Photos Hullish Weather on the North Atlantic

Let me say at the outset that it is NOT impossible for a semi-displacement, or even a planing hull to survive conditions like this. But I think it’s safe to say that it’s much less likely, while at the same time being MORE likely to induce a heart attack in the captain. These photos were brought to my attention by the Nordhavn Dreamers Group on Yahoo, and a link posted there by one member. I would like to give credit to the photographer, but his/her identity is not established. These are truly dramatic images and they show how even a 93-foot, deep displacement-hulled steel fishing trawler can have a “sporty ride” on the worst of the North Atlantic’s seas. In fact, I’ve heard it said of some of these North Atlantic fishermen that they refer to the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” cast as the “Deadliest Whiners.” Probably unfair, but pictures like this make it clear that ocean fishermen everywhere literally risk their lives for our seafood. One of the images clearly shows the very deep forefoot of the hull and it’s obvious how much of this boat is below the waterline. These are Scottish trawlers, built in Denmark and feature all the latest in fishing technology. Here’s a link to detailed descriptions of the boats. Enjoy the photos and if anyone knows who the photographer is, I will happily add the appropriate credit line.

Written by: Tom Tripp

Tom is the publisher of www.OceanLines.biz, a website about passagemaking boats and information. He is also a contributor to Chesapeake Bay Magazine who has been at sea aboard everything from a 17-foot homemade wooden fishing boat to a 1,000-foot-long, 96,000-ton, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.