The 1974 26ft Westerly yacht, Rebekah Louise, was destined for the scrap heap after its previous owner, in his 80s, could not maintain it.
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. The boater, from Elswick, was encouraged by a friend to look at the vessel and despite its terrible leaking state, he was immediately drawn to it when he spotted its name.
The boater, from Elswick, was encouraged by a friend to look at the vessel and despite its terrible leaking state, he was immediately drawn to it when he spotted its name. Photo: kelvin stuttard
. Louise was the middle name of Colin's baby daughter Alice, who died as an infant.
Louise was the middle name of Colin's baby daughter Alice, who died as an infant. Photo: kelvin s
1. The boater, from Elswick, was encouraged by a friend to look at the vessel and despite its terrible leaking state, he was immediately drawn to it when he spotted its name.
The boater, from Elswick, was encouraged by a friend to look at the vessel and despite its terrible leaking state, he was immediately drawn to it when he spotted its name. Photo: kelvin stuttard
2. Louise was the middle name of Colin's baby daughter Alice, who died as an infant.
Louise was the middle name of Colin's baby daughter Alice, who died as an infant. Photo: kelvin s
3. The vessel was lifted into the water at Glasson marina, at the end of the Glasson branch of the Lancaster canal, where it is linked to the sea.
The vessel was lifted into the water at Glasson marina, at the end of the Glasson branch of the Lancaster canal, where it is linked to the sea. Photo: kelvin
4. Its original launch was delayed last week due to a mechanical fault with the hoisting equipment.
Its original launch was delayed last week due to a mechanical fault with the hoisting equipment. Photo: kelvin