Historic Conwy Quay boat 'will sail again'

Apr 14 2011 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

THE trust behind the £100,000 restoration of a historic boat on Conwy Quay has denied work has come to a standstill.

Last year the James Roddick Morecambe Bay Prawner Restoration Trust took ownership of Helen 2, a 40ft long classic sailing boat built from oak in 1910.

The boat is housed on Conwy Quay so members of the public can see the restoration project close at hand.

The restoration of the vessel, which is in a poor state, was supposed to be undertaken by Coleg Llandrillo students.

But despite some preliminary work, such as building a protective compound over the vessel, work seems to have come to a standstill.

Helen Jones, who walks her dog on Conwy Quay, said: “I come here all the time, and I never see anybody doing anything on the boat.

“It’s a shame as I thought it sounded like a great idea to get all the community involved in the project.”

There are rumours circulating in Conwy that the trust has run out of money, but Tony Mead, who is secretary to the trust, says that although funds are low, work is ongoing.

He said: “A great deal of progress has been made towards the achievement of the Trust’s objectives.

“Amongst the things we’ve achieved during the past year is the construction of Helen’s restoration compound.

“Conservation work to stabilise Helen’s hull has also been undertaken by the Trust’s shipwright.

“We’ve also established a website, which will help us with marketing and fund-raising activities for the boat in the future.”

Tony, who is also Conwy’s harbourmaster, pointed out that public interpretation boards have been set up, and the Trust has already purchased larch timber for Helen’s planking in anticipation of full conservation work starting.