A unique project to recreate a 4000 year old boat will reach its dramatic conclusion on Wednesday 6 March as she is launched into the waters of Falmouth Harbour (Cornwall, England).
     A first for experimental archaeology and a first for the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, the 50ft (15.2m) long 5 tonne prehistoric boat has been reconstructed as part of a collaborative project with the University of Exeter. A team of volunteers, led by shipwright Brian Cumby, have spent the last year building this one of a kind craft out of two massive oak logs using replica methods and tools, such as bronze headed axes.
     Project director Prof Robert Van de Noort from the University of Exeter says: "The launch really is the moment of truth for this project. The very nature of an experiment means that we can't know for sure what will happen. The boat has already given us a few surprises along the way, so the launch really is a leap into the unknown."
     On Wednesday 6 March, at 12 noon, the boat will be launched at the slipway between Falmouth Watersports Centre and the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth. High winds or torrential rain may force the launch to be delayed.
     More about this project on its dedicated Facebook page.

Edited from PR WEb UK (25 February 2013), Yachting Monthly (26 February 2013)