Early morning on the Hartlepool to Blyth leg – photo: Chris Horan
Restored Humber sloop Spider T is to embark on a trip up the North-East coast with the aim of promoting awareness of the Sailors Childrens Society, which looks after the children of seafarers who are disadvantaged in some way.
‘There is general belief that UK seafarers are reducing in numbers. We call this sea blindness and the aim of this trip is to help people understand that as an island nation half the food we eat in the UK is imported, most of which comes by sea,’ says the society’s chief officer Deanne Thomas.
However, as the number of British men and women employed in traditional seafaring roles declines, opportunities to work at sea are increasing in a range of growth areas, including cruise ships and superyachts, fish-farming and shell fishing, and wind, wave and tide power projects.
The trip, which is sponsored by Associated British Ports, aims to reach out to families in need throughout the region.
During the week commencing Sunday 23 July, the Spider T’s itinerary is to be the following, weather permitting:
- Sunday – sail from Keadby to Hull Marina
- Monday – Hull Marina open all day
- Tuesday – Bridlington open afternoon
- Wednesday – Scarborough open afternoon
- Thursday – Whitby open afternoon
- Friday – Bridlington open late afternoon
- Saturday – Hull Marina open afternoon
In each port Spider T will be open for the public to visit. There is no charge, however donations are always welcome!
On another, very sad note, I would like to mark the passing of journalist, author, photographer and Spider T supporter and crewmate Chris Horan, who passed away some days ago at the age of 56. Chris took fabulous photos of Spider T’s trip to Scotland last year. I didn’t know Chris personally, but I do know he was well liked and respected, and that his loss is keenly felt by his Spider T friends. His newspaper colleagues have published a brief obituary.