Arctic Corsair, Kingston-upon-Hull

We decided to tour the Arctic Corsair as my partner had sailed on her when he was 15 and we thought it would be nice to tour the ship. Unfortunately due to the tour guide Ian's attitude and unprofessionalism this turned out to be a less than pleasureable experience and this was before we were even aboard. We met at the said point on time there was only four of us and we where we were told that we would be shown a video about the fishing history. We were stood waiting and went to the small office door and said we were here for the tour and video.Ian very begrudgingly went over put the video on as if it was too much effort. Me and my partner looked at each other frowned a little and said "He's a happy chap". The video ended then it was onto the tour. From the outset me and my partner were completely cut out of the conversation. Ian's complete focus was on the other couple that was with us. We attempted to be part of the tour and mentioned that my partner had sailed on the Corsair to which Ian's response was "Do you want to take over? ". Me and my partner looked at each other in disbelief at what he had just said. The tour carried on and we were still treat as if we were invisible. The conversation was less than informative and even ended up with Ian's boiler been mentioned along with how inept Hull City Council was and how Ian was glad they weren't too involved in the running of the Corsair. Then we reached the Captain's cabin were Jim Williams was mentioned who Ian did not speak very highly of. So my partner mentioned that he had sailed with Captain Williams. Ian back tracked a little and started talking to us a bit more by then it was near the end of the tour. We were glad to get off the ship after learning next to nothing about the history of the Corsair or the fishing industry. I was glad my partner was there so i could refer to him for info. It's a shame as I'm sure that there will be a lot of visitors to the Corsair during the up and coming City Of Culture celebrations. They will be very disappointed if they are treat the way we were .

Loved it. A guided tour of this old trawler in the company of an old sailor, who will tell you a tale or two. Very little has changed inside since the time it was working. A must, but be prepared for a long visit.

Excellent more people should visit

Closed November through March.

aA real. Jem .an look. Into. a real. mans world