Details of Esk Belle II

Esk Belle II is a purpose built “twin deck” steel passenger vessel with twin 120hp Ford Sabre 6 cylinder diesels. Formerly “Diana S” she was used for trips around Portsmouth Harbour. Purchased by Whitby Coastal Cruises in December 2004 and renamed she has been repainted in our distinctive yellow livery and replaces our previous vessels Skylark and Esk Belle.

She was built in Portsmouth in 2001 of steel with a length of 60’, beam of 17’6” draft of 3’6” and a top speed of 10 knots. Esk Belle II is the first vessel of this class to be operated out of Whitby and the largest vessel to work out of this historic port since the 1960’s. Licensed for 100 passengers with open decks from bow to stern and a saloon below decks, seating 40 at tables, she represents a new era in pleasure trips out of Whitby.

Esk Belle II is registered and fully insured for 100 passengers, plus crew, and carries third party liability to the extent of £30 million. She has an operating licence for both sea and harbour. The skipper/owner, Bryan Clarkson has many years experience as both a passenger carrying skipper and also as a trawler owner/skipper.

Safety gear on “Esk Belle II” consists of a full inventory of gear requirements from the MCA(Maritime Coastguard Agency) including auto-release life raft, life jackets for all on board, rockets and flares. The vessel is surveyed annually to the requirements of the MCA and the skippers are fully qualified.