2011 was the year of Maritime Lyme celebrating the maritime life, culture and heritage of Lyme Regis on Dorset's Jurassic Coast

The history and fortunes of Lyme Regis have always been inextricably linked to the sea. For seven centuries, trade flourished and faded through its port. Over the past 200 years the town has been a premiere seaside resort, the ‘Pearl of Dorset’. Throughout this time, traditional trades of fishing and boat-building have continued, while Lyme’s Cobb and its coast have inspired scores of scientists, artists and writers.

Maritime Lyme 2011 celebrated the town’s maritime life, culture and heritage with 12 months of events.

THE LERRET PROJECT

A unique heritage project has been launched this year led by Lyme Regis Museum and boatbuilder Gail McGarva, in celebration of the historic Dorset fishing vessel the ' Lerret'. The project tells the story of the Lerret and its fisherfolk through the creation of an oral history archive and a touring exhibition.|

On May 22nd 2011 Littlesea was launched from a steep pebbled beach. It wasn't Chesil Beach but Lyme Regis beach is probably the next best thing.
To see how she negotiated the run down the steep pebbles and into the sea watch the video below.

For a description and pictures of this event click here.