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1st April 2023

Portland

Our Westland Lynx is getting airbourne again!

An exciting new way to see Portland Harbour, coming summer 2023.

The Portland Marina Westland Lynx XZ250 has been proudly 'guarding the gate' of Portland Marina since 2011 aside from a short hiatus in 2014 when she returned to RNAS Yeovilton for restoration works. She first took to the skies in 1978 and flew for 32 years in service, 17 of which were spent at RNAS Portland. In 1999 she transferred with the rest of the Lynx fleet to RNAS Yeovilton.

 

In more recent years, the upkeep of 'The Hermanator' as she was nick-named, has been undertaken by the marina team, but we'll be handing her over once again to a team of restoration experts, this time to bring her fully back to life and once again able to take to the skies. 

Not only will berth holders and visitors to the marina be able to view Portland Harbour from above in this historic craft in a once-in-a-lifetime flight, they'll also be able to stay overnight in her. She will be fitted with a removeable sleeping pod accomodating two people with a double bed and tea and coffee making facilities (think glamping more than luxury hotel stay), it will certainly make for an unusal and unique place to sleep!

As space is so limited inside there's no cooking facilities, but you can enjoy a BBQ watching the sun set over the marina in your private decked area or book a table at one of our on-site eateries. Breakfast is included and served at The Kitchen.  

If you've made it this far, we're terribly sorry to tell you that this is actually an April Fools post and our Lynx helicopter will be remaining firmly and squarely on the ground with all her internal gubbins intact. However, there is a very cool Lynx helicopter in Lincolnshire at RAF Wainfleet that you CAN stay in, along with several other aircraft and flight tower, visit their website - www.rafwainfleet.uk

Huge thanks to Will for the photos of the interior of the Helipod!

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