Olga
Restoration work on one of Swansea's most famous and historic boats has now been completed.
Olga, one of only 11 Bristol Channel pilot cutters left in the world, has had her beams and deck replaced at a shipyard in Gloucester.
Funding for the project came from Swansea Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Some employees from the Victoria Road attraction were involved in the makeover along with representatives of partner organisations including The Cyrenians, The YMCA and Swansea Youth Action as well as Daniel James and Pentrahafod schools.
The restoration was documented and educational and interpretation materials produced.
Phil Treseder, Community Access Officer at Swansea Museum, said: "It's hoped the vessel will become a working exhibit now that the restoration of Olga is complete.
"Community partners and others will be able to use her as a community and educational resource both for sailing and team-building and this would thereby fulfill both formal and informal educational roles."
It's thought Olga could also be used as a youth and community ambassador at Tall Ships and other maritime cultural events in the UK and Europe.
Swansea Museum has several historic ships in its collection that are moored outside the National Waterfront Museum.
Olga was built in 1909 and was first owned by Henry Edmunds of Newport.
Only a handful of Pilot Cutters working out of the Bristol Channel at the turn of the 19th Century have survived and their longevity is largely due to their constructional strength.
They're also sought after nowadays by people in the yachting world because of their speed.
Olga is now back on the historic ships pontoon in Swansea and viewing is available by appointment.
Email phil.treseder@
Visit http://www.swansea.gov.uk/
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
