Hover and Click Play, above, to watch a 14 minute video of S130 being slipped

The logistics and difficulties of the operation were compounded not only by the relatively delicate condition of the vessel but also the narrow, winding roads and in particular the tight corners through Millbrook. We were therefore restricted in the size of lifting equipment that we could get on site. Two 125t cranes from Baldwin Crane Hire and South West Crane Hire were deployed along with Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs) from Abnormal Load Engineering (ALE) and two lifting cradles were designed by Roving Commissions and constructed by Quayside Metals.

At 0600 Monday 10th March 2008 the attempt to slip S130 at Voyager Yard, Southdown and transport her to the restoration site began. This was the only tide this year to provide enough water for the operation, if we missed this one we would have to wait until March 2009 for our next attempt so success on the day was imperative. It was, therefore, with more than a little trepidation that we monitored the weather forecasts during the preceding days of the run up to the operation. A deep low was developing in the Atlantic and heading directly for us with unerring accuracy.

Regardless of the forecast, there is no sense in second guessing the weather so on the Saturday the slipway was pressure washed and keel blocks were cut in readiness. On Sunday at  low water, the cradles were lifted into position and shorelines were prepared and strategically placed up wind to control the boat onto the slipway.

Sod's Law was in full swing at 0300 on the morning of the lift as the storm hit the Southwest with southerly winds causing havoc all around the coast and uprooting trees on the approach roads. Our vain hope that the weather system would move north was to no avail.

As the boats arrived at 0645 to tow S130 round to Voyager Yard's slipway the first decision of the day had to be made. To go or not to go. As there was a bit of a lull and the wind had veered into the west, although the gusts were still pretty impressive, we decided to make a move for it before the second blow came in. A light schnellboot in high winds is not the easiest thing for ribs to control and, despite a near miss when tugs and tow overshot due to a brief unforseen lull, the drivers did a superb job manoeuvring the boat around and on to the slip.

Once in the cradles we waited for the tide to drop back, which took longer than anticipated due to the wind, before the cranes dropped down alongside to fit the last dolphin to the aft cradle and setting the bilge supports. Meanwhile the SPMTs, which had been transhipped on smaller trucks, were assembled and manoeuvred into position ready for S130 to be lifted.

By this time the wind had increased again and was now blowing a good force 8+ so the next crucial decision had to be made, whether or not it was safe to lift the vessel. Fortunately the slipway wall was close enough to allow the boat to be blown against it when she was lifted which gave just enough control over the swing to make it possible. With the SPMTs lined up, S130 was lifted by the cradles, and they were rolled under the vessel until in the correct position to take their load. The boat was lowered onto the trailers and chained down ready for the next phase of the operation.

Once secured the boat was moved up the slipway, turned and transported gingerly for the 250 yard journey to the restoration site.

When in position, the cranes set up once again to lift her off the SPMTs. As soon as the transporters were out from under, S130 was lowered on to keel blocks and shored up to leave the cradles free to be placed on the ground.

Job Done

Everyone involved in this operation worked with humour, dedication and professionalism in the face of adverse conditions and, without any one of those attributes the operation would not have been possible.  Thank you All

~ Now The Hard Work Is Set To Begin ~

During the forthcoming months all remaining items within the hull will be removed and a thorough survey will be undertaken. Towards the end of the summer a cover for the project will be built over S130 before the restoration commences in earnest.

It is anticipated that the main restoration work will commence in the Autumn of this year.

Over the next few weeks S130 will be completely cleared internally and a thorough structural survey be undertaken to ascertain the extent of the work required to return the hull to a sound condition, capable of attaining speeds of 40+ knots.

Another survey will then follow, which will be more inclined towards detailed research, looking for evidence within the deck structure and elsewhere which will hopefully guide us towards the type of armament carried together with other items of deck equipment that may have been carried, eg mine laying and depth charges etc. We will also be looking for evidence of the bridge arrangement.

Meanwhile we will be working on the engines and systems on of a 1960s Zobel Class Schnellboot which we are hoping to bring to Plymouth Sound later in the summer under its own power for use as donor boat. This vessel has four MB-518 engines together with Skin fittings, the respective starting and monitoring systems and sundry other useful bits and, it is hoped, suitable stern gear.

We will also be arranging a cover for the vessel to provide a suitable working environment for the restoration work.

~ From time to time photographs and notes will be posted on this site as the project progresses ~