Discover the true story of a Second World War heroine and meet the old gal herself! The Lucy Lavers is a veteran of ‘Operation Dynamo’, one of the little boats who crossed the Channel in 1940 to rescue stricken soldiers, trapped in the chaos of battle on the beaches of Dunkirk.

What better way to experience living history than by taking your own trip on this amazing little boat?

The Lucy Lavers was one of two Aldeburgh RNLI vessels to cross the Channel. She made her way to Ramsgate where she was requisitioned by Royal Navy crews for the heroic crossing. For Lucy Lavers, it was her first action after coming on station earlier in May that year. Records describe her being towed across the Channel before picking up her precious cargo of soldiers, who’d stood up to their necks in water waiting for help to come.

The newly formed Curlew Coastal Charters is based at Wells Next The Sea and will be running Lucy Lavers on behalf of Rescue Wooden Boats, led by experienced local skipper Liam Pink.

During the 1.5 hour cruise around Wells Next The Sea harbour, you’ll hear stories of Lucy Lavers and the Dunkirk Little Ships, and also tales of the local RNLI where twice she was the town’s relief lifeboat. You’re likely to see curious seals pop up their heads to listen and elegant curlews probe the mud for shellfish, peaceful scenes so starkly different to that battle torn beach in France.