Excelsior (smack)

Excelsior, Lowestoft Fishing Smack
History
United Kingdom
NameExcelsior
Port of registryLowestoft
BuilderJohn Chambers, Lowestoft
Launched1921
Completed1921
In service1921–1936 (as fishing smack)
Fatesold for conversion to coaster
NameSvinor
Port of registryLowestoft
Acquired1935
Out of service1971
NameExcelsior
OwnerThe Excelsior Trust
Port of registryLowestoft
Acquired1983 by Excelsior Trust)
In service1989–present
Identification
StatusIn service
General characteristics
Class & typeFishing smack
Tonnage55.36 gross register
Length23.5 m (77 ft 1 in)
Beam5.9 m (19 ft 4 in)
Draught3 m (9 ft 10 in)
Depth2.68 m (8 ft 10 in)
Installed powerDiesel
PropulsionSail
Capacity17
Crew5
NotesCurrently used in sail training

Excelsior is an authentically restored fishing smack of the Lowestoft fishing fleet and a member of the National Historic Fleet. She was built by John Chambers of Lowestoft in 1921 and worked until 1936 before being converted into a motor coaster.

During her time as a motor coaster she was known as Svinør and worked mainly in Norwegian waters before returning to Lowestoft in 1972.

She measures 23 metres (75 ft) long with a beam of 5.9 metres (19 ft) and is ketch rigged and is the last traditional sailing trawler able to tow a full-sized traditional trawl net. Excelsior was restored in 1989 and operates as a sail training vessel based out of Lowestoft, able to accommodate up to 17 people, including 12 trainees or passengers.