Isabella Fortuna

Isabella's history

The Wick Society bought the Isabella Fortuna from Hobson Rankin and Michael May, in 1997, for £6000. Mr Rankin kindly donated his share of the vessel to the Wick Society, to assist in using the vessel to promote Wick's rich fishing industry heritage. Since then, enthusiastic volunteers have engaged on a continuous programme of renewal and restoration. Major reconstruction, renewal and overhaul have been necessary to keep the boat seaworthy. The project has bought together people with a wide range of abilities and has provided an opportunity for traditional skills to be practised and passed on to younger generations.

In this The Wick Society acknowledges, with gratitude, the countless hours given by volunteers and skilled tradesmen in bringing the vessel to life. We also thank local businesses for the generous donations of money and materials that have made the restoration possible. These materials for the restoration, and the maintenance of equipment and fittings enable the vessel to meet modern safety regulations and standards.

The Isabella Fortuna is normally berthed in Wick Harbour, although during the winter months she is housed in the old Lifeboat Shed on the South shore of Wick Bay. This enables maintenance to continue throughout the year.

With a voluntary crew the vessel visits other ports during festivals and sea-based events and as such promotes the aims and objectives of The Wick Society. In 2005 the Isabella Fortuna featured on the BBC Songs of Praise programme broadcast from Caithness.

An illustrated booklet telling the story of the Isabella Fortuna, and the challenges, mishaps and rewards of the restoration experience can be obtained from museum@wickheritage.org.