The Spider T was heading from Rotterdam to Grimsby when she was caught in a force nine gale around 30 miles off Norfolk coast.
17 September 2009
HEAVY storms forced a historic ship to make safe harbour in Great Yarmouth on Monday morning.
The Spider T was heading from Rotterdam to Grimsby when she was caught in a force nine gale around 30 miles off the Norfolk coast. Conditions became so severe in the early hours of Sunday morning that the crew decided to divert course and head to Yarmouth.
The Humber Super Sloop had been taking part in a maritime festival in Holland and was sailing to Grimsby for celebrations marking the start of a round the world yacht race.
Owner and skipper Mal Nicholson said: “We are extremely relieved to be here; it was some of the worst conditions I have ever sailed in and exceptional for this time of year.
“There were huge waves and we were out of radio contact for a time, the storm just came out of nowhere. The ship was really getting thrown around, but stood up to it very well - at times half the vessel was out of the water.”
The Spider T was expected to leave Yarmouth before the end of this week for her home port on the River Trent near Scunthorpe.
Experienced seafarers interested in joining the crew should call Mal on 07739863604.
Much media coverage was made of this adventure TV interview shown.
First achievements made by Spider T. and her crew.
Spider T. and her crew were the first: -
• Vessel from the National Historic fleet to attend the World Port Festival.
• To sail a Humber Sloop across the North Sea direct since before the 2nd World War.
• National Historic ship to be featured on visitbritain.co.uk.
• British vessel to be displayed at the Haven Museum.
• Historic vessel from this area to represent the UK at an international event.
