On Wednesday 6th May 2016, the 117 year Dutch fllat bottomed barge ‘Albatros’ sailed down from Wells-Next-The-Sea for a few minor hull repairs, hull scrub, replacement sacrificial anodes and painting.
The vessel arrived just as the tide started to turn early morning. The Alicat service team were already set up awaiting her arrival and along with the vessels able crew, managed to quickly guide her into the wet dock ready to be lifted out.
The vessel lift itself should have been a challenge. Afterall, she weighed in just short of the 200 tonne limit of the boat lift, and with her huge masts (even taller than the Alicat vessel construction sheds) she could have proven difficult to position in the lift to evenly distibute the weight. However, with a hugely experienced lifting team the vessel was lifted out and in position on the yard in less than an hour.
In just four days, the work was complete and the vessel returned to the sea for her return to her berth in Wells.
These days the vessel is permanently situated on North Norfolk’ coastal town and operates as a restaurant and B & B. (http://albatroswells.co.uk/)