Hartlepool fishing coble Venus is restored in Bridlington

AN historic North East vessel many thought "only fit for a bonfire" is looking shipshape again after a remarkable transformation.

Venus, the oldest surviving North East coble in existence, was launched in 1900 as a pilot coble.

She worked out of Hartlepool seeking ships to pilot into the Tees, often going as far down the coast as Whitby and even Flamborough Head.

Read more: Town's oldest surviving coble boat to be restored to its former seafaring glory

Venus is one of the many that worked from Hartlepool during the 1800s and very early 1900s to take pilots out to incoming ships and guide them safely into the port.

She was rescued from a watery grave in 1992 and then tastefully restored and returned to sail by the late Dr Dave Kipling, a GP of the Hartlepool Headland Practice, in 1994.

Ownership passed to Hartlepool Borough Council at a later stage and she, along with the double-ender Viking, could be seen as museum exhibits afloat in Jackson Dock alongside the paddle steamer Wingfield Castle.

These two vessels were in poor condition, often filling with water and sinking, and after prolonged negotiations had taken place it was agreed both traditional craft would be transferred to the ownership of the Bridlington Sailing Coble Preservation Society (BSCPS).

The restoration began in August last year and work had progressed on a part-time basis over the past five months - two new strakes being fitted either side, new gunwales, stern, thofts and a number of timbers.

New planks fitted but still a long way to go

She finally came out the workshop at Beck Hill in late January looking so shipshape it almost looks like a new build.

Paul L Arro, of BSCPS, said: "A complete transformation has taken place with this coble when many thought her only fit for the bonfire.

"The team of volunteers from the BSCPS, under the leadership of retired local coble builder John Clarkson, has proved what can be done to save these beautiful traditional North East coast craft."

John Clarkson and his team of volunteers get to work on restoration of Venus

He added: "Her sleek lines and profile have been enhanced by her black hull and cream inboard colour, replicating the colour of those pilot cobles from a bygone era.

"If anyone doubts what can be done in saving and restoring neglected cobles, look no further than the workmanship that has been carried out on Venus by the BSCPS team, this will surely give inspiration to those many traditionalists who delight in seeing our North East coast heritage craft back under sail."

Venus out of workshop showing off her new colours and sleek lines

Venus has now been moved to a different location for final fitting out and rigging for sail.

With the workshop clear, work on Gratitude, another sailing coble built in 1976 by Hector Handyside for Dave Wharton of Whitby, is now underway in the BSCPS facility.

* The 2022 Bridlington 'Sailing Coble Festival' will take place over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24, with an unofficial sailing day on Friday, July 22. The organisers would like to hear from anyone with a traditional vessel who would like to be part of this now maritime event.

New members are always welcome and further details on membership packages and this year's 'Sailing Coble Festival' can be obtained from the secretary, email: threebotherscoble@gmail.com or by letter to BSCPS, Harbour Office, Gummers Wharf, Bridlington, YO15 3AN.

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