Press area
'Halcyon' days for sailor Lucy! - Tenby Observer
Friday 6th April 2007
This article was published in the Tenby Observer on Friday 6th April 2007
A restored luxury yacht sailed into Milford Haven last Thursday, having taken to the seas again in the latest of a long line of adventures dating back to the 1920’s when it was built.
The Halcyon, dubbed, the ‘Orient Express of the sea’, will be able to sail passengers to the shores of Ireland, Scotland and Norway from its new home in Milford Haven.
It owner, Dr. Andrew Armour, of Tenby, has spent over £1million refurbishing the 95 foot vintage Bermudan ketch.
“Classic sailing is a passion for me, and it was for this reason that I acquired Halcyon and had her completely refurbished to such a high standard”, said Dr. Armour.
“I am looking forward to other people enjoying and appreciating the total exhilaration of being under sail in such a magnificent yacht , yet combining this with luxurious accommodation and indulgence”, he added.
During the war Halcyon – named after the ancient Greek for Kingfisher – was requisitioned by the Navy and spent some time as the flagship of a minesweeper flotilla based in Greece.
A local girl, 22-year-old Lucy Paice, of St. Florence, who is in her final year studying Watersports Studies and Management at Southampton University, was also recently invited to join the crew.
Lucy joined the vessel in Cardiff for its VIP visit to the Welsh capital before setting sail for Milford Haven. She had previously been part of the yachts successful voyage from Cowes to St. Katharine’s Dock, London, for the London Boat Show held in January.
Lucy’s father Roger Paice, has also been associated with the restoration and sailing photography of the magnificent vessel.
Lucy gave up New Year travelling to the Isle Of Wight to brave the English Channel in very stormy and cold conditions.
“It was wonderful sailing up the Thames to Tower Bridge in such a lovely old classic”, she remarked. “It was quite scary in the Channel with huge waves behind us on the night watch.”
Whenever possible, Lucy plans to join Halcyon on further delivery and re-routing of charters.