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HM Customs Launch Avocet |
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Although HMCL Avocet was built in the year that saw the demise of the Waterguard, she is an example of the Launch Service's boats that served as transport for Waterguard Officers going about their duties. Built by J Hinks & Co at their Appledore boatyard in 1972, she was one of eight built for HMC&E. The others were named Curlew - also now fully restored - Eagle, Falcon, Fulmar, Gannet - shown here, Swift - re-named Swallow in 1978 & Widgeon. Constructed of wood with a round bilge and of the Hinks hull form, she was 37ft 6" and originally fitted with a Cummins V470M V8 diesel engine. With a professional crew of three, she was capable of a maximum of 12 knots. Many of these small craft were 'sold off' after their Customs career - some to other Government agencies or foreign governments - but some, like the Avocet and Curlew were sold to the public. This is the story of the Avocet. |
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The Avocet was sold in 1980 to a private individual and was operated around Eel Pie Island on the River Thames until 1991 when she was sold again and fitted with a new engine - a Perkins 6-354 180hp Turbo. In 1966 she was bought by a Mr G Warren and berthed at Port Penrhyn, Anglesey, North Wales until she was sold again in 1999 to a Mr Ian Fairburn and moved to Conwy North Wales.
By this time she was rather neglected and water was getting into the alloy windows. Because of the design, of sloping interior panels which made a good 'pooling' point for water, the wood had started to rot. Ian Fairburn converted the original front galley to a berth with a double bunk and resited the galley aft opposite the head chamber before putting the boat on the market once more.
She was bought by David Hehir and Ian Dawson in June 2007. Delivered to Skippool, on the River Wyre near Fleetwood, she lies at a tidal mooring near Blackpool Yacht Club where she was returned to as close to her original specification as modern internal comforts allow.
Her new owners have produced an 'eye turner' which they hope will be engaged on general fishing trips around the Irish Sea and Southern Scotland.
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