Arctic Corsair: Final journey times and best viewing points
FINAL SAILING: Arctic Corsair, on her way to Dunston’s shipyard for restoration in October 2021. Picture credit: Neil Holmes
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
It will be an early start, but maritime enthusiasts now know when and where to witness the final journey of historic trawler Arctic Corsair.
Hull’s last surviving sidewinder trawler is set to leave Albert Dock on the Humber at 5.45am on Friday, August 14 on the short journey to North End Shipyard on the River Hull, where she will resume life as museum in her permanent berth.
It is expected the Corsair will enter the Humber at 6.08am, where she will be visible from a number of public viewing areas on her final sailing journey.
The vessel no longer has steering so will be entirely reliant on four tugs from Dean’s Tugs in Hull – Shovette, Lashette and Gillian Knight will be doing the bulk of the work with Pushette providing support.
But anyone setting their alarm clocks to watch the spectacle should note the exact timings remain under review, as the complex operation is reliant on a number of variables including tidal patterns, weather forecasts, river conditions and navigational safety.
To allow the journey to take place, the Millennium Footbridge, Myton Bridge, Scale Lane Footbridge and Drypool Bridge will all open in a carefully coordinated sequence, enabling the trawler and supporting tugs to navigate safely along the river to North End Shipyard.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys in advance, as bridge openings may cause temporary disruption.
Members of the public are welcome to watch this once‑in‑a‑lifetime move. The best vantage points will be around The Deep, Humber Quays, Hull Marina, and along sections of the River Hull. For safety reasons, once the Corsair reaches Drypool Bridge, an exclusion zone will be in place while the docking operation is completed.
Councillor Jackie Dad, deputy leader of Hull City Council and portfolio holder for culture, said: “The Arctic Corsair is an important part of Hull’s maritime story, and this final journey is a significant moment for the city.
“Moving her to a permanent dry berth will help secure her future, allowing us to preserve and celebrate this iconic vessel for generations to come. I know many people will want to witness this historic occasion, and I’d encourage everyone attending to do so safely and follow any advice given on the day.”
The Arctic Corsair and accompanying visitor centre at North End Shipyard are the final elements of the £70m Hull Maritime project yet to open to the public.