'I lost four of my family to the sea but I'm still sailing the waves aged 87'

Albert on board his beloved boat, the Vivienne-Claire
-Credit: (Image: Submitted)


Almost 100 years ago, in October 1927, Fleetwood suffered its worst flood since records began.

The tide reached 33' 6" and the town was cut off for five days. The homes of 10,000 people were left under water and five people drowned.

Of those five fatalities, four were relatives of Albert Scott - his grandma and her three siblings. Although he was yet to be born, the importance of the sea would come to play a crucial part of Albert's life.

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As a child Albert would sail with his father to Iceland, often spending weeks away from home at a time, and when he left school he worked on local fishing boats.

After Albert married his wife, Vivienne-Claire, he returned to land and worked for ICI for 32 years as a plant controller on a power station. But Albert retained his connection with the open water.

Albert, now 87, recalled: "We were at The Fernhill in Preesall for a couple of pints, and a voice shouted to my mate, ‘Do you fancy fishing tomorrow?’ My mate asked if I could come along, and that was that”.

It wasn’t long before Albert was steering a 10-meter yacht when he wasn’t on shift, rediscovering the joys of open water. "We’ve been up to the Hebrides and all over. The salt is in my blood. It’s there by nature; it’s what I love doing," he said.

The devastating floods of 1927
The devastating floods of 1927 -Credit:Visit Fleetwood

Albert’s boating adventures have given him more than just memories; they’ve gifted him friendships that span across the ocean. From spontaneous trips to Whitehaven with his friend Gary to teaching his nephew John the art of sailing, Albert’s life on the water has always been about connection - both with the sea and with those who share his passion.

Albert’s move into Fleetwood Hall Care Home was a necessary step after a period of illness. Yet, even within the walls of the home, the sea calls to him and has been out to the dock three or four times just recently with his strength slowly returning, allowing him to prepare his boat once again for the adventures ahead.

Albert said: “All the staff at Fleetwood Hall are interested in my boat and think it’s fabulous that I get out and about on the sea. I have lots of tales to tell and I have even sailed with a few of the staff’s older family members.”

Maintaining his boating routine hasn’t been without its challenges. Albert relies on his nephew to help him get down to the dock, but this has only deepened their bond. "We have had a good laugh; he's good company," he said.

Albert onboard his beloved boat, the Vivienne-Claire
Albert onboard his beloved boat, the Vivienne-Claire -Credit:Submitted

Albert has refused to let age or circumstance dictate the course of his life. His family understands how much boating means to him, and they encourage his continued adventures on the water.

His boat, named after his late wife, Vivienne-Claire, is a tribute to the love and life he has cherished and the two daughters they shared, Deborah and Leslie.

The boating community knows Albert well and he remains as motivated as ever to continue boating. His advice to others is simple: "Do it whilst you can, enjoy your life. Have a goal, something to look forward to. It keeps you going."

As he looks back, he is proud of what he has accomplished – a good marriage, a loving family, and the freedom to sail the seas whenever he wishes. And as he looks forward, it’s clear that the sea will always be a part of his story, guiding him through the days ahead, one wave at a time.

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