Reaper (sailing vessel) facts for kids
The Reaper under full sail.
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 Scotland |
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| Builder | J. & G. Forbes of Sandhaven |
| Launched | 1901 |
| Identification |
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| Status | Museum ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Fifie herring drifter |
| Tonnage | Gross: 61.30 (net 29.04) |
| Length | 70.26 ft (21.42 m) |
| Beam | 20.38 ft (6.21 m) |
| Draft | 8.60 ft (2.62 m) |
| Sail plan |
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The Reaper is a special old fishing boat from Scotland. It's a type of boat called a Fifie drifter, used for catching herring. Today, the Reaper is a museum ship, meaning it's been fixed up and people can visit it to learn about its history. It's even part of the National Historic Fleet in the UK, which means it's a very important ship!
Contents
The Reaper's Story
Building a Fishing Boat
The Reaper was built in 1901 by J. & G. Forbes in Sandhaven, Scotland. It is about 21 meters (70 feet) long. The boat was made using a special method called carvel construction. This means its wooden planks fit together smoothly. The builders used strong larch wood for the planks and oak for the frames.
Life as a Sailing Lugger
When the Reaper first started sailing in 1902, it was a lugger. This type of boat uses large, special sails. It had a main sail and a smaller mizzen sail. A crew of about eight people worked on the boat. They would set their fishing nets at dusk (evening) and pull them in at dawn (morning). Getting back to port quickly meant they could sell their fish for the best prices.
Changes Over Time
The Reaper spent many years fishing for herring near Shetland. Between World War I and World War II, an engine was added to the boat. This made it faster and easier to move.
During World War II, the Admiralty (the British Navy) took over the Reaper. It was used in the southeast of England. Sometimes, it helped to hold barrage balloons in place. These balloons were used to protect cities from enemy aircraft.
After the war, the Reaper went back to fishing in Shetland. It continued until 1957. It holds a record for catching the most herring in Shetland. It once caught 233 cran of fish. That's almost 250,000 herrings!
New Job as a Cargo Boat
From 1959, the Reaper had a new job. It became a general cargo boat for the local council. It carried goods from place to place. But then, new roll on-roll off ferries came along. These ferries could carry cars and trucks, so the Reaper was no longer needed for cargo. It was retired from service.
The Reaper Today
Becoming a Museum Ship
In 1975, the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, Fife, bought the Reaper. They decided to bring it back to its original look. They restored it to be a two-masted sailing lugger, just like it was in 1902. The boat was renamed Reaper FR958. It is one of the very last original boats of its kind from the east coast of Scotland.
Sailing and Visitors
The Reaper is listed as part of the National Historic Fleet. This means it's a very important part of maritime history. It still sails regularly during the summer months. When it's not sailing, you can find it docked in Anstruther harbour. It's right across from the fisheries museum.
The Reaper is a popular attraction. In 2003, it visited 14 ports around Britain. About 24,000 people came to see it! In 2005, it visited 12 ports, including the Festival of the Sea in Portsmouth. That year, 20,000 visitors came aboard.
A Rescue at Sea
In 2001, the Reaper was sailing off the coast of northeast England. There were seven people on board. The boat started to take on water because a bilge pump stopped working. A rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer in Northumberland was sent to help. A lifeboat from Amble also arrived. They brought a new pump and helped the Reaper get safely to harbour for repairs.
Storm Damage
In August 2016, strong winds hit Johnshaven Harbour in Aberdeenshire. The Reaper was docked there. The wind was so powerful that it blew the boat over. Part of the Reaper went underwater. Luckily, it was later recovered and repaired.
Gallery
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The Reaper on a visit to Dunbar Harbour.
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The Reaper berthed in Anstruther harbour.
Media Appearances
The Reaper was featured in a TV show. It appeared in an episode of the 2010 BBC series called Boats that Built Britain.
