BAD weather with forecast high winds and strong seas had arrived by Sunday with the
North Lincolshire built Humber super sloop Spider T due to sail from Anstruther to
Montrose.
It led to a round of consultation between skipper Mal Nicholson, senior crew and land
based back-up which resulted in the decision being taken to delay the journey to
Montrose until Tuesday morning, by which time the bad weather would have eased.
It was not so much a case that Spider T could not have sailed but one erring on the side of
caution and taking into consideration this was a working holiday for members of the crew
and the commercial port at Montrose had fewer facilities in this respect compared with
the berth at Anstruther.
It also provided extra time for members of the public to view the Spider T, which won the
award for the oldest vessel at the Muster which drew vessels from along the East Coast.
Muster’
The award was received on behalf of the vessel by Rory Mitchell at an evening event
featuring a five piece band Obsession. The vessel, which had previously lifted silverware
on a visit it 2008, received a trophy to keep and the Historic Boat Quaich which had been
presented as a trophy by Alex Darwoo
“It is an award for the hard work of the crew and supporters, which includes a lot of shore
based people, “said Mal.
“I was surprised to receive the bowl, had I known I would have made sure all the crew
were there.
“For me it showed the ambassadorial role we play for National Historic Ships is
recognised by the Anstruther Muster.
“We are now having an extra two days in Anstruther because of the weather. Forecasts
mean it is probably wise for us to stay put. As well as being ambassadors it is also a
holiday. It is unfair to set off and give the vessel a rough passage to a harbour at
Montrose with few facilities. We hope to sail on Tuesday and from there to Arbroath.”
With sailors for the muster still in town the extra days enabled more time for them to look
around Spider T and marvel a her interior. The Spider T was on the moorings of the 109year-old herring drifter Reaper, which was away at an arts festival in nearby Pittenweem.
Visitor Jim Morrison, who lives in Pittenweem and is a member of Anstruther Sailing
Club, which organises the Muster, said people had thought the berth would be empty for
the Muster so they were delighted to see Spider T come sailing in.
“We were delighted to Spider T and there was a buzz went round. Most people round
here are fascinated with vessels, particularly with those which have been restored. It was
smashing to see her return.”
Arbroath based Clark Ross and Braemar based Rory Mitchell departed for personal
commitments but will rejoin the crew later.
Pic Mal Nicholson with the trophies
Pic John Morrison of Pittenweem on his visit to the Spider T in Anstruther
Day 9 (Monday 8)
ALTHOUGH not sailing being in port did not mean there was nothing to be done for
those on the Spider T, for in addition to continuing welcoming visitors aboard there were
various maintenance and domestic tasks to be accomplished.
Skipper Mal Nicholson explained the tasks included the domestic tasks of catching up
with the washing of crew members clothes, changing light bulbs and giving the vessel a
thorough spring clean given the heavy rain.
In addition the vessel was switched from shore power to generator power which was
more powerful and enabled electrical equipment like the washer to be run along with the
ship’s shower and other appliances at the same time.
The engine was checked over along with the stern gland which seals the propeller shaft
and ebbing water tanks were filled up.
Visitors continued to be fascinated by the history of the vessel and its trading with most
describing it as a barge being surprised to learn the North Lincolnshire based vessel was
registered as a ship when she was launched in 1926, having been built at Warren’s
shipyard in New Holland.
Details of trade of yesteryear feature in Chris Horan’s recently published book Humber
Sail and History, which is available from the Spider T website www.spidert.co.uk.
The Spider T has now sailed around 300 miles on her month long voyage to spread the
word about National Historic Ships and to fulfil a commitment to be a special guest at the
Arbroath Seafest, which co-incides with the 200th anniversary of building of the Bell
Rock lighthouse.
During the Seafest Spider T will officially be open to the public from 10am to 4pm on
Saturday and Sunday, though inevitably there will be visitors on other days.
Pic
The Spider T under sail.
Vistors to the Anstruther Muster
Crew member John Barwell takes a moment out to relax.