Arctic Corsair named Virtual Flagship of year

ICONIC: Hull’s last surviving sidewinder trawler, Arctic Corsair. Picture by Neil Holmes Photography

By Simon Bristow

The sole survivor of Hull's former distant-water, sidewinder fishing fleet, Arctic Corsair, has been awarded Virtual Flagship status for 2022 by National Historic Ships UK.

The award was made in a ceremony at The Historic Dockyard in Chatham last night.

Applications were received from a range of operational and static craft on the National Registers based on their seasonal programmes and planned level of outreach. Hull Maritime has been recognised for its virtual engagement and the use of technology in creating a range of supporting resources, which has become vital in recent years.

The historic trawler closed to the public in 2019 and in response to the challenges posed by Covid-19, a set of virtual learning resources were developed which have enabled Hull Maritime to continue engaging local people and schools with the vessel’s history.

Working with local actor, Gordon Meredith, four films were created. Titled Tales from a Trawlerman they were set on the Arctic Corsair with viewers introduced to key areas of the vessel, such as the wheelhouse, offering an understanding of the experiences of Hull trawlermen during a ‘typical’ trip. You can watch the video here:

The videos were made publicly available during the pandemic and are also a self-guided resource for schools. A virtual model for primary schools was also developed, called On Board the Arctic Corsair, which gave pupils a virtual tour of the trawler. The tour focuses on significant features, such as the fish washer, fish pounds and fish rooms, with participants also exploring selected artefacts from the Hull Maritime Museum’s handling collections and a set of archival films.

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this Flagship status, it recognises our commitment to offering immersive and virtual resources that are accessible for everyone.

“As the restoration of the Arctic Corsair progresses, it is important that we continue to raise awareness of her career and significance within the fishing industry in different and creative ways.”

Hannah Cunliffe, director of National Historic Ships UK, said: “It was a pleasure to see the renewed enthusiasm from operational craft for these awards after the challenges faced during the pandemic, and I look forward to working with the new Flagships as we share our maritime heritage with the public, both physically and virtually, in the months ahead.”

The resources and virtual models will continue to be available throughout 2023.

The restoration of the Arctic Corsair is part of the Hull Maritime project. Other elements include the refurbishment of the Grade II* Hull Maritime Museum and Dock Office Chambers, the restoration of Spurn Lightship, and the creation of a new visitor attraction at North End Shipyard which will become the new home of the Arctic Corsair.

It is hoped the new maritime experience will add £5.5m to the local economy each year, attract more visitors to the city and reach new and diverse audiences, as well as offering new volunteering and learning programmes and training opportunities for young people and the unemployed. More information is available here.