Couple hope D-Day boat bought on eBay will sail again

During the restoration, the couple discovered the wartime diary of crew member Frank “Curly” Capstick, who was just 17 when he served aboard the vessel.

With permission from his family, Gemma published the diary, which records the boat’s day-to-day movements and offers a rare first-hand account of life at sea during World War Two.

“We know exactly where this boat was and what was happening every day during 1944,” she said.

The couple, who work full-time restoring the vessel, hope one day to see it sail again along the same route taken by its wartime crew.

Now known as Sarinda, a name given by a former owner, the boat has been made watertight and can generate its own electricity.

“We would love to be able to take Sarinda back to Normandy and follow the route they took in 1944, hopefully alongside her sister ship, Medusa,” Gemma said.

The couple have been documenting the restoration on their YouTube channel, Ship Happens, which has attracted support and advice from around the world.

“It’s hard work, but we love it,” Gemma said.

“Most people ask whether we’re going to sell her when she’s finished, but she’s part of our family now.

“We’ve got no desire to ever part with her.”