Lucy Lavers - on her last leg back to Wells

28/05/2015

Photograph by Wendy Pritchard

At 06:30 this morning Lucy Lavers set out on the final stage of her journey, from Lowestoft back home to Wells-next-the-Sea.  Here's today's crew, kitting up on Lowestoft Quay before boarding her.

Photograph by Wendy Pritchard

Today's Skipper is Allen Frary, with crew Nicky King, Alan Cooper, Guy Warren, Kevin Thatcher, John Johnson, and Mark Hankin.  

Photograph by Mark Hankin

Alan Cooper (waving) looks excited to be on board Lucy Lavers for this special homecoming voyage. 

Photograph by Mark Hankin

Allen Frary was the skipper for the very first leg of Lucy Lavers voyage, from Wells to Lowestoft, so it seems fitting that he is also skippering for this final leg of her return journey, home to Wells.  Here he is at the helm, talking to John Johnson, with Alan Cooper behind.

Photograph by Mark Hankin

Now Alan Cooper takes a turn helming.  Nicky King is behind him in the stern.  The sea looks a little 'lumpy' today.

Photograph by Mark Hankin

By 11.30am Lucy Lavers is just off the coast near Happisburgh.  There's a Force 5 Westerly wind today, as you can see by the spray on the windshield. 

Photograph by Mark Hankin

12.10pm, and Lucy Lavers has reached a Norfolk town famous for its crabs and its pier - Cromer. 

Photograph by Ben Middleton

At 12.55pm she is sighted offshore from Sheringham beach, by Ben 'Fuzz' Middleton, one of the Coxswains on her journey.

Photograph by Lucy Geering

At 3.55pm Lucy Lavers is approaching Wells Harbour mouth.  Several small craft have come out to meet her, including Nick Barnham, his small boat decorated with an Ensign, and Ben Riches in his fishing boat.  Ben worked on Lucy Lavers' restoration and was on the Ramsgate-Dunkirk leg. 

Lucy Lavers finally reached Wells Outer Harbour around 4.15pm.  She will be moored there until she comes to Wells Quay for her homecoming party, 6.30pm on Friday 5th June.