The owners of one of the "Little Ships" that saved hundreds of thousands of soldiers at Dunkirk are facing a battle against time to complete her restoration in Ipswich.
The Glala has been under restoration at Ipswich Haven Marina for nearly two decades - but should be ready to get back in the water next year.
But her owners Andrew Robson and Kathy Norris still face a serious challenge to get her back seaworthy.
They have battled health problems, the Covid pandemic and issues with their landlords ABP - but now they hope the vessel will be refloated in May next year.
Glala has been out of the water since 2007 when restoration work started - but the then owner became ill and died before it could be completed.
Andrew and Kathy bought her in 2017, but Andrew was taken ill and could not work for several months and by the time he had recovered the Covid pandemic hit which slowed down work.
But over the last two years things have been taking shape, and they now hope the Glala could be ready to go back in the water next May.
They have, however, had difficulties with marina owners ABP which tried to increase the rent and raised concerns about the restoration.
Andrew said: "At one point we were given three months notice which was stressful but we just want to get our heads down and get it finished.
"She's been here nearly two decades - not all in our ownership - so we really hope we're just left to get it finished and refloated next year."
The hull needs to be caulked and a new roof fitted to the wheelhouse - then it should be ready for the water and for the engines to be fully connected.
An ABP spokesperson said:“We are extremely sympathetic of the position of the Glala vessel, which has been located at the Ipswich Beacon Marina for several years now.
"ABP has provided the vessel with substantial long-term support and is keen to work with the owners to find an appropriate solution.”
Glala was built at Hamble on the Solent and was completed as a luxury motorboat in 1915.
It had been ordered by an Argentine millionaire adventurer in 1914 - but by the time it was completed the First World War had broken out and its whereabouts for the next five years remain a mystery.
The 78-foot vessel never made it to Argentina, but from 1920 until the start of the Second World War it was a luxury vessel for a number of wealthy owners - including Sir Alan Cobham who gave it its name by linking his name with his wife's, Gladys.
She was requisitioned at the start of the Second World War and made three return trips to rescue soldiers from the beach at Dunkirk - despite being damaged on the first trip.
Later in the war it became a firefighting vessel based on the Mersey to protect Liverpool from German bombing raids.
After the war Galala had a number of different owners - and made several trips back to Dunkirk.
Now Andrew and Kathy are hoping to have her ready to return in 2025 to mark the 85th anniversary of the evacuation - it will be her first visit there for 20 years.
He said: "We certainly plan to take her back then - she should be in fine condition so long as everything goes well next year."
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