Historic sailing vessel Berwickshire-bound
The Humber Super Sloop was runner-up in the National Historic Ships fly the flag competition this year.She last visited Arbroath in 2008 and has been invited back because of the interest shown in her. During that voyage she also visited Eyemouth. The vessel, measuring 61ft 6ins (71ft with its bows sprit extended), with a beam of 15ft 6ins was built at New Holland on the River Humber in 1926
This unique historic sailing vessel will be heading along the Berwickshire coast next month, and owner Mal Nicholson is seeking ports and tourist centres interested in hosting her for a night.
Providing an interesting spectacle for visitors and enthusiasts alike, the Humber Super Sloop, called ‘Spider T’, will sail past Berwickshire on her way to and from the Arbroath Seafest as part of the 200th anniversary of the Bell Rock lighthouse in August.
Saved from the scrapyard in 1994 by motor mechanic and car restorer Mal, of Burringham, near Scunthorpe, the Humber Super Sloop has since been gradually restored to its former glory with a sailing rig reinstated in 2007.
In 2008, with a crew of eight sailing in shifts, she visited Eyemouth as part of her last voyage to the Arbroath Seafest, causing quite a stir among residents and visitors.
“The Spider T is now the only one of her kind left sailing and a vessel which has proved of great interest to ship enthusiasts and the general public,” said Mal, who two years ago took the vessel to Rotterdam as a National Historic Ships representative in the World Harbour Days Festival.
“The Seafest is on the weekend of August 13/14, so we are able to call on the way north or on our return south,” he added.
The impressive vessel was runner-up in the National Historic Ships fly the flag competition earlier this year, organised by the heritage organisation and linked to restoration and education of the public in maritime history.
Measuring 61ft 6ins - 71ft with its bows sprit extended - with a beam of 15ft 6ins, the Spider T was built at New Holland on the River Humber in 1926, originally carrying bricks and other cargoes up and down the coast and along the inland river and canal networks.
She is now part of the National Historic Fleet in recognition of its historic importance to the nation, and is in the same categorisation as famed vessels like the Mary Rose and the Balmoral.
Mal is also looking for contributions to the fuel costs of the journey, though much of the voyage will be undertaken under sail.
Contact regarding the voyage can be made through Mal Nicholson by e-mailing him at m.nicholson4@sky.com
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Weather for Duns
Monday 21 May 2012
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