An iconic ship is set to return to its regular berth on the north Norfolk coast.
The Albatros floating restaurant will set sail for Wells-next-the-Sea "within the next couple of months", following a major restoration project, with the only thing keeping it from arriving sooner is the wait for an engine part.
The past three years have been a labour of love by Bob 'Rob' Richardson, who bought the Albatros from its former captain, Ton Brouwer, in April 2020.
Since then he and his Essex family have been working to completely renovate the Dutch sailing clipper - which had fallen into a state of disrepair - into a restaurant and B&B.
Mr Richardson said: “It will be a bit strange when she goes, but it will be good to have her back in the quayside.
“I know the others are looking forward to having her back as well - where she belongs.
"The only thing left to do is to make the engine reliable."
When attempting to test the engine a few weeks ago Mr Richardson found an issue with the air compressor, which acts like a starter motor in a car.
Mr Richardson did not want to risk not being able to start the engine on the voyage from Essex to Wells, if they decided to stop during the journey.
The ship owner was told it would take four to six weeks to get the part he needs deleivered from Italy.
Until it arrives, Mr Richardson is planning to add the final touches to the vessel and then finalise a date for its return to Wells.
The Albatros was built in 1899 near Rotterdam.
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