Excelsior

Vessel type		Lowestoft Fishing Trawler
Rig		Gaff Ketch
Specification		Length 21.79m Beam 4.31m

Facilities

The vessel offers a spacious saloon, which incorporates seating for all on board, plus a galley to starboard which is equipped with an oil fired 'Aga' style range (gradient heat hotplate and oven), two sinks and all necessary utensils. There is also a domestic size fridge and freezer and generous storage areas. Sleeping accommodation consists of 10 single bunks in the saloon and forward areas plus a two berth cabin. There are two toilet and wash areas with hot and cold water.

Areas of operation

Excelsior is regularly seen on the River Orwell in Suffolk but her home port is in Lowestoft. From here she can sail to channel ports in Holland, Belgium and France or visit the diverse range of ports along the east coast of England. Excelsior also competes in the Tall Ships' Race and a number of traditional festivals.

Group numbers

The maximum group number (including leaders) must not exceed 12, all of whom must be aged 12 or over. We recommend at least two leaders within the group, or more depending on the needs of the young people. The sailing staff includes a Skipper, Mate, Bosun and often a fourth hand.

History

Excelsior, a Lowestoft fishing smack with a gaff ketch rig, is 33 metres long (including spars) with a beam of 5.9 metres. Built in Lowestoft in 1921, she worked as a commercial fishing trawler until 1936. She was then converted to a motor coaster and sailed around the fjords of Norway until she was privately purchased for restoration and returned to Lowestoft in 1972.

Excelsior was fully restored in 1989 and is widely acclaimed for its unique standard of authenticity. Excelsior is one of a small number of traditional sailing trawlers remaining in the UK, the only sailing trawler that can still tow a traditional full size trawl.

Since 1989, Excelsior has operated as a sail training vessel providing off-shore voyages for young people. Since 2005, Excelsior has sailed under the flag of The Cirdan Sailing Trust, providing a greater number of young people with the opportunity for self-development through the experience of living and working aboard a traditional sailing vessel.