The boats have been the mainstay of the fishing industry up and down the east coast and beyond for decades – but with the advent of motorised engines many of the traditional fishing boats were either scrapped or left to rot.
Now a part of our maritime history, the small sail boats known as cobles, have become icons of a bygone fishing age, with the boats being salvaged and rebuilt by enthusiasts and hobbyists and preserved for prosperity
A two day Sailing Coble Festival held at Bridlington recently, has been hailed a huge success after attracting huge numbers of visitors to the town.
Sailing was restricted to only one day due to unfavourable sea conditions, but most cobles did get out into the stunning Bay of Bridlington.
A very strong south-westerly precluded most of the heritage fleet leaving moorings on the Sunday, but the boats were still lined up in the harbour and lots of displays, stalls, music and entertainment kept the interest of the thousands of visitors
The resort saw a great many visitors from far and wide enjoy the musical entertainment provided
by the Bridlington Sailing Coble Preservation Society, organisers of the event.
“It was extremely busy on the Harbour throughout the two days with musicians working between the
quayside and the dedicated trailer stage.”said spokesperson Paul Arro.
A full and varied programme of music, including sea shanties, folk songs and popular 1960s songs rang out across the water over the two
days.
Fifteen traditional sailing craft In total had gathered for the Festival, three having travelled from Scarborough, South Shields and Staithes to be part of the popular event.
Thanks were extended to the Yorkshire Coast BID for their kind sponsorship and to Bridlington
Harbour Commissioners for their
help and support.
It is hoped to attract even more cobles and traditional sailing craft to Bridlington in the future.
For further information please contact: https://www.bridlingtonsailingcobles.co.uk/
