A yacht's a bit like a cottage that can move around isn't it. Well, that's what we told our 2 sons. We enjoyed sailing so why wouldn't they?
So we chartered 'Silora' and Skipper Paul for a 3 day cruise.
'Silora' is a 34" Van De Stadt GRP sloop. Safe and solid feeling. Paul's a great guy and he and the boat are available for sailing training etc. via BM Sailing ( advertisement over ).
We invited crewman Paul from our Day Skipper practical course as he was still waiting for his new contract as a sports teacher in the West Indies and we got on so well.
Alison and I are early risers and we persuaded Paul to set off early the first morning instead of waiting for the next tide.
Once out of Hartlepool, Paul, not an early riser, went below decks to catch up on some beauty sleep ( I never said he needed it ) safe in the knowledge that 2 Yacht masters were in command.
We were holding a steady pace and making sure the boys were settling in and being a part of it. Having a go at the helm etc. Zak was a natural, Gene not too keen.
The wind started to pick up and we could see a squall approaching from the south west with accompanying rainbow.
We were ahead of it and decided to run with the increased speed so that it would pass behind us rather than reef the mainsail, slow down and get a soaking.
The weather helm increased alarmingly as we accelerated onwards. Crewman Paul was rock solid on the tiller but we took turns, to share the burden. We nearly made it, just catching the tail end of the squall - hoods up heads down.
We kept most of the speed and when Paul awoke and came back on deck he looked a bit bemused. Scratching his head he said "Thats Tynemouth there" pointing. Looked at his watch "that's the quickest I've ever got here".
We explained our course of action, a bit worried that we would get a telling off for race car-Ing his yacht. He was fine about it but in the same circumstances again we would reef and alter course slightly to reduce the strain on the boat and ourselves. It was a bit hairy.
We spent the first night at Amble marina. The 2 Paul's liked an evening at the pub. We found a place with a pool table to keep the Boys amused.
A nice port popular with continental yachties. Amongst the Yachts was a moody 40 that caught our eye. It was owned and lived aboard by the marina office receptionist who was Dutch ( I think )
Also a Colvic 40ft ketch that we had seen for sale at Hartlepool was having its teak decking replaced by the owner. We had a chat.
2 yachts that appealed to us out of the many.
On day 2 we visited Blyth. A more industrial port.
The marina yacht club is a converted light ship and looks fantastic inside and out.
After lunch we sailed back to Tynemouth and up the River Tyne. Lots to see. Stayed the night at a quiet Berth outside St. Peter's Yacht basin. A bit too quiet, the Boys were bored.
Day 3 back down the Tyne. I remember Paul making us toast. I remember Paul being sick of making us toast after the first loaf. The boys were hungry. Food always tastes better outside, as we covered the cockpit in crumbs.
And back to Hartlepool. No.2 son Gene had decided he didn't like sailing and spent a good portion of the trip sulking in the fore cabin.
Back at Hartlepool marina we all helped clean 'Selora' ready for her next crew. Well, all of us except Gene who went ashore and waited. Mutiny? Paul wasn't best pleased.
I'd blame the parents myself.
Hang on a minute.
