Historic 1926 Cornish lugger saved following rescue effort

The Canal & River Trust and its heritage team have led a complex salvage operation and a year-long process of ownership transfer for a historic sailboat dating back nearly a century. 

White Heather, a 1926 Cornish lugger with a varied past as a fishing vessel, passenger boat, and transatlantic cruiser, was at risk of being lost after falling into disrepair and sinking at Gloucester Docks in 2023. 

Initially built for fishing off the Cornish coast, the wooden-hulled vessel later carried passengers in Fowey during the 1980s and 1990s, before embarking on a notable Atlantic voyage to Morocco, Brazil, and the Caribbean in 2003.

After returning to the UK and appearing at the Gloucester Tall Ships Festival in 2011, White Heather remained afloat for another decade before deteriorating. With the vessel’s owner unable to fund the significant restoration needed, the Canal & River Trust stepped in to provide support. 

The Trust’s licensing compliance and enforcement team collaborated closely with its heritage team and Digital Dry Dock Ltd, which carried out 3D scans of the vessel to document her structure and condition. 

Initial recovery attempts were delayed due to concerns over the fragile state of the hull, but a successful lift was completed in January 2024. The vessel was then transported to local boatbuilders, RW Davis & Son Ltd, for secure storage and preservation.

Efforts to secure a new custodian for White Heather included outreach to National Historic Ships, maritime heritage organisations, and the open market. Despite widespread interest, no suitable offers were received for several months. 

Earlier this year, a prospective new owner with credible restoration plans came forward. Following due diligence, ownership was officially transferred, and White Heather was relocated to Hayling Island in May, where restoration work is now set to begin.

Morgan Cowles, heritage manager at the Canal & River Trust, comments: “The rescue of White Heather is a testament to the dedication and expertise of my colleagues who required technical care, specialist knowledge, and close collaboration with local partners. Thanks to a great team effort, we’ve been able to secure a future for this remarkable vessel.

“From Cornish fishing boat to transatlantic adventurer, White Heather has a story worth saving – and we’re proud to have played a part in keeping that story alive,” she concludes.