Yorkshire Belle pleasure boat back in action following lay-off due to Covid-19

One of the most iconic vessels in Bridlington harbour will be back in action this weekend after an enforced lay-off.
The Yorkshire Belle, pictured in dry dock, will be running trips to Bempton Cliffs this Sunday ahead of the summer.The Yorkshire Belle, pictured in dry dock, will be running trips to Bempton Cliffs this Sunday ahead of the summer.The Yorkshire Belle, pictured in dry dock, will be running trips to Bempton Cliffs this Sunday ahead of the summer.The Yorkshire Belle, pictured in dry dock, will be running trips to Bempton Cliffs this Sunday ahead of the summer.
The Yorkshire Belle, pictured in dry dock, will be running trips to Bempton Cliffs this Sunday ahead of the summer.The Yorkshire Belle, pictured in dry dock, will be running trips to Bempton Cliffs this Sunday ahead of the summer.

Final preparations to the Yorkshire Belle pleasure cruiser are being carried out this week ahead of Sunday’s trips to Bempton Cliffs.

The first journey will see a special RSPB charter trip which will showcase the amazing wildlife at the site.

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The next one is in the afternoon at 2pm, also taking in the delights at Bempton.

The Belle has been a perennial attraction for locals and visitors alike.

However, the owners decided to suspend sailing last year for the first time in 73 years because of the coronavirus pandemic.

During this time the boat has been in dry dock and spruced up ahead its return.

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Peter Richardson, co-owner of the Belle, said he was glad to get the boat back in operation while thanking everyone who supported the boat during the tough times last year.

A GoFundMe page managed to raise more than £17,000 to help ensure the future of the boat which has operated in Bridlington since 1947.

Mr Richardon said: “The first trip on Sunday is a RSPB charter which is sold out.

“The next one, in the afternoon, is run by us and will do the same trip.

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“From then on we are hoping to be working every day, weather permitting.

“We really are looking to getting back to sea once again with passengers onboard.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported us through the GoFundMe page sincerely for what they have done for us. Without them we wouldn’t be in this position. We shouldn’t be able to start now. We are so grateful to everyone who donated.

“We are indebted to them.

“Last year, for the first season, she didn’t operate.

“We still had to keep the her running over while out of use.

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“We were on her every week, checking everything was alright.

“Three times we went out into the bay to make sure the engine was going and she’s been fully maintained throughout this time.

“Even though we were not operating we still had have a full service and inspection.

“She’s been in dry dock and now we are just completed the finishing touches, to make her look spick and span gain.”

Go to www.yorkshire-belle.co.uk/ to find out more about the Yorkshire Belle.