We had reason to do it. We had the will to do it. Did we like sailing?
We set to find out by booking a day sail on the 'Black Diamond' a sail training yacht, moored not far away at Hartlepool Marina.
In retrospect we had the perfect day.
As well as the skipper and mate there was a father and son on the same trip that were very pleasant company. Forgive me for forgetting their names but is was 5 years ago.
The wind was blowing well. The sea moderate and the sun shining. After tea/coffee, safety briefing and kitting out with life jackets we were ready to lock out.
We headed south with favourable winds. The motion of the boat was smooth and deliberate. I couldn't help think of the fathoms of sea beneath us but I felt safe on this graceful yacht, she was in harmony with the elements.
I was worried about sea sickness, so I took the tablets offered before we set sail. I had been sea sick before on my parents cabin cruiser when I was a boy.
The tablets did the trick.
Alison had worked on cruise ships and never been sea sick once, even when hurricane Gilbert hit Jamaica.
We were becalmed after a few hours. The skipper dropped a fishing line loaded with feathers and pulled mackerel time after time which we were shown how to gut. The fish was fried in a pan for us to taste. Delicious!
The wind picked up again and we continued. The young man on board was very interested in weather and drew our attention back towards Hartlepool.
'Look a twister' he shouted.
'Don't be daft' was the general consensus. We were wrong. The wind started to blow.
The next day there were photos and reports of the Twister over Hartlepool. A good job we sailed south or we may have had a very rocky ride.
We took turns at the helm and learnt to read the wind instruments and wind vane at the top of the mast.
The skipper was in radio contact with another training vessel anchored at Skinningrove.
A 70 ft. Wooden cutter crewed by kids under instruction.
The skippers were old friends and there was friendly banter over the VHF. As we approached, our skipper wanted to impress and we rounded the other ship at full speed as we all waved. It was like something out of Pirates of the Caribbean!
We headed off close hauled out to sea at over 9 Knots. The boat was now heeled over. A state of sail that I thought I wouldn't like. It was the best bit!!!!
Now I know why the standing area behind the wheel was V shaped. At a heel you were standing level.
It took concentration to keep the vessel close to the wind and not steer through it. If you've been sailing you know what I mean.
We were now in a race as the other ship had slipped anchor and we were both heading for Hartlepool.
Our competitors had a much faster vessel, our Skipper told us, due to its greater length.
We had headed out to sea for a reason. To get a more favourable wind on the way back.
We arrived back to port with a decisive lead.
What a day!
We concluded 'We liked sailing'.
If you fancy having a go look up 'Sailing North East'
'Black Diamond of Durham' also participates in the Tall Ships race.
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