Maritime professionals to focus on heritage projects at relaunch event

The Viola trawler laid up in Grytviken and inset, Dr Robb Robinson.

MEMBERS of the Nautical Institute in the Humber area are to showcase two major maritime history projects as they revive their local branch.

Regional organisers of the global body for maritime professionals will be joined by key figures from the Yorkshire’s Maritime City project and the campaign to bring the Viola back to Hull at an event next month aimed at re-launching the branch.

Jamie Simpson, Honorary Secretary of the Humber Branch, said: “The Humber branch of the Nautical Institute used to be very active in the past but has stagnated and is now being relaunched by people who have a lot of passion for the maritime industry and who want to organise more events.

“The industry in the Humber is a lot bigger than many people realise. The Viola and Yorkshire’s Maritime City are very exciting projects which are of interest to our members and the wider marine community. In addition to promoting those we are planning to sponsor membership of the Institute for anyone from Trinity House Nautical College who is commencing a career as a deck officer at sea until they qualify.”

The event will take place in Hull Guildhall on Thursday 5 September 2019 and is free to attend, with guests urged to register on Eventbrite.

It will start at 6.30pm with drinks and a buffet and the first presentation will be made by Simon Green, Director of Cultural Services at Hull Culture & Leisure, who will give the latest update on Yorkshire’s Maritime City.

Dr Robb Robinson, a maritime historian and member of the Viola Trust, will then speak about the history of the vessel which was built in Beverley and is the last of the great Hellyer fleet of steam trawlers which worked in the North Sea.

Captain John Simpson, Senior Partner of Solis Marine Consultants, who have carried out a survey of the Viola at her current location in Grytviken, will then speak about the technical challenge of salvaging and returning the vessel to Hull.

The event will also feature a display by Hotham’s Distillery, who produce the exclusive Viola gin at their premises in Hepworth’s Arcade, Hull.

To find out more about the event and to register please visit https://www.nautinst.org/branch/uk-humber.html

The find out more about the heritage projects please visit https://maritimehull.co.uk and www.violatrawler.net