The Cape Society
- Sat 20 July 2024
- SS Explorer
-
It's only April and the July Manor has already been pinned down, thanks to a particularly intrepid Knight (Martin).
Permission to come aboard the SS Explorer in Leith Docks
has been sought and granted. The registered national historic ship which started life as a fishery research ship
is lovingly looked after by the same organisation which takes care of the Royal Yacht Britannia and we expect to
enjoy a tour and insight in to its history.
Enquiries in to booking a table at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society at The Vaults in Leith, for after the tour, are being made.
-
Meet at the Bath Road entrance to Leith Docks at 11.30 a.m.
*** You'll need PHOTO ID to gain access to Leith Docks where the SS Explorer is berthed. ***
Guests welcome... (but numbers are limited so please ensure your name is on the list of attendees).
- Report
-
Ten Knights and Ladies were met at the gatehouse by Malik and issued with badges and high viz bibs.
Fairly predictably, the prerequisite demand for photographic ID appeared to have dissolved in
the murky dock waters.
Soon after everyone was kitted out,
Adrian, a volunteer on the SS Explorer, drove up, introduced himself and offered
a lift to the SS Explorer in his car. The weather was fine and a few Knights were keen to
take in the full extent of the playground they used as kids so elected to walk the 500 metres or
so to the location of the ship within Leith Docks. After a few photos just onshore from
the former fishing research vessel, everyone called for permission to come aboard
and Adrian proceded with the safety briefing which was detailed and highlighted by, "don't fall overboard".
Adrian also introduced Richard who is chairman of the charity overseeing the restoration of SS Explorer.
The ship is in the infancy of its restoration so there was no structured tour as such, purely an invite
to explore any part of the ship which was open (one or two parts were out of bounds due to safety or privacy).
This suited the gathered crew of would-be sailors and researchers to a tee and made for a
very adventurous experience. Adrian mentioned he and Richard would be around onboard and would be happy to answer
any questions. On the main deck, Steve started the ball rolling by asking about the nature of the research the
ship and its crew undertook. Richard said the main activities revolved around testing new trawler-style
fishing equipment, estimating fish stocks, measuring water temperature and, later, water quality. He
mentioned environmental research took on greater importance as the ship matured. He also mentioned
the ship made many trips to NorthEast Atlantic fishing grounds and the Faroe Islands, giving an indication of the seas the SS Explorer traversed.
With carte blanche to explore, Knights and Ladies dispersed in small groups to look through the ship.
There was a wide range of condition in the infrastructure, fixtures and fittings. The mess, galley, salloon and some of the cabins
used by captain and crew with prominent onboard positions looked pretty much like they might've when the ship
was built and the steam engine room had some parts still operating, such as generators.
Other areas such as the stern area on the port/stern side where the ship had unfortunately collided with another
were in need of some TLC, as was the deck which was rotting and corroding the steel beneath. It's hoped the
SS Explorer will soon be in dry dock where some of these issues can be resolved and a good look at the
state of the hull can be taken. After a good hour or so, most of the temporary crew had seen all there
was to see and began to gather on the main deck where Martin thanked Adrian and Richard
and gave the SS Explorer Preservation Society (SC023518) a small donation from the Cape Society.
Having disembarked, the scene was probably much like in Leith's busier port days when Mary Moriarty was young and uniformed sailors from around the world with some shore leave would 'hit the town': everyone headed in the direction of The Port o' Leith although Knights and Ladies, on this ocassion, stopped a little short and entered Malone's where Martin had reserved a few tables. The remainder of the afternoon and evening were a bon voyage and included a later visit to Teuchters Landing.
Thanks to everyone who explored the depths of the SS Explorer, especially Martin who exemplified Cape watchwords when organising this great day out.
Mobile-friendly picture gallery.
Some video...
I'll Be On The Bridge
All AboardThe SS Explorer, SS Explorer Preservation Society (SC023518)
