Last chance for boat nomination

The project revolves around the creating of a 30ft sea-faring boat mamde from donated wooden objects which have personal significance to their owners.

The teak wood from HMS Victory’s outer planking of the port forward was gifted by the ship’s Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr DJ Oscar Whild in Victory Arena at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard at, closely followed by piece of pepe wood from the starboard forward bow of HMS Warrior 1860 which was gifted by the ship’s Captain Ken Jones.

The Boat Project - a South East region-wide Cultural Olympiad initiative led by artists Lone Twin and supported by Arts Council England- is currently creating the special sailing ship at Thornham Marina, Emsworth. It is hoped that the ship will be able to sail along the south coast during Olympic celebrations next year.

Lone Twin will be visiting various locations in the South East over the course of the Spring and Summer to collect the wooden donations from those unable to make it to the marina in West Sussex in order to make their contribution.

Mundane or extraordinary, the wooden donation can be small or large, but it must contain a story, they say.

The Lone Twin team – who include the yacht designer Simon Rogers and boat builder, British Olympic Silver medallist and America’s Cup sailor Mark Covell – are also asking people to nominate a friend, colleague or family member who may relish the chance to set sail with the squad next year as they sail the ship from Weymouth to Margate. Nominations are being accepted until June 13 (by visiting www.theboatproject.com). They are looking for six to eight willing participants.

Crew members must be over sixteen to apply to crew the vessel but no prior sailing experience is necessary.