Working boat back on the water (From Falmouth Packet)

Working boat back on the water

6:30pm Sunday 20th July 2008

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Nervous eyes watched from the sidelines as a freshly restored 65-year-old working boat was lifted into position in Mylor creek, ready for its first high tide in eight years.

John Davison, 56, bought the vessel eight years ago and after leaving her lying up in the boat yard at Tregatreath, started the restoration work two years ago.

A huge shed had obscured the fine lines of the working boat until this month, when the covers finally came off.

And on Thursday afternoon, July 10, the moment of truth arrived when a crane took the load and swung her into position.

Mr Davison said: "It is very emotional, three days ago there was a huge shed covering her.

"It was like coming out of a chrysalis, everyone who has seen her has been gobsmacked."

Admitting he had no idea how much the work had cost he said: "I do not want to think about, but it is probably double what I thought.

He added however, it was worth every penny.

The trawler, named the Donna Keppel after a previous owner's wife, was originally built in 1943 at the Belgian port of Ostend and was one of the first sailing hull trawlers to have an engine.

Designed to be 90 feet long, wartime austerity meant materials were only available to complete a 53 feet long craft.

Mr Davison said once the masts are fitted and everything is shipshape he intends to use her to sail local waters for a while before venturing further afield.

And while said he was confident she would take anything the ocean could throw at her he joked: "It is the crew I would be worried about."

The couple is planning a bash at Mylor Yacht Club at the end of August to celebrate her rebirth and to thank everyone who has helped and given support.

There is even a rumour Skinners Brewery is concocting special "Donna Keppel" ale to mark the occasion.

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