Excelsior Trust

Formed in 1982 to ensure the preservation of Excelsior, a 1921-built Lowestoft sailing smack, the Trust’s objectives are to preserve and maintain the Lowestoft Sailing Trawler Excelsior, using as far as is practical similar materials and techniques as those used in her original construction; make Excelsior accessible to the public, and for them to learn about Lowestoft Smacks and to provide facilities for young people to sail and work an historic vessel at sea thereby keeping alive their maritime heritage in an environment that challenges and develops them.

Excelsior sails some 4000 nautical miles a year and has to date taken approximately 11,000 young people to sea to destinations as far apart as the Faroe Islands, Scandinavia and the Baltic Countries, including Russia, and Portugal to the south and regularly participates in the International Tall Ships Races. In 2024 Excelsior Trust was awarded the prestigious Sultan Qaboos Trophy for Outstanding Services to Sail Training for Young People — the first time a UK sail training charity has earned this accolade.

Excelsior has appeared in various TV programmes and films including Channel 4’s The Real History Show: Fish and Ships, BBC’s The Last Journey of John Keats and as an extra in Disney’s Alice Through the Looking Glass. Also in productions specifically featuring her, such as ITV’s Anglia Afloat, BBC’s Coast, and Channel 4’s Homes by the Sea.

The Trust’s Harbour Road Yard in Lowestoft provides a wide range of services for vessel maintenance including fitting out berths, storage and specialist workshops. The Yard’s slipways are amongst the largest in the region.