Name Progress of Whitby

1.      What is the vessel’s ability to demonstrate history in her physical fabric?

Evidence for designs, functions, techniques, processes, styles, customs and habits or uses and associations in relation to events and people.  How early, intact or rare these features are may impact on significance.

PROGRESS OF WHITBY is carvel construction built from locally sourced larch on oak frames on the East Coast of Scotland, with her fastenings reflecting a period of change from the use of wrought iron to cheaper refined steel.  She was built to a ‘kit’ format allowing frames to be pre sawn and seasoned in the yard prior to construction. This system of build is evident in her fabric with a number of frames having markings in Roman numerals. The build method saw two teams of three build starboard and port through to completion in six weeks, resulting in subtle differences in construction on each side of the vessel, still visible today. 

PROGRESS OF WHITBY retains her original hull form with some later changes to her deck and wheelhouse. Her samson posts were removed by the crew being found troublesome when dragging or trawling. Her chain operated steering from the wheelhouse ran below deck to keep the after deck clear.  Whilst fishing she sailed with minimal free-board when fully laden preventing the installation of through hull fittings. Bilge pumps discharged across the deck, exhaust was dry and the cooling water telltale still exists at a high level. She retains her foremast and mizzen from her original use as a fishing vessel.

The only external evidence of change to the hull is the installation of skin fittings to accommodate modern equipment. Her wheelhouse was changed in June 1940 when she was requisitioned for service and in 1943 a hydrophone unit was fitted beneath the keel as part of her conversion.  This keel was also strengthened and an internal bronze floor fitted, which still exists today.  A variety of winches, deck equipment and a machine gun on her foredeck significantly weakened the deck beams and boards which have since been replaced with oak and larch.  The main engine beds have been replaced and a traditional Gardner unit similar to her original engine has been fitted. All alterations in the last decade have used like-for-like materials and construction techniques.

2.      What are the vessel’s associational links for which there is no physical evidence?

Associations with people or places.  Off-ship research.

PROGRESS OF WHITBY has links to the East Coast of Scotland in terms of design and build, being constructed at the well-known yard of Walter Reekie and Sons, Anstruther. She was one of five vessels selected in 1935 for the ‘Whitby Fish Trading Company’ and the last known remaining survivor of this group. She remained in operation with the same Whitby family until she was sold out of fishing in 1959, giving her strong associations to the industry in that area.  PROGRESS OF WHITBY was one of nine vessels called up for service from Whitby during the Second World War.  She was requisitioned first for use as a Harbour Defence Vessel by the Royal Naval Patrol Service in Grimsby Harbour, changing to Boom Defence operations in 1943 and was later converted to a hydrophone vessel.  PROGRESS OF WHITBY is well documented through a photographic archive which covers her build to the present day.  She has been recorded on the National Register of Historic Vessels since 1998.

3.      How does the vessel’s shape or form combine and contribute to her function?

Overall aesthetic impact of the vessel, her lines, material she was built from and her setting.  Does she remain in her working environment?

PROGRESS OF WHITBY’s hull is full amidships with slight tumble home and increasing volume as she rolls to the sea, with her vertical stem and fine lines forward of the fish hold reducing rise to a swell and cutting through the seas. Her long keel, supporting the large rudders, cruiser stern and hard forefoot all combined to give her good stability whilst fishing.  Her design was therefore particularly suited to the difficult conditions that are frequently encountered in the North Sea and for her mixed type of fishing – line, net and pots.  With large diesel engines forming the principal power method, PROGRESS OF WHITBY had clearer decks and increased stowage on deck than many earlier fishing vessels.  Aesthetically she is every inch the commercial fishing boat of the period and the changes undertaken in the mid 1960s to convert her to a yacht have not taken away her identity, charm or purposeful presence.  PROGRESS OF WHITBY remains operational and is in use as a leisure vessel in private ownership on the East Coast.

Source: NHS-UK team & vessel owner, 03 March 2017.