Sparrows Nest, Whapload Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1XG  Tel 01502 561963 

Update Jan 2012

 

 

 

To find us click this link to Google Maps, then enter NR32 1XG

 

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Struan Coupar writes with news of the gaff rigged ketch Leader that he acquired in 1996, enclosing the fine picture shown above. She was built in 1892 at Galmpton on the River Dart in Devon and fished out of Lowestoft registered as LT474 until 1907. Having remained in Sweden since 1907 she returned to the UK in 1985 and was based  on the west coast of Scotland for ten years as 'Lorne Leader', where she was used for sailing holidays and charter. Does anyone know of her or who she belonged to in her time here at Lowestoft?

When Struan acquired her he took her back to Devon and was initially based on the Dart, but since 1999 is berthed at Brixham; Galmpton is in the parish of Brixham. She is now used as a sail training vessel - principally on personal development courses for disadvantaged young people and on cruises which allow members of the general public to experience life under traditional sail; see  www.trinitysailingtrust.org    

 

Thinking back over the past year, our Royal Opening reminded me of another Royal Visit in 1980 when the Princess Royal came to open the Navigation Dept at Lowestoft College, see http://www.lowestoft.ac.uk/maritime.asp.

The Royal Yacht and flagship of the Sultanate of Oman Navy, the 'Al Said', photo above left, returned to Brooke Marine for a refit and update in 1977 during which the mast was displaced to facilitate installation of a helicopter pad. It was presented to Lowestoft College and stands to this day in front of the Navigation section, see photo above right.