The Albatros ship to return to Wells-next-the-Sea

Robert Smith, Wells next-the-Sea harbourmaster, said the Albatros would come back to the town’s quayside on Thursday, July 20. 

The vessel should arrive around 9pm.

A floating restaurant, The Albatros has been undergoing an extensive restoration in Essex over the past three years.

It has been a labour of love for Bob 'Rob' Richardson, who bought the ship from its former captain, Ton Brouwer, in April 2020.

Mr Richardson said: “It feels good to have a date to bring the ship back.

Dutch Sailing Klipper “Albatros” is planning to arrive back at #PortofWells this coming Thursday 20th. If all goes to plan, the vessel should arrive at #WellsNexttheSea Quayside on the evening tide around 2100. Will be giving regular updates on here until her arrival. pic.twitter.com/bK69YbaePI

— Wells Harbour Master (@RobertMbe) July 16, 2023

“The wind and the tides are going to be with us this week, only now has it changed back into the summer pattern to allow us to get back.

“We wanted to come back about six weeks ago but the tide and weather have been against us, so we’ve had to wait for a lull in the weather.”

The Albatros is set to depart Essex around midday on Wednesday (July 19).

Bob 'Rob' Richardson, purchased the Albatros from its former captain, Ton Brouwer, in April 2020 (Image: Bob 'Rob' Richardson)

Mr Richardson said in March he had hoped the ship would return sooner, but a long wait for an engine part delayed the project's final touches.

He said he did not want to risk not being able to start the engine if they decided to stop during the journey.

The Albatros is set to return to Wells as a B&B and restaurant (Image: Bob 'Rob' Richardson)

Once it is outside the harbour, Mr Smith and his team will escort The Albatros back to the quayside.

The ship left Wells in August, 2020, after it had gradually fallen into a state of disrepair.

The Albatros was built in 1899 near Rotterdam.