Day 54 - Blyth

Sunday 26^th July 2015 – Blyth – Day 54

Within the marina there were other boats preparing to leave, they appeared to be from the local yacht club, most probably going out for their Sunday morning racing.

We left the pontoon at 10.00 and with our prior knowledge of the bridge opening times called the operators and we were through ten minutes later, the only boat to go through at this early opening.

Depart Whitby

Out of the harbour by 10.30 and with full genoa only and engine running, we headed north, in a moderate sea and swell. 

The inshore forecast had south east winds backing easterly 4 to 5 occasionally 6.

We settled into one hour watches, passing the imposing Yorkshire high Ravenscar cliffs and entered Tees Bay with the ships at anchor, awaiting their time to enter.

Around 15.00 off to the north, we could see the smoke trails of the RAF red arrows display team, as they performed at the annual Sunderland air show.  Half an hour later and they past us, nine aircraft flying low in an arrow formation, heading south to their home base, these are very special and known, as the best aerobatic display team in the world.

The ‘Typhoon’ euro fighter also was taking part in the show; we could not see it but certainly good hear the roar of its engines.

By 16.45 there was light rain and it was cold, an hour later, the rain was heavier and persistent.

Dolphins off the Tyne

Off the Tyne a pod of dolphins came alongside to see what we were up to, amazingly we had spent a while in the North Sea, this was the first time we had seen any sea life and we were nearly home.

Also off the Tyne we watched as the Fred Olsen passenger cruise ship ‘Boudicca’, made her way through the piers and into the port.

Blyth North Pier

At 19.15 we entered our own port of Blyth and alongside our pontoon at 19.30. 

There was no welcoming party in this inclement weather but we were all happy to have made it back.

Dave’s wife arrived at the car park to take him and Jack home, she said “you are all mad”, and we agreed. “He will not be doing it again next year”, she said, I replied “neither will we”.

Apart from the problems of the last week, it had been a wonderful adventure; the weather for the best part of this summer had not been in our favour.  Holland is a lovely country to sail; its many advantages are its places to visit and sights to see, friendly people and marinas where the facilities are far superior to the UK.

Now this voyage is complete, we can only dream and plan for next year’s adventure.