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Re-launch

Crowlas lift-out : transportation : lift-in launch : after launch

March 10th 2003: Happy Return was lifted out of the Crowlas site by a 70 ton crane and on to a low- loader. Then she was transported under police escort for the 30 minute journey through Penzance and on to the harbour.

This was an emotional time for the previous owner Peter Barrett who can be seen taking photographs of the event.

The lift-in was alongside the Albert Pier where she lay overnight before being taken round to the wet dock under her own power.

She was then moored-up waiting for her masts and spars to be fitted.

March 11th 2003: Inspected for leaks and found to be dry, taken out through the harbour gaps under her own power for first brief sea trial before being moored in the Penzance wet dock to be fitted out.

Here shown on the slip at Penzance alongside Ocean Pride.

May 21st 2003: 4.5 tons of lead ballast cast into 28 lb ingots have now been taken on board and 9 spars have been made by the association members.

Originally the ballast was cemented between the floors under the fish and net rooms in the middle of the craft, slightly more aft but none in the ends fore and aft. This was to enable the lugger to pick herself up quickly when she fell in a sea. Wings on the sides below also contained ballast which could be moved to windward when sailing.

The wood for the two masts had now arrived and the lamination was started under the direction of Keith Billington who had experience of wood lamination with work carried out for the National Trust.