Nancy Blackett has at last returned to active service after an enforced four-month lay-up.

She sank at her moorings immediately after her seasonal relaunch at the end of April, leading to a long period of repairs and refurbishment, which included installation of a new engine and extensive electrical rewiring.

The cause of the overnight submersion was attributed to planking not ‘taking up’ after it had dried out over winter, possibly combined with the failure of an automatic bilge pump. Yard staff were quickly aboard with pumps and Nancy Blackett was retrieved ashore, but the engine and wiring had been submerged beyond repair. Her own historic wooden hull however survived, mud-covered but undamaged.

One benefit from the engine removal was the opportunity to inspect normally inaccessible areas of the boat; some minor areas of rot were found and treated, and two keel bolts, one fractured, were replaced.

The total cost of recovery from the event is in excess of £14,000, some of which we expect to be recoverable under our insurance, and donations, but doesn’t include lost income from our sailing activities. We may offer the engine and keelbolts at auction as souvenirs.

Nancy Blackett returned to her berth at Woolverstone on the Orwell yesterday (Wednesday August 24th). Skipper Neil Brooks, who as the Trust’s boat manager has overseen the recovery programme, had the privilege of bringing her back from Woodbridge with crew members Tim Everson and Mark Taylor. The new engine saw her safely down the River Deben and across its notorious bar, then sails were hoisted for the Orwell part of the passage.

Nancy Blackett’s first social date is this weekend, hosting visits from members of the Arthur Ransome Society, which is holding its AGM nearby. In September (9-11th) she is planning to take part in London’s St Katherine Docks Classic Boat Festival.

Photos by Mark Taylor