Spectacular return for narrowboat Wey and Arun Canal Trust

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s trip boat Zachariah Keppel made a spectacular return to its home at Loxwood after spending several months away for repairs. The boat was floated along the Thames from All 4 Marine yard in Chertsey to Penton Hook Marina, where it was transported by lorry to the wharf at Loxwood, and lifted by a 76-tonne crane over the towpath and into the canal. The unusual sight of a 50ft long, eight-tonne narrowboat flying through the air created quite a stir. Zachariah Keppel was taken to the boatyard in January as it had developed rusty steelwork and the decision was made to appoint professional boat repairers to allow ZK to be deemed passenger-worthy again, the trust said.