Dawn delight: Hundreds rise early to see Arctic Corsair’s final journey

STAR ATTRACTION: Arctic Corsair begins her final journey along the Humber

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

With one last caress from the waters of the Humber, an immaculate and beautifully restored Arctic Corsair made her last journey this morning to her new home on the River Hull.

Lacking steering and an engine since becoming a floating museum nearly 30 years ago, Hull’s last surviving sidewinder trawler needed a little help making the short journey from Albert Dock to her purpose-built dry berth at North End Shipyard.

She had it with the expert assistance of two stout and sturdy vessels from Dean’s Tugs – with the appropriately named Lashette giving her a tow, and Shovette providing equally powerful momentum from her stern.

That was not the only support. A crowd of hundreds had assembled from the break of dawn at vantage points along the waterfront, from the marina to The Deep, and along the western bank of the River Hull near the confluence of the city’s two rivers. High up above could be heard the electronic buzz of multiple drones.

The convoy took some time to emerge from Albert Dock after its allotted start time of 5.45am, but necks craned and people stood on seats to gauge Corsair’s progress by the light on her forward mast, moving this way and that as she was nudged and pulled into position.

And then the moment everyone had been waiting for as this relic of Hull’s once mighty fishing industry hove into view. “Beautiful,” said one man. “Amazing,” said another, adding: “But I wouldn’t want to be on her deck in high seas.” Stuart Unsworth, 68, from Ferensway, said he had come “just to see her move on her last journey. I couldn’t miss it”.

There was a brief ripple of applause and more delight as the tugs brought her closer into shore – sending waves lapping against the promenade – ready for the tight left turn into the River Hull. But the water was calm and the early morning sun gleamed on the Corsair’s fresh trim and paintwork as she sailed gracefully past.

The gentle pace gave some the chance to dash across to watch the turn into the River Hull, where they joined others already gathered to witness one Hull icon passing another, as Arctic Corsair sailed past The Deep. This moment was met with loud and sustained applause on what was clearly an emotional occasion for some.

And then she was under and through the Tidal Barrier and heading out of sight under a raised Drypool Bridge.

STEADY AS SHE GOES: Passing under the Tidal Barrier

The Corsair will eventually reopen to visitors after a £4.8m restoration by Dunston Ship Repairs that also includes improved features to help her tell her story as a museum.

And what a story it is. The Arctic Corsair, built in Beverley in 1960 for the Boyd Line, had a stellar career and at least one memorable encounter during the Cod Wars.

Travelling to the distant water grounds involved a 2,000 mile round trip to Iceland, or a 2,700 mile round trip to Bear Island. The Arctic Corsair even made 5,000 mile round trips to Newfoundland Grand Banks.

INTO THE CITY: Heading along the River Hull

In 1973 she broke the world record for landing the greatest weight of cod and haddock from the White Sea.

Three years later, the Corsair rammed the Icelandic Coastguard vessel and gunboat Odinn as part of the Cod Wars. In 2017, both vessels, which survive as heritage ships, exchanged bells in a gesture of reconciliation.

The Corsair and new visitor centre at North End Shipyard, which is also home to the city’s last Scotch Derrick Crane, will be the last parts of the £70m Hull Maritime project to open to the public.

GIVE WAY: Passing under Drypool Bridge. Picture: Tom Arran Photography

Further work to come at the site includes the installation of walkways and bridges connecting the visitor centre to the Arctic Corsair.

Councillor Jackie Dad, deputy leader of Hull City Council and portfolio holder for culture, said: “Seeing the Arctic Corsair safely arrive at her new home was a hugely significant moment for Hull.

“It was lovely to see so many people line Hull Marina and watch the trawler move along the Humber Estuary and River Hull – a true reminder of how much people cherish this significant vessel and what it means to the city.

“This successful move secures the future of one of our most important maritime icons and allows us to protect and celebrate the stories she represents for generations to come.”

NEW HOME: Arctic Corsair arrives at North End Shipyard. Picture: Tom Arran Photography

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which is funding Hull Maritime with the council, said: “It is wonderful to see this exciting milestone of the Hull Maritime project take place and the Arctic Corsair move to its new home. The vessel is an incredible beacon of Hull’s rich maritime heritage and we’re excited it’s a step closer to reopening.

“The Arctic Corsair is incredibly important to the people of Hull and we’re proud that thanks to National Lottery players we have been able to support its restoration, ensuring its rich story is preserved and shared with visitors near and far for generations to come.

“This work is a fantastic celebration of the city’s maritime heritage and contributes to the ongoing cultural regeneration of Hull.”