With the wind in her sails and the waves at her keel, an iconic Norfolk sailing ship is on her way home.
The Albatros' 32-hour voyage from Essex to Wells-next-the-Sea began yesterday (July 19) at 1pm, and she is due to arrive in port this evening.
After the 140-mile journey the Dutch sailing klipper will be seen in Wells for the first time since 2020.
It follows the purchase of the ship by Bob 'Rob' Richardson from former captain, Ton Brouwer, and an extensive restoration project.
READ MORE: The Albatros ship to return to Wells-next-the-Sea
Speaking from the ship, Mr Richardson said: “It is all good on the Albatros. The engine and boat is all good with the steady thump thump of the low revving diesel and engine checks every 30 minutes.
“The current and state of the sea is calm but with a slight swell, and the weather has been good.
“We made really good time out of the Blackwater and for a period before we had the tide against us, then a period of slow speed over the ground but made good coverage overnight."
The crew has done watches of three hours on and off watch, and they had breakfast near Cromer.
Mr Richardson had delayed the journey back to Wells while he waited for an engine part, which put the brakes on the project's final touches.
The ship is due to arrive back in Wells at 9pm (July 20).
Robert Smith, Wells harbourmaster, and his team will escort the Albatros back to the quayside.
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