Owned by the same family for over 30 years, the boat is in need of a complete overhaul.

Restoration of the boat forms an essential part of Wyl’s new book on seaworthiness, due to be published by Picador in 2028. The book will blend an exploration of the mental health benefits of working with our hands, with the challenge of restoring a craft capable of sailing on the wild Atlantic.

Wyl explains: “I’m restoring this boat as part of an exploration of what seaworthiness means in our lives - in an attempt to feel less adrift in the world.

“She is the perfect boat for a writer who wants to understand seaworthiness in all its forms. My plan is to sail her from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly in summer 2026, across 30 miles of open ocean.”

Although Wyl has no prior experience building or repairing boats, the support of the Museum's expert Boatbuilding team and access to their specialist tools and equipment will enable him to complete the project to a high standard.

He adds: “Seaworthiness is a metaphor for the ability to navigate life’s storms. In an age of increasing challenges to our mental health, and changes in climate, it is perhaps the metaphor we need most right now.”

Bob White, Boat Collection Manager at National Maritime Museum Cornwall, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Wyl to our workshop. He will benefit from the expertise of our boatbuilding staff and volunteers, as well as the stories of seaworthiness in the lives of those who pop in to meet him. In return, our visitors get to see this beautiful boat take shape, and can follow Wyl’s story as he embarks on a journey to the Isles of Scilly, and later completes his book.”

The boatbuilding team at NMMC is largely made up of dedicated volunteers, experienced in boatbuilding and knowledgeable about Cornwall’s maritime history.

Wyl will be working on Eleana in the boatbuilding workshop most Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The workshop is visible to visitors all year round, and fully open to the public on specific workshop open day dates. On paying the admission fee, visitors receive an Annual Pass, enabling them to return as many times as they wish for the following 12 months.

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