Estralita RX8
Estralita RX8 is a large East Channel punt. She was built in 1948 by Harry Phillips of Rock Channel in Rye. Although originally built without an engine, she was fitted out in the 1950s with twin shafts, leaving the stern post and rudder intact.
Estralita was eventually abandoned on the shores of Dungeness, from where The Excelsior Trust salvaged her. She is currently awaiting restoration from our skilled team.
East Channel Punts
East Channel punts were built to work off the exposed shingle beaches of Kent and Sussex. They were lug-rigged and drifted for sprats, herring and mackerel or trawled for soles and plaice according to the season.
This image shows Estralita as she was found at Dungeness.
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If you would like to see this one-of-a-kind ship returned to its original glory, we would appreciate any help you feel is appropriate! You can contribute to her restoration fund by donating via PayPal. We thank you personally for each and every donation and explian exactly how your contribution is spent.
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