Sovereign (1936 Fishing Vessel)
Location: Newcastle
Price: Free (see below)
https://www.nationalhistoricships.org.uk/register/164/sovereign
The owner of Sovereign, Northumbria Fishing Heritage CIO, is unable to efficiently support the continued management of its fleet of historic vessels, and wishes to reduce the scale of its responsibilities by offering Sovereign free to a group or charitable organisation with similar ideals. Prospective new owners should preferably be based on the upper east coast of England or Scotland, with the necessary resources to provide a sustainable future, and willing to agree to maintain and display the vessel correctly into the future.
History:
Built in 1936 at the famous Scottish boatyard, Wilson Noble of Fraserburgh, Sovereign has a remarkable history. Built as a fishing vessel, she was first registered as LH171 for T Hall of Newhaven, near Leith. In WWII, she was requisitioned by the Admiralty for use as a minesweeper between the Farne Islands and Berwick.
Sovereign holds the record in her 10 metre class as the longest serving fishing boat, having fished for 72 years before retiring. She is believed to be the last remaining of the Nobles type boats in seaworthy condition. Sovereign’s Statement of Significance on her vessel record (see link above) gives full details of build and history.
Sovereign has undergone sympathetic restoration and conservation by the South Shields boat builder Fred Crowell, together with volunteers. Since 2020 she has been based at St Peter’s Marina, Newcastle. When not at her home berth, she is engaged in educational boat handling and visits to maritime events on the east coast of England and Scotland.
Condition:
Sovereign is in good, weathered, seaworthy condition and can be inspected at St. Peter’s Marina in Newcastle where she undergoes regular maintenance and repair. She is 43ft with a Gardner 6LW 6 cylinder engine. The hull and superstructure have not been compromised by alteration. Overall dimensions are 43’ long, 15’ 3” beam and 6’ draft. Repairs have been undertaken to original standards and materials. Framing is 90% original, hull planking 90%, deck 60%, bulwarks 50%, masts and spars 25%, crew accommodation 90%, fish hold 75%.
Contact:
For further information, pictures, spec, etc, please see the vessel record link at the top of the page or email info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk to be put in touch with the owner.
Photo taken March 2025.
Zone
North