Save Nordlys, the Last Converter Smack (Fishing Boat)

Help Us Save Nordlys: A 150-Year-Old Ship with a New Mission

Nordlys is the last of her kind, an extraordinary 150-year-old fishing vessel on the brink of being lost forever. But with your help, we can restore this historic ship and transform her into an eco-friendly, sail-powered marine research vessel, giving her a second life protecting our oceans.

Our goal is to bring Nordlys home from the Netherlands and back to her birthplace on the East Anglian coast in the UK, just eight miles from where she was built. There we’ll begin a careful restoration using traditional boat-building skills. With the support of over 30 dedicated volunteers, we’re ready to take on this challenge, but we need funding for the materials and skilled craftspeople to make this vision a reality.

Once restored, Nordlys will become a state-of-the-art research vessel, available for charter by scientists, explorers, and environmentalists. We’re already in discussions with universities and the Royal Geographical Society, eager to use her facilities for vital marine conservation work.

Why This Matters to Me

My name is William Lund and I’ve been passionate about sailing and marine conservation for as long as I can remember. Restoring Nordlys is more than just a project; it’s a way to combine my love for traditional seafaring with my commitment to protecting our oceans. I’ve already purchased Nordlys, demonstrating my deep commitment to the project, and I’ll be personally involved in her restoration and future operations. My goal is for Nordlys to not only become a research vessel, but also a living piece of history, one that will inspire future generations to care for our marine environment.

How You Can Help

This project is supported by Act Big Live Small Charitable Trust, with an initial donation of £500.00 personally contributed by co-founders and trustees, David and Esther Zimmer, to kickstart the campaign. However, Nordlys needs your help too!

Your donation will directly contribute to:

Bringing Nordlys home to start her restoration.

Purchasing restoration materials.

Restoration using traditional boat-building skills.

Equipping Nordlys as a modern research vessel.

As a supporter, you’ll be able to visit Nordlys in Lowestoft and around the UK once she’s sailing again, come and see the impact of your generosity firsthand!

Please help us save this irreplaceable piece of maritime history and turn her into a force for good. Your donation brings us closer to setting sail on a mission to protect our seas.

Thank you.