Sailing north from the Humber

[Chuckle54]

Hi, my wife and I are about to undertake a passage north from the Humber to Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders. It will be the longest passage we've undertaken and in a recently purchased GK29 (family cruiser version). Obviously we'll have a short shake down sail first before setting off and service the engine and carry spare service items etc. We have a window of opportunity of 2 hours either side of high tide to get out of the marina. We have charts, GPS and I'll research everything fully. Just wondering if there is anything I should be aware of in the light of other peoples experience. We hope to complete the trip in 2 days weather permitting.

 

[davidej]

A long trip for two days. I would aim for three with first stop Whitby and the second Amble or Blythe.

 

[Robert Wilson]

With stop-overs or through-the-nights non-stop?
There are numerous marinas and harbours, worth visiting for their own sake e.g. Scarborough, Whitby, Hartlepool, The Tyne, Blyth, Amble and Eyemouth. Some have tidal constraints (Scarborough, from my experience!)
Getting into Whitby Marina may require a long-ish wait at the waiting-pontoon before the road bridge opens. Very interesting berth to while-away the hours though.
Warning - Whitby can lethally dangerous entering/leaving in bad on-shore weather/seas.
The East Coast is a long open stretch, so check the forecasts very carefully and have an appropriate "Plan B".

Look-out for tide swirlies around Flamborough Head, where the water changes from muddy to clear, deep blue again. And look-out for the dreaded poorly-marked pot-markers..............
I was put off Berwick-on-Tweed due to mentions in the Pilot about shifting shoals and harbour depth.
Look out for the "toothy rocks" when entering Eyemouth and adhere to the Pilot instructions. Eyemouth is not the prettiest of places but the Harbour Master is (was) extremely helpful and friendly.

Enjoy yourselves. In fine weather it's an interesting and attractive coast with famously friendly "Northerners". And further northwards the gannets are a joy to observe.
Consider going on to The Tay. The Royal Tay Yacht Club are SO very friendly and accommodating (free visitor mooring when I was there), and a super Club House.

 

[Halo]

I have done this trip loads of times and once you get round Flamborough it’s great.
Assuming your start point is Hull I would leave just after HW and ride the tide down river. On this first leg I would not hesitate to motor sail to get a swift passage. Avoid the Binks (shallows) around spurn and turn for Flambrough.
If it’s wind over tide keep well off Flambrough.
First sensible stop is Scarborough. In Scarborough beware of steep banks 2 boat widths from pontoons - wall is ok if pontoon full. If wanting to eat out book early at Ask as it fills up and is best place if yacht club not serving. More to follow

 

[Chuckle54]

A long trip for two days. I would aim for three with first stop Whitby and the second Amble or Blythe.

I was aiming for Hartlepool then head for home but you're the second person to suggest Whitbyor Scarborough/Amble/Home so I'll probably take your advice. Cheers

 

[Ian_Edwards]

A long trip for two days. I would aim for three with first stop Whitby and the second Amble or Blythe.

+1

I'd allow more time, especially in a new to you boats, you never know what will "appear out of the wood work".

I've done Boston to Stonehaven in early April in the past, singlehanded, and stopped overnight at the following places:

Anchored inside Spurn Head, Whitby Marina, Amble Marina, Anchored off Holy Island, then direct to Stonehaven.

This was done for a combination of reasons, to work the tides, which can make a big difference when sailing, minor repairs (Spurn Head), and just getting tired, sailing singlehanded.

In a good SW - NW wind it's a pleasant sail, don't even attempt it a strong Easterly, most of the harbour entrances become difficult or even dangerous.

 

[Halo]

I agree with Roberts points above.
If you have time a trip up the Tyne to the City Marina is well worth a visit. Book Bridge tilts at the Gateshead Millieium Bridge on line. It’s free and amazing when they tilt the bridge for you. The marina is right in the centre.
Amble is great but don’t go in in a strong Nly
When making passage from Amble to Holy Island don’t rush past. It’s the most scenic part of the coast. At least skim by the Inner Farne and see the birds. The Farnes Inner passage has very strong tides so plot the various buoys ahead of time so you can appreciate Warkworth, Dunstanborough, Bamborough and Holy Island castles. Consult RNSC “Humber to Rattray Head “ to see places to stop for lunch - Newton is good or Holy Island.
Amble to Eyemouth is a good day sail if the weather is good.
Once at Eyemouth a trip to Bass Rock is highly recommend .. 140,000 gannets make an amazing sight
Martin

 

[Chuckle54]

With stop-overs or through-the-nights non-stop?
There are numerous marinas and harbours, worth visiting for their own sake e.g. Scarborough, Whitby, Hartlepool, The Tyne, Blyth, Amble and Eyemouth. Some have tidal constraints (Scarborough, from my experience!)
Getting into Whitby Marina may require a long-ish wait at the waiting-pontoon before the road bridge opens. Very interesting berth to while-away the hours though.
Warning - Whitby can lethally dangerous entering/leaving in bad on-shore weather/seas.
The East Coast is a long open stretch, so check the forecasts very carefully and have an appropriate "Plan B".

Look-out for tide swirlies around Flamborough Head, where the water changes from muddy to clear, deep blue again. And look-out for the dreaded poorly-marked pot-markers..............
I was put off Berwick-on-Tweed due to mentions in the Pilot about shifting shoals and harbour depth.
Look out for the "toothy rocks" when entering Eyemouth and adhere to the Pilot instructions. Eyemouth is not the prettiest of places but the Harbour Master is (was) extremely helpful and friendly.

Enjoy yourselves. In fine weather it's an interesting and attractive coast with famously friendly "Northerners". And further northwards the gannets are a joy to observe.
Consider going on to The Tay. The Royal Tay Yacht Club are SO very friendly and accommodating (free visitor mooring when I was there), and a super Club House.

Berwick is our home port where we have a deep water swinging mooring. Eyemouth is where we over winter. You're right about Berwick. There is a shifting sand bank just off the estuary mouth and a lip at the entrance to the harbour. As such yachts tend to ignore us and continue on their way. We have a new harbour master and there are plans afoot for floating pontoons on the north bank which could be interesting.

 

[Andibs]

Taking my new to me boat down from Blyth to Hull soon so read replies with interest.

Give me a wave on the way past

Andy