My First Long Trip.

[robstracey]

I've had Kyla since November, and i decided it was about time i went a bit further, as i had only been as far as Blyth and lots of day sails out of the tyne, so i settled on Holy Island, ok, so the Tyne to Holy Island is'nt that far, but after 18 hours sailing it seems like it! I set out on friday evening around 2200 with two other cadets from college, Martin and Adam, and set off heading to clear Beacon Point close hauled with all sail set she was creaming along, and i was starting to think we might make a fast passage of it, as i want to bed and left adam on watch, the wind started to veer more to the north, half an hour in my bunk and i was called up, we tried to tack into it but kyla is not exactly an upwind greyhound so at 0200 i furled the genoa and started the engine. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif . By dawn we were off Coquet island and over half way, i was begining to think we might make our planned ETA of 1200, but we had slowed due to the tide, and didnt pass the inner farne islands untill 1400, arriving just off Holy Island at 1515, /the water was very low, and i had a rather fudge-making moment as the echo sounder plumeted to 1.6 meters, and one of Kyla's keels nudged something, but at last she was in, and all my chain went out with a roar, and we had arrived. We climbed down into the dinghy an rowed ashore, Kyla did look rather beautifull out there. As soon as we steped ashore, i was instantly completly chuffed with myself, and with my boat, so chuffed in fact, i had a celebratory pint of local ale.

The trip back was a little uneventfull, Apart from a seal following the dinghy 20' behind as Adam and i rowed back to Kyla, and me going swimming in the north sea to free a lobster pot from my rudder. As soon as we cleraed beacon point we got a mice north-easterly F2, so i ran up the cruisning chute and had her running right into the river.

We were back at Royal Quays at 1400 today, But im still totally smug! does it allways feel this good to get somewhere in your own yacht?

 

[franky]

Well done Rob
It gets better every time,
This time last year my girlfriend and I sailed(motored) from Royan to Bilbao. 27 hours 170 miles first night sail for my gilrlfriend and the longest trip I had undertaken on my yacht .We felt shattered about one hour before arrival at 1100 but once we were all secured the adrenaline was still belting through and I was on a high for the rest of the day.

 

[silver-fox]

After every trip to somewhere new, I still feel like Columbus!

Great feeling isn't it?

 

[robstracey]

Best bit was when we started to see puffins (never see them in the tyne for obvious reasons) but then it really started to feel like we were going somewhere new.

 

[Searush]

That's why we do it!

Incidentally, "and all my chain went out with a roar," I would recommend that you make sure the anchor is on the bottom first & then release chain as you go astern, either wind/tide driven or under engine. When you have about 4xdepth at high water out, snub the chain & make sure the boat stops where she is.

Dropping it all "at a roar" risks piling the stuff on top of the anchor & preventing it from ever setting properly. Not meaning to criticise, coz I enjoyed your cruise log, but just in case it wasn't a figure of speech. All the Best, Steve K

 

[BrendanS]

Yes, always feels great. But don't think going swimming to clear lobster pots is always going to be the same. Sometimes it's just too dangerous

 

[robstracey]

It was half a figure of speach, i let it out slowly untill i was sure it was holding then i just let it go, the length of the chain was only slightly longer than i needed, so by the time i put the ropes on the chain it near enough perfect

It is a little difficult as i've gone from dinghys, where my anchor was little folding grapnel with a rope that i just lobbed over, to a container ship with a 14 tonne patent anchor and chain as wide as i am being walked out very slowly all the way. With Kyla i have to find out my happy medium!

 

[ashanta]

Sounds great Robert, I used to keep my boat on the tyne in the 90's so it was really great to read this as it brought back lovely memories. Puffins are common on the NE coast and I now miss them as I dont see them in the channel. You are sailing in a beautiful area that I feel is not widely known and certainly not over subscribed. I remember many times motoring up from Hebburn and anchoring in groin at SS's for the right tide or mooring up at the quayside at NS's for some fish and chips but I don't think they let you now do they?
I aslo played many a game of rugby against the Marine college
Good luck

 

[robstracey]

I know, even with her just drifting i was rather nervous getting in the water. I think i'll have a spurs or similar fitted over the winter.

 

[BrendanS]

Many here have gone into the water to clear lines from props, myself included. Just don't want to make out it's approved practice, as it depends on many variables. I'd only do it when I think it's reasonably safe. That judgement call takes a bit of experience, as the chances of having the hull come down on your head is quite high etc etc.

 

[Guest]

Congratulations, a fantastic feeling!

Is there an online guide, however basic, to cruising this coast? I was vaguely thinking of sailing up that way, but plans haven't firmed up enough to warrant buying a pilot guide yet.

I was just thinking about basic info about what ports and snchorages are usable by yachts - I'd probably be singlehanded so thinking of shortish hops so far as possible...

 

[robstracey]

I got my information on the Farnes from the Dinghy Cruising Association The royal northumberland yacht club at blyth have a good marina which is very reasonably priced, i have stayed there a few times as it was the limit to my cruising. Royal quays Marina, north shields, is very nice, and only a short walk to the town. theres water, power, fuel, toilets, showers and a laundry on site, andthe loca pub, the earl of zetland (my local) is on a ship in the marina, has good food (except mondays when the cook has a day off) and theakstons. other than that i dont know.

I'm already contemplating Hartlepool next weekend, so if its any good ill let you know.

 

[Guest]

Thanks very much - when you say reasonably priced, could I ask what a typical marina/harbour fee might be in the area?

 

[robstracey]

Blyth cost me around 13 quid i think. everywhere else would be more, I wouldnt like to guess as i have never stayed there, and i pay by the year at royal quays.

 

[Guest]

Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[ashanta]

Amble, Sunderland and Whitby will charge you more as they are commercial businesses. It's been over ten years ago but Blyth facilities used to be provided by the hospitality of the Blyth SC I don't know if this is still the case but Robert could maybe advise us.
Great place to sail (except in strong NE's)

 

[Abestea]

I have just read your post and feel really jealous!! I have bought a boat three months ago and what you have done is exactly the type of trips i want to make. Once i iron out some of the problems i will be definately emulating you! I cant wait!!! It is quite infectuous to look at the maps and plan major day trips that i will possibly do in the near future.

Here is to all first time voyages!!

 

[EdWingfield]

Amble Marina price sim to Royal Quays and Blyth. A Club mooring may be available f.o.c. If you can take the ground the north beach and wave trap are f.o.c.

Alnmouth f.o.c.

Boulmer f.o.c.

Craster a 'small charge' dunno what the latest is.

Low Newton f.o.c.

Beadnell f.o.c. (I think)

Seahouses £18 ish.

Farne Islands f.o.c.

Holy Island (technically The HM can charge £2/24hrs but rarely does)

BTW Holy Island anchorage is foul in places. Trip lines strongly recommended.