Man spends three years building his own pirate ship

Plymouth based Ian Lottie has spent three years building his very own pirate ship, according to the Plymouth Herald.

Ian, who attends many pirate-themed events across the South West, has been slaving away on the project ever since making the decision to create a real-life pirate ship from scratch.

“I always go to pirate festivals, and I have a lot of friends who are pirate re-enactors. One day I just thought, ‘You know what, I’m going to make myself a pirate ship’”, says Ian.

The square rig, glass fibre hull has undergone huge amounts of work, with timbers added across its hull.

“Recently, there’s been lots of progress,” he says. “I’m nearly there and it should have been in the water this week, but the weather has put me back about three of four months which is a shame.

“Saying that though, I have done this all on my own with no help from anyone. Most of it has been built using recycled materials.”

Ian hopes his ship, officially named Pirate Ship Dark Angel, will be on the water soon.

“Once it’s on the water, which I’m really hoping will be in the next couple of months, I’m going to sail her right down the South Coast to raise some money for a charity that supports children with cancer.”

Over 2,000 people have been following Ian’s boat building journey online, according to the Plymouth Herald.

“People have been telling me it’s inspirational, with how much hard work and time I have spent on it, which is great,” adds Ian. “Just hoping it all comes together and is completed very soon.”

Read the full article online.