The effect of the lockdown has so far meant that Nancy Blackett has been unable to be launched for the season and all sailing plans have been scrapped or suspended.

No private pleasure boats are now allowed on the waters controlled by the Harwich Harbour Authority, and in any case, sailing aboard a boat of Nancy Blackett’s size would be virtually impossible under current social isolation regulations.

Like many charities our financial equilibrium is linked to our ability to maintain our activities; we have standing costs, including insurance, winter maintenance and an unused marina berth, and while we’re grateful to our members for their continued support through their subscriptions, these alone are not sufficient to cover these costs, and we currently have no income with which to pay for them.

If you feel like making a donation to us, we would be hugely grateful – please use Virgin Moneygiving by clicking on the button below:

And many thanks.