Multiple-rescue yacht Nora has been sold

A yacht that made the headlines when her two-man American crew were assisted by the emergency services nine times in seven months, has found a new home.

The 12m (40ft) Colin Archer gaff cutter Nora sparked multiple RNLI callouts on a voyage by previous owner Steve Shapiro and crew Bob Weise, both aged in their 70s, from Norway to Cornwall.

While moored up at Hayle Harbour, Cornwall, a fire on 26 January caused cosmetic damage to the boat – after an unattended candle ‘reignited’ and set a pile of clothes alight when the boat tilted on its moorings.

The pair abandoned their plans to sail the yacht across the Atlantic and returned to the USA leaving Nora in the hands of Wooden Ships Yacht Brokers from Dartmouth, who confirmed to PBO that Nora had been sold in mid March to a private owner.

Nora’s new owner Brian Ward kindly responded to PBO’s request for an update and said: ‘To bring you up to date with proceedings, a close colleague and I have recently purchased Nora as we intend to commence a refurbishment exercise here in Hayle prior to moving her to a mooring at Mylor.

‘The boat as you know has sustained some minor damage internally and externally, although structurally it is in very sound condition. We intend to refurbish and/or replace any defective components particularly in terms of mechanical and electrical, in addition to anti-fouling, new paint system, refurbishment of wood work, repair or replace all sails.

‘Generally speaking we wish to restore Nora to the high standard of finish and reliability that no doubt she once was.’