The Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for the nation’s 250-year-old network of historic waterways, has helped secure a future for the White Heather – a rare 1926 Cornish Lugger – following a complex rescue and 12-month search for a new owner.
White Heather, a wooden-hulled sailboat, was originally built for fishing off the Cornish coast and later became a popular passenger boat in Fowey during the 1980s and 90s. In 2003 she undertook an Atlantic voyage to Morocco, Brazil and the Caribbean, returning to the UK and later appearing as a guest ship at the Gloucester Tall Ships Festival in 2011.
Sadly, after another decade afloat, the privately-owned White Heather fell into disrepair and sank in 2023 whilst in the Trust’s Gloucester Docks.
After it became clear White Heather’s owner was unable to carry out the scale of works needed to raise and restore the vessel, or to license her to be kept on the Trust’s waters, the Trust’s licensing compliance & enforcement team began detailed planning to remove her. Recognising the high heritage value of White Heather, the Trust’s heritage team was brought in to support the removal operation.
Morgan Cowles, heritage manager at Canal & River Trust, explains: “It fell upon our charity to recover White Heather from the water. At risk of breaking up, which could cause obstruction, pollution, and safety impacts, we set about a recovery that would keep her intact and save an important part of the nation’s maritime heritage. Because of the boat’s history, my heritage colleagues supported the operation from the outset, which included help from Digital Dry Dock Ltd, who carried out free-of-charge 3D scans of White Heather. This made it possible to fully document and understand the structure and condition of the vessel.
“Initial recovery efforts were hampered by concerns over the integrity of the fragile wooden hull. A second attempt succeeded in January 2024, with contractors safely raising and transporting the vessel to local boatbuilders RW Davis & Son Ltd, who generously supported the operation/project by providing secure storage, and preservative measures.”
The Trust contacted National Historic Ships and other maritime heritage organisations, as well as exploring the open market, to try and find a suitable new custodian. Despite significant interest and much goodwill, no formal offers were received – leading to the prospect that White Heather could indeed be lost. Just as all options seemed exhausted, an interested party came forward in early 2025 with credible and exciting plans for a restoration of the historic vessel. After positive discussions and careful due diligence, ownership was formally transferred, and White Heather was moved to Hayling Island in May 2025, where full restoration work is now set to begin.
Morgan Cowles continues: “The rescue of White Heather is a testament to the dedication and expertise of my colleagues that required technical care, specialist knowledge, and close collaboration with local partners. Thanks to a great team effort we’ve been able to secure a future for this remarkable vessel. From Cornish fishing boat to transatlantic adventurer, White Heather has a story worth saving – and we’re proud to have played a part in keeping that story alive.”
For more information on how to donate or volunteer to help protect your local canal, visit: canalrivertrust.org.uk.
