A Lowestoft man has been recognised for his dedication and commitment to preserving maritime heritage.

John Wylson - who found Lowestoft-based sailing smack Excelsior in Norway where she was working as a ‘motor coaster’ in 1972 and rescued her back to his hometown - has been honoured with a National Lifetime Achievement Award

Chartered architect and sailor Mr Wylson set up The Excelsior Trust to restore her back to her original condition, securing funding and manpower for completing the restoration.

Lowestoft Journal: Excelsior. Picture: The Excelsior TrustExcelsior. Picture: The Excelsior Trust (Image: The Excelsior Trust)

And in honour of his dedication and commitment to preserving Excelsior, vice president Mr Wylson has received his award from the Royal Yachting Association.

He received his award from the Princess Royal - who is coincidentally also a patron of the Excelsior Trust - at an event in London. 

Lowestoft Journal: Back in 2021, Freedom of the Town of Lowestoft awards were presented to John Wylson and to The Excelsior by former mayor of Lowestoft Alan Green. Picture: Mick HowesBack in 2021, Freedom of the Town of Lowestoft awards were presented to John Wylson and to The Excelsior by former mayor of Lowestoft Alan Green. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Excelsior Trust chairman Jamie Campbell said: "We are delighted that the Royal Yachting Association has recognised the contribution John has made during his life in maintaining this icon of local maritime heritage.

"Lowestoft was once home to 350 sailing smacks and around the same number of drifters.

"Today Excelsior is a solitary talisman along the East Coast of these fleets and the men that sailed them."

After being built in Lowestoft in 1921 by John Chambers, Excelsior has "quite literally been" Mr Wylson's life's work.

Lowestoft Journal: The Excelsior. Picture: Mick HowesThe Excelsior. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Mr Campbell said: "She was rebuilt during the 1980s, when everything above three planks below the waterline was replaced.

"She was subsequently listed by National Historic ships as one of the most important historic vessels in the country."

With Excelsior operating as a sail training vessel since reconstruction, to date she has taken nearly 11,000 young and often disadvantaged people to sea.

Mr Campbell said: "As an ambassador for Lowestoft, Excelsior carries her Lowestoft registration marks far further than during her fishing career.

"In 2024 the boat is planned to visit the Faroes, several East European destinations and will be competing in the Tall Ships Race in the Baltic."

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