ship-to-shore communications.

“Inmarsat technology has totally revolutionized my job. We can now enjoy life at sea and remain connected with developments on shore.”

The Rendezvous Awards Superyacht Ingot & Petra and Bids Farewell to Monaco for 2010

June 27, 2010

The Rendezvous Bids Farewell to Sunny Monaco for 2010 but the next Rendezvous in Monaco will take place in June 2011. 

Guests and friends met at the Yacht Club de Monaco this morning to bid each other farewell at the conclusion of The Rendezvous in Monaco by Boat International Media.

On another beautiful sunny day in the Principality of Monaco, the Yacht Club hosted a brunch for the owners and guests of 13 superyachts ranging from 39m to 75m with a combined length overall of nearly 700 metres, which over the past four days have participated in fun and friendship on and off the waters of Monaco.

Motor Yacht Petra Video:

After brunch, General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco, Bernard d’Alessandri, and Tony Harris, CEO of Boat International Media, invited guests to The Rendezvous in Monaco prizegiving. The first awards were presented for the Concours des Chefs, in which the chefs of each participating superyacht competed for the honour of impressing a panel of Michelin-starred chefs who judged their culinary skills.

Superyachts Ingot and Petra are the Winners at The 2010 Yacht Rendezvous in Monaco

Chair of the judges is Head Chef to HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Christian Garcia, who kept the audience in suspense for the final outcome before revealing the winning chef, Michael Goller of motor yacht Petra, a 44-metre Heesen yacht.

Mr Goller could not disguise his pride and delight at winning as he raised his trophy aloft in triumph, along with a jeroboam of Moët & Chandon. ‘This is thrilling to win this prize,’ said Mr Goller. ‘I knew I’d done a good job but then I knew all the other chefs would have done a good job too, otherwise they would not be working on a superyacht, so I can’t tell you how excited I am to win this award.’ Craig Stevens, chef of the 62.5m superyacht Icon, the first of the Icon yachts, won a Special Commendation for Outstanding Dessert.

Final award of the prizegiving was for the Prix “Art de Vivre La Belle Classe Moët & Chandon”. Again this was judged by a panel of five experts, representing the Yacht Club de Monaco, Boat International Media and Moët & Chandon.

Yachts at the Rendezvous in Monaco

Since its creation in 2005 at the instigation of HSH Prince Albert II, President of the Yacht Club de Monaco, “La Belle Classe” has established a code of good conduct and etiquette among members of the superyacht industry, with the intention that “Today’s superyachts can survive the test of time to become the classic yachts of tomorrow.”

The award pays tribute to the owners of superyachts’ way of “Living the Sea” and the judges were asked to consider three criteria: 
- The owner’s approach and philosophy of “Living the Sea”
- Respect for Etiquette
- Crew Behaviour during the week and quality of greeting

The judges agreed that the winners of the Prix “Art de Vivre La Belle Classe Moët & Chandon” should be Mr. & Mrs. Howard Meyers, owner of motor yacht Ingot, a 47 metre superyacht launched in 2008 by the American shipyard, Burger Boat Company. ‘It’s wonderful to win such an accolade, and we’re very happy,’ said Mr Meyers afterwards.

Superyachts Rendezvous in Monaco

The 2010 Rendezvous in Monaco brought owners of superyachts together in ways that have never been done before. Today Superyacht Media presented a music montage of some of the highlights of the past few days, and some extraordinary helicopter footage reminded guests of that wonderful cruise in formation to Cap Ferrat two days ago.

Raffaele Costa, owner of the AMY Admiral 54 superyacht, Sea Force One, and a member of the Yacht Club de Monaco, said: ‘The Rendezvous has managed to bring owners and their guests together in a way that has never been done before. It’s a very unique event and more people need to learn about The Rendezvous and experience it for themselves. This year has been incredibly well organised, spot on with the weather. Going out to sea was great, and maybe next year we could even go out for one night on the sea. That could be extraordinary. But this year’s event is the result of a lot of hard work and we have enjoyed a beautiful time in Monaco.’

As mentioned the next Rendezvous in Monaco 2011 will take place in June.

Rendezvous in Monaco

Prince Albert II of Monaco offers his Patronage to Bal d’Oceana at the Rendezvous in Monaco 2010

June 25, 2010

Boat International Media and marine conservation organisation Oceana are delighted to announce that the inaugural Bal d’Oceana gala on 25 June will take place under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II.

‘It is a great honour to have the patronage of the sovereign of Monaco for our gala,’ said Executive Vice President of Oceana Jim Simon. ‘An accomplished marine conservationist, HSH Albert II is someone who – like Oceana – is deeply committed to tackling the urgent problems facing our oceans.’

Bal d’Oceana is the official charity fundraiser of The Rendezvous in Monaco, an annual event for superyacht owners, their friends and families to enjoy four days of on-the-water activities and a glittering land-based social programme in one of Europe’s most glamorous yachting destinations.

The Rendezvous in Monaco

Entrance to the Bal d’Oceana is not limited to attendees of The Rendezvous and all members of the yachting community, residents and visitors to Monaco are invited to join the celebrations.

Bal d’Oceana ticket holders will enjoy a champagne reception, four-course dinner and dancing to live music. They will have the opportunity to celebrate the oceans and support the work of Oceana with longtime ocean conservationist and Oceana board member Ted Danson and his wife, actress Mary Steenburgen (right). All proceeds from Bal d’Oceana will support Oceana’s campaigns to conserve the ocean.

For tickets to Bal d’Oceana, please contact:

Mimi Hemphill
Tel: +1 202 467 1926
Email: mhemphill@oceana.org

Individual tickets are 1,000 Euros. Tables are also available for 8,000 Euros and seat ten individuals. A substantial share of the ticket price will be tax-deductible to donors under U.S. law.

Graff Diamonds to sponsor The Rendezvous in Monaco 2010

June 23, 2010

As dusk falls over Port Hercule, thirteen of the world’s finest and most recently launched superyachts are now berthed along the privatised Quai des Etas-Unis as their owners prepare for four days of first-class hospitality, glittering gala dinners and on the water fun at the twentieth annual 2010 Rendezvous in Monaco. 

The Rendezvous in Monaco - The Yacht Hop

Graff Diamonds are the latest addition to an impressive list of partners and sponsors supporting this exclusive event.

The House of Graff is synonymous with the most fabulous jewels in the world.  The name symbolises rarity, beauty, excellence and above all, the best quality craftsmanship and diamonds. A diamond company extraordinaire, Graff produces polished diamonds from the rough sourced from mines around the world, making it one of the world’s leading diamond companies.

With over 30 boutiques worldwide including their flagship store on New Bond Street, London, the timing of The Rendezvous ties in beautifully with the opening of Graff’s new store inside the iconic Hôtel De Paris, Monte Carlo’s most exclusive hotel.

‘We are delighted to welcome back old friends to Monaco and look forward to forming new friendships and unveiling our brand new store to guests of The Rendezvous’, commented Madame Nicole Rey, Manager. 

On the penultimate day of The Rendezvous, Madame Rey will host a private Champagne Cocktail at the Graff boutique for select Rendezvous guests, followed by a Ladies Luncheon at Le Grill, one of the exclusive Hôtel de Paris restaurants, with a fantastic view of the harbour. 

The Rendezvous in Monaco

Tickets to Bal d’Oceana at Hôtel de Paris on Saturday evening, the official gala fundraiser of The Rendezvous in Monaco in association with marine conservation charity Oceana are still available to purchase. 

The Rendezvous in Monaco - The White Party


 
For tickets to Bal d’Oceana, please contact: 
Francesca Garola
T: +33 643 91 41 01  E: info@superyachtrendezvous.com

The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust funds emissions research at National Technical University of Athens

June 21, 2010

The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust makes new €1.5m commitment to support the marine industry in Greece. Lloyd’s Register’s independent charity foundation, The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust (The LRET), has agreed to fund a research programme into shipping emissions at NTUA over the next five years – the commitment will be worth over €1,500,000.
 
The initiative is intended to look at the totality of emissions from shipping in a holistic manner, to address design, construction and operational aspects to provide insight into potential solutions. 
 

The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust logo

The agreement further extends The LRET’s support for maritime education and research in Greece where it has been very active since its launch in 2004, funding pre-university education, university education and a major marine research programmes.
 
NTUA’s Professor Harilaos Psaraftis commenting on the news said: “I am really happy to be associated with the Centre of Excellence and look forward to the next five years. The issues we shall be looking at are at the forefront of knowledge development for sustainability in maritime transport. Such knowledge is multi-disciplinary and I can only look ahead to the challenge of rigorously analysing these classes of problems and finding solutions that are agreeable to the major stakeholders.”

David Moorhouse, The LRET Chair of Trustees and Lloyd’s Register Chairman, said: “The LRET is extending its support throughout the world in a number of important areas. We want to encourage the study and development of science, engineering and technology to help solve the many challenges the world faces, such as climate change and the huge increase in energy demand. Our work in Greece is part of this effort for the wider public benefit”.

The LRET has a significant number of commitments in Greece:
• The LRET provides undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships in naval architecture and/ or marine engineering to assist exceptional students to further their maritime studies before taking up a career in shipping. The total support of these scholarships is more than €170,000.
• The LRET has worked with the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) since 2004 to grant an annual postgraduate scholarship at Masters’ level for studies in maritime related sectors worth €12,600. The scholarship is awarded to Greek nationals for studies in internationally recognised universities anywhere in the world.
• The LRET is also financially supporting HELMEPA (Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association) in the expansion of HELMEPA Junior – a programme designed to promote marine environmental awareness in children up to 13 years old in Greece through a three year financing program that started in April 2008.
• HELMEPA Junior, with support from The LRET, has been extended to the support of HELMEPA Cadets, a scheme aimed at young people between 13 and 30 years old. The total economic support is going to be more than €155,000.
 
The Lloyd’s Register Educational Trust (The LRET) is an independent charity that was established in 2004. Its principal purpose is to support advances in transportation, science, engineering and technology education, training and research worldwide for the benefit of all. It also funds work that enhances the safety of life and property at sea, on land and in the air. The LRET focuses on four categories:
• pre-university education: through appropriate organisations (but not individual schools), promotes careers in science, engineering and technology to young people, their parents and teachers
• university education: provides funding for undergraduate and post-graduate scholarships and awards at selected universities and colleges (does not fund students directly)
• vocational training and professional development: supports professional institutions, educational and training establishments working with people of all ages.
• research: funds existing or new centres of excellence at institutes and universities

Vripack transforms Care Centre for elderly

June 17, 2010

The residents of care centre Marijke Hiem in Heerenveen are from now on able to enjoy the sun and catch up with their neighbors in their brand new seating’s. On Friday 4th June, at least 60 employees of the Sneek based yacht design and engineering company Vripack joined their knowledge and strength to renovate and redecorate various joint sitting areas and balconies and also design and carpenter new lounge furniture.

Team Vripack

Besides the regular Company festivities, Vripack also organizes an annual Charity day. During this activity, the whole Vripack team rolls up its sleeves on behalf of a specific charity event. To find a suitable location for this years event, Vripack contacted the Present foundation. This foundation mediates between volunteers who want to lend a helping hand and those in need of some help.

The Friends of Marijke Hiem Foundation paid for most of the necessary materials and accessories. They collected money by holding a monthly jumble sale or from donations. Vripack was responsible for the design and manpower and was also able to gain various fundings from companies who were prepared to help out as well. When all was finished, the smile on the faces of the residents was worth more then a pile of gold!

Help needed for historic classic racing yacht Leila

May 25, 2010

VOLUNTEER carpenters and boatbuilders are needed to help complete a project to restore one of the country’s oldest classic racing yachts.

Classic racing yacht Leila

Enthusiasts set up a trust in 2008 to restore the historic racing yacht Leila. Now after more than 18 months of hard work, it is hoped that local woodworkers will be able to help get her back in the water.

The yacht is being restored at a boatyard in Southwold after she spent 12 years wasting away in Great Yarmouth harbour, where fresh water was rotting her frames, planks and stanchions.

Most of the classic sailing yacht has now been restored, but the project needs some extra help to make the final push towards being able to sail later this year.

Leila Sailing Trust project co-ordinator and local sailor David Beavan said that after spending nearly £90,000 already, including a £50,000 heritage lottery grant, he hopes that local volunteers will help get the deck finished in time for the yacht to appear at the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival in September.

yacht Leila

Anyone who can help with the project should call David Beavan on 01502 724904. For details about the trust, visit -leila2c.org
Classic Yacht Leila is a rare example of a Victorian racing cutter, built in 1892 in Charlton, London for a businessman who sailed with the Royal Temple Yacht Club at Ramsgate, and is on the National Historic Ships Register.  She won the Round Britain race in 1904. Since 1961, she has been owned by the Alison family and moored on Fisher’s Quay, Great Yarmouth. She was found by Rob Bull and David Beavan of Southwold in the  summer of 2008, when they set up the trust.  She will mainly operate from the historic berth in Lowestoft.

Leila, an 116 year old, 15 ton gaff cutter of 42 foot on deck, 10 foot beam and 8 foot draught, is being restored for sail training for young people of Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth and Southwold.  An appeal is being launched for funds to repair hull damage and fit her out to Marine Coastguard Agency Standards.

classic yacht Leila

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