James Campbell hears how moving the Arctic Corsair trawler could boost tourism in Hull.
FLOATING in the River Hull is a 53-year-old fishing trawler that one entrepreneur feels could be a key to unlocking a tourism bonanza in the city.
The Arctic Corsair has been something of a modest attraction over the years, welcoming a steady flow of visitors.
Built in 1960, the vessel is the last survivor of Hull's deep sea sidewinder fleet.
But entrepreneur and author Mally Welburn believes the Arctic Cosair is not being used to its full potential and feels it could attract thousands more tourist each year if it was moved closer to The Deep.
"Doris, Mabel and Doreen don't bother to cross the bridge into the city centre after visiting The Deep," Mr Welburn said.
"They just get back on the bus and head to York.
"There are 400,000 visitors to The Deep each year and we need to keep them in the city.
"The Arctic Corsair is one of our biggest heritage attractions and we should move it either down to the dry dock opposite The Deep or at Victoria Pier.
"This will ensure tourists remain in the city and use its facilities."
The vessel is owned by Hull City Council and run by fishing heritage group Stand.
Mr Welburn served as a deckhand on the Arctic Corsair during his 15 years at sea before launching his customised shed business.
It is difficult not to get caught up in his passion and enthusiasm.
"This vessel is a treasure that should be used to create wealth in the city," Mr Welburn said.
"Stand has been fantastic but the Arctic Corsair is hidden away.
"Last Sunday, there were only four visitors and I know it could attract so many more."
As well as moving the Arctic Corsair to a more prominent position, Mr Welburn also wants to improve the experience for those visiting the trawler, particularly youngsters.
"I want to install a simulator on board that will take people on a voyage and experience life as a fisherman at sea," he said.
"I was on board once when a video was playing and two young kids just walked off. They weren't engaged.
"A simulator will make it feel as if they are really there."
Mr Welburn accepts there is a lot of work to do but he passionately believes his ideas can, and should, become a reality.
"It is early days and I'm only at the research and development stage," he said.
"I reckon it will cost about £5m in total but that could be claimed back in just a few years if we can attract a good number of The Deep visitors.
"We would also open it every day throughout the year, rather than just two or three days over the summer period.
"The great thing about this is we don't need to build anything.
"Some may say I'm a crazy guy with crazy ideas, but let's at least talk about this."
Mr Welburn's ambitious plans also include transforming units in Humber Street to bring back to life the eras of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s – a period when the fishing industry was still alive and kicking.
The fishermen were known as the "three-day millionaires" because they would only be back for a few days and would have money to spend.
"Once the visitors have had a trip of a lifetime and a guided tour of the Arctic Corsair, they can go to the newly refurbished units in Humber Street and be taken back in time to the 1950s where actors will be on hand to help people relive the lives of fishermen back on shore," he said.
Stand has welcomed the ideas put forward by Mr Welburn but chairman Charles Pinder admits their time is being taken up by trying to bring the long saga of a trawler memorial to an end.
The fishing heritage group wants to place the memorial to the 6,000 lost trawlermen in St Andrew's Quay, having raised £140,000.
Mr Pinder said: "It is a great vision Mr Welburn has put forward but, at the moment, all our efforts are geared towards the memorial.
"For the moment, we can't get involved in the plans he has.
"It would also take an awful lot of money and the council is scratching around just to maintain the vessel as it is.
"It is a worthy vision but that is what it will remain for a while yet."
Hull City Council has also been loathe to commit so far but said they are aware of it.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Brady said: "Mr Welburn's ideas have been passed on to relevant officers for consideration within the wider plans for the city centre."
