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
5. She will be moored alongside Whimbrel, a small former water taxi Colin bought for his late wife and restored in her memory last year.
She will be moored alongside Whimbrel, a small former water taxi Colin bought for his late wife and restored in her memory last year. Photo: kelvin s
6. Colin described it as "a lasting tribute" which "brought back memories."
Colin described it as "a lasting tribute" which "brought back memories." Photo: Kelvin
7. Colin bought the yacht for a pound in August, and since then - between lockdowns - has spent hundreds of hours and around £2,000 repairing and revamping it.
Colin bought the yacht for a pound in August, and since then - between lockdowns - has spent hundreds of hours and around £2,000 repairing and revamping it. Photo: jpim
8. Colin used a staggering 500 sanding discs to help strip back the paint!
Colin used a staggering 500 sanding discs to help strip back the paint! Photo: jpim