The first stern-fishing trawler to be built at Grimsby, the Atlantic Dolphin, sailed in April 1963 for fishing trials, after which she was to start her maiden voyage in the North Sea.
Built by J S Doig (Grimsby) Ltd for Storgram Trawlers Ltd, of London, the vessel was commanded by Skipper J Harness, formerly skipper of the Saxon Venture, and was managed by Alfred Bannister (Trawlers) Ltd.
In overall dimensions the new trawler was a sister ship of the Atlantic Seal but, being a stern-fisher, the hull form was different. It had a wider beam forward than a conventional side-fishing trawler.
The Atlantic Dolphin was unconventional in almost every detail, the forecastle deck continuing for almost three-quarters of its length before dropping down to main deck level.
As in many stern-fishing designs, the bridge was forward of amidships and protected by a curved breakwater which came out of the ship’s side and continued for half the length of the bridge structure.
The bridge, of fibre glass, had large semi-circular wings, the roof projecting considerably over the sides. There was no funnel in the accepted sense. It was an inconspicuous pip bent backwards and projecting from the deck house.
A stern chute, up which the net was hauled, was closed by a door which, when let down, formed the chute floor.
At the stern were a pair of high gallows athwartship, supporting a girder on which ran the traveller to bring the net forward. The traveller was controlled by an auxiliary winch on upper-deck level aft.
Below decks, amidships, was the main winch. Aft of the winch were the hatches to the fish room and the fish pounds, all under cover so that the gutting and cleaning took place beneath the upper deck.
The Atlantic Dolphin was propelled by three diesel engines, driving generators to supply electricity to the main propulsion motor, the winch and auxiliaries.
The skipper’s quarters were in the bridge structure immediately aft of the wheelhouse, while at the back of the bridge was the chart room which had large windows giving a clear view astern.
All crew accommodation was forward. There were three cabins for a total of 12 men, and separate cabins for the engineers and deck officers. The mess room adjoined a roomy galley near which was a large refrigerator.
Even the foremast was unconventional – a little lattice type more usually associated with small warships. The trawler was very well equipped with the latest navigational aids, including fish-finders, radar, navigator and gyro compass.
at upper deck level, aft of amidships, was a single fibreglass boat. It was handled by derricks from the goalpost-type double aftermasts which also acted as ventilators.
On the soft-nosed bow was the ship’s totem – a dolphin on a shield.
Bygones note: The Atlantic Dolphin was launched on July 28, 1961.
The ceremony was performed by Mrs G Smith, wife of the naval architect who was concerned with the design of the trawler in its early stages.