Lifting Gear Hire has assisted in the restoration of a 1920s vintage 50m ocean-going J-class yacht, the Velsheda in Southampton, UK.

The restoration was carried out by Ably Shelters, which needed to lift various items on and off the yacht. The vessel was housed in a purpose built hangar at Southampton Yacht Services but the tight fit of the hangar meant that it was impossible to use a mobile crane or a mobile aerial work platform.

LGH designed a 48m-long runway beam with four 12m lengths, to be fitted running along the length of the yacht. Using a 1.5t electric Nitchi hoist, Ably was then able to lift equipment on and off the boat and move items along it entire length.