Hartlepool-North Shields-Inner Farne-Eyemouth

Wednesday 16th to Friday 18th May

Route http://www.a-trip.com/tracks/view/104010

There's a well sheltered and beautifully kept marina at North Shields. With five of us aboard (Dave W, John F, Bill O, Anna and me) - two feeling 'not too good' in the swell - we sailed north and stayed there. We'd have needed to give 24 hours' notice to go into Newcastle - the 'blinking eye' bridge would have needed to blink open. Instead, we visited that solid city by metro.

Next day dawned with little wind and we motored a few hours before wind picked up, clouds came down and sails went up. After an exhilarating few hours sailing we entered a magical spot on Inner Farne, the 'Kettle', where a solitary Dutch boat lay at anchor. We anchored nearby with the sound, sight and smell of thousands of busy gannets, puffins, terns, kittiwakes, eider ducks and a seal, surrounding us (I know the names because Anna reminds me!). Drizzle turned to rain, and the wind started to hum in the rigging.

Pictures of Dave and other crew

Yesterday (Friday), we sailed quickly in icy rain, grey grey skies and a boisterous sea, to Eyemouth - a lesser known 'gateway to Scotland'. It's a pretty little spot with dozens of fishing boats and a few visiting yachts, made welcome by a warm welcoming Harbour Master.