The Grand Turk

The Grand Turk is a replica 18th century man-o-war based on historical drawings of a sixth rate frigate named 'Blandford'. Whilst retaining technical authenticity she enjoys the benefit of two marine diesel engines, a bow thruster and four generators for the provision of both ship's and unit single and three phase power supply.
Grand Turk has an overall length of 152' and a beam of 34'. She is authentically rigged for sailing with her main mast standing 117' above the water, her yards are 60' across and she has 12 working sails.

Grand Turk carries Maritime & Coastguard Agency certification for 100 passengers and 30 crew.

Built in Marmaris, Turkey, and launched in 1997, this ship is the result of Mike Turk's life long ambition to build and operate a representative vessel of the Nelson era. The Grand Turk has  already become famous for her starring role in the major television series

Grand Turk's Visit to Whitby

In June 2001 the Grand Turk paid its first visit to the Port of Whitby in North Yorkshire, to the delight of thousands of visitors and the local community. Local shanty group Coblers Monday along with the Stormy Weather Boys entertained the crowds on the Bandstand with Shanties and songs of the sea on the
Saturday Afternoon. Later on that evening a concert was held at which the Grand Turks Captain and crew were guests of honour, and firm friendships were formed between the crew and Coblers Monday. On the Sunday night the Crew of the Grand Turk accepted an invitation to attend the regular Sunday Evening Folk Session at the Tap and Spile in Whitby.
Captain McDougal, First mate Ken Stocks and crew joined Derek Elliot and other regular singers and musicians in many rousing sea songs and choruses, ably abetted by mine hosts Peter and Cherie Fleming. Mick Haywood (leader of Coblers Monday) and organiser of The Whitby Folk Club which meets normally every Wednesday Night at The Plough Inn, Baxtergate,Whitby, had the bright idea of asking the Ships Master Ian McDougal if he would like to have the Whitby Folk Club on board the Grand Turk while they were in port. Ian who is no mean singer himself thought it was a great idea. The Tap and Spile Boarding House Masters organised the refreshments for the evening, which was a roaring success with deck to deck music and song until the early hours of Thursday morn. Other musical events took place on and around the Grand Turk throughout the week. Which we all hope will be repeated when the Grand Turk returns to Whitby once again. The ship sailed out of Whitby early on Monday morning to an audience of hundreds, who lined the piers and packed other vantage points, cannon fire and horn blasts signalling her departure.

The Grand Turks visit to Whitby was a huge success from beginning to end with the Captain and crew stating that they hoped that this would be the first of many visits.