Llys Helig, a 100-year-old yacht originally built by Thornycroft as a luxury “gentleman’s yacht” in 1922, has officially left Burnham on Crouch on her way to be restored. This is her first trip in over 30 years. 
Photo: Barry WatkinsLlys Helig was locally referred to as the “Burnham Titanic'' after she dramatically capsized in the town’s moorings in 2017. Her remarkable survival astounded the local residents, who witnessed her decks and superstructure slowly decay. Initially, the local council, harbour authority and yacht club were adamant for her to be cut up and removed, deeming her to be an eyesore. However, London-based businessman Howard Dawber decided to take on the hefty task of salvaging and restoring the yacht, and bought Llys Helig in 2018. 
Photo: Barry WatkinsWith help from the Essex Marina, Llys Helig was raised from the mud and refloated in 2020. Now, she has been loaded into a floating dry dock and transported to Sutton Wharf’s boatyard in Rochford for surveillance and repairs. The tow and repairs are being led by Mike’s Boatyard of Leigh-on-Sea. 
Photo: Barry WatkinsIn terms of specs, the 157 GT yacht measures at 32.73-metres with a 5.82-metre beam. She was initially fitted with twin oil engines by Plenty & Son of Newbury, and was constructed from steel, with a steel and teak superstructure and pine decks. Since her delivery, she has endured many refits, with her original engines being replaced twice with Gardner diesels. 
Photo: nationalhistoricships.org.ukLlys Helig has lived a long life, and is registered on the list of National Historic Ships. Within her century-long life she has sailed the Mediterranean, worked as a motor-racing hospitality vessel, and served as offices for Pirate Radio Caroline. Before the incident, she spent 30 years being used as a house boat.