Further Details of the Restoration
a) Replacing the internal frames
All the frames were replaced. Severn has thick sawn frames and thinner steamed framed. The sawn frames are sawn to shape whilst the steamed frames are steamed then bent to fit. The old frames were either soft, rotten, cracked or split. Some had come apart from the hull. In places the frames have been doubled up with sister frames put in to support the original frames. These too have deteriorated over time.
The sawn frames were replaced with laminated frames made of thin strips of wood glued together which are structurally stronger In between the sawn frames, new steamed frames were installed. To enable the frames to be accessed the cabin and old deck needed to be removed.
Before images of framework
b) Repairs to the boat’s backbone. The boat's backbone was rebuilt and the iron keel, which weights 1/2 tonne reconditioned. The backbone includes the stem at the front of the boat, which takes the full force of the waves, iron keel, keelson, to which the keel is attached by bolts and stern post.
Keelson and new frames
c) Rebuilding the boat's stern counter - The boat's stern counter was rebuilt as many of the hull planks were rotten.
c) New mast - A new hollow mast was constructed. This is lighter and stronger than a solid mast. It is fitted to a tabernacle on the deck making it easier to raise. Previously the mast needed a crane to lift it in.
e) New deck - A new deck and beam supports were installed
f) New cockpit - a new cockpit was created with seating and shelving for storage
g) Combing - Laminated combing was installed round the cockpit. The combing needed to be bent to shape. The combing helps reduce the chance of crew falling out of the cockpit and water from waves getting in.
h) New engine - a new engine, fuel and exhaust lines, fuel tank and bilge pumps were installed. A new engine compartment and battery compartment had to be built.
i) New propeller - A new feathering propeller and shaft were installed. Feathering propellers that folds in when not in use reduces drag while sailing, improving sailing performance and fuel efficiency. They also provide better thrust in reverse helping with close maneuvering.
j) Navigational and Safety Equipment - So we can sail her safely navigational and safety equipment complying latest advice was installed
k) Caulking, Painting and Varnishing - The hull planks needed caulking to stop water seeping through. Severn required multiple coats of paint and varnish with sanding between coats.
l) Lead ballast - As well as the iron keel weighing 1/2 ton, Severn carries 1/2 ton lead ballast. Scrap lead was acquired and shaped into lead ingots which were then used as ballast
m) Rigging - The boat needed to be rigged
l) Launch - Finally after three and a half years work, Severn was craned into the water on Thursday 30th April 2026
A launch event was held at Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club on Saturday 16th May 2026. The design of Severn and the Rivers Class is based on the slightly earlier Blackpool and Fleetwood Jewel Class. Severn was presented with the Royal Mersey and Blackpool & Fleetwood burgees. Lunetide performed the Severn Song.
Ian Diamond RMYC presenting the Royal Mersey burgee
m) Sea Trials and Maiden Voyage - After four weeks commissioning work and sea trials, Severn left the Wyre Estuary sailing across Morecambe Bay to Roa Island, near Barrow on Saturday 30th May
Thank you to all our funders
The restoration was funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, Headley Trust, Cumbria Community Foundation, Arnside Silverdale Grant Fund, Cumbria Community Foundation, Barnes Trust (Arnside), donations and fund raising events. A special thanks to Tattie Bogle Ceilidh Band who performed for free in yearly Burns Night events to raise money for Severn.
