Orkney to Whitby: Open Sea and Coastal Sailing

Eastern adventure

8 Nights and days to sail just over 320 miles so not a huge distance required per day. This means you can expect concentrated patches of sailing followed by breaks in safe harbours or anchorages anywhere between Orkney and Whitby.

But where you stop will be the decision of the skipper and his understanding of the wind for the period of the voyage.

KIRKWALL

Established by the Vikings in the 11th Century Kirkwall was first mentioned in the Orkneyinga Viking Saga (also called the History of the Earls of Orkney). We have a copy on board for those who fancy a topical read.

The dominant feature of the town is the cathedral founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald, in honour of St Magnus who was martyred in Orkney. Otherwise, you can enjoy a wander in the busy shopping centre on the stone slabbed streets, visit the Orkney museum, The Bishops and Earls Palace and, of course, there is a distillery in the town.

It is well worth having a few days extra in Kirkwall if you have time. There are lots of day trips worth doing from Kirkwall including several stone circles and two sites run by Historic Scotland.

Possible Stop-Overs En Route

WICK

Previously a bustling fishing port, Wick now has a marina and services the offshore wind farm industry. We think the main attraction is the walk south along the cliffs and beach where there are large rock-pools and easily seen areas of fossilised, sand-rippled ancient beach.

BASS ROCK

A volcanic plug island at the entrance to the Firth of Forth Bass Rock  was once a retreat for Christian hermits.

Today it is home to the worlds largest colony of northern gannets along with a host of other birds. Trinovante can get quite close because the rock has sheer sides. How close you want to get we can decide on the day. The noise and smell are quite something but gannets are the most beautiful seabirds.

EYEMOUTH HARBOUR

Hopefully Trinovante will be able stop here. An active fishing port (or at least it was before Brexit) with an unusual ‘tunnel’ entrance and cliff top walks, Eyemouth has a distinctive crouching gargoyle rock at the entrance which can only be seen from the sea.

There are also a friendly harbour seals, fresh lobster and langoustines and fine haggis from the local butchers.

Lindisfarne, (Holy Island) and the Farne Islands are a slim possibility.

THE PORT OF WHITBY

A picture postcard, bustling, seaside town nestled in a hollow in the surrounding moors landscape, Whitby is now known for the many festivals that run year round, coastal walks, fossils, jet jewellery,  the 199 very steep steps leading to a ruined abbey that overlooks all the activity below and most importantly for the seafarer the massive stone breakwaters that protect the entrance to the harbour.

Originally a coal and whaling port, for the sailor this harbour is notable as the place where Captain Cooks Endevour  was originally built as the ship rigged collier Earl of Pembroke.  There is a now replica Endevour in the port.

Trinovante always gets lots of attention in Whitby.

Kit List for Opal

Included

• Sailing instruction 
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• All meals to include cooked breakfast, lunch, dinner and refreshments throughout the day.
• Bed linen, duvet, pillows and towels. 

What's Not Included

 

• Travel to and from the start and end port. 
• Optional trips or tours taken ashore
• Meals ashore
• Alcoholic Beverages

 
What to bring

There is limited storage space on Opal  so please pack all you belongings in a soft rucksack or bag.

• Footwear: Shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes. Hiking Boots should be of leather (or leather and synthetic) with high cut to give sufficient ankle support. Preferably the sole should be soft but robust. Gore-Tex or alternative waterproof membrane is a preferable extra. 
• Rubber Boots or second pair of shoes for wet weather or getting in/out of dinghies. 
• Suntan lotion & sunglasses
• Bug repellent 
• Warm clothes incl. scarf, mittens, hat and warm thermal underwear.
• Clothes that dry quickly like fleeces and thermals. Mix of warm, waterproof & windproof layers. Wool jumpers are warm, even when wet, but can take a while to dry. Merino wool type shirts are good for under layers.
• Small rucksack for going ashore and water container 
• Travel insurance documents/any travel tickets
• Passport for French Voyages, Ireland or any 6 day voyage like Scillies where Brittany might be an alternative option. On French voyages Reciprocal Free Health Care Card for Europe.
• Personal medicines/ spectacles/ seasick tablets –check which brand if you suffer from asthma or are on regular medication.
• Camera/binoculars etc

Tenacious - Reviews

The ship is exceptionally well appointed for it's role in enabling people of all ability levels to experience sailing. The permanent and the volunteer crew were the most capable and thoughtful people I've met afloat in 57+ years sailing. I won't hesitate to recommend the JST to my sailing and non-sailing friends. For me it was the experience of a lifetime.

Gordon July 2023

A bucket list ambition to sail on a square Rigger was met. No problem with me being 72 and some mobility issues. 

John

What was the best bit? Experiencing life on a tall ship and what it must have been like for sailors In the past.  

R. Waters

The best bit was setting the sails. The voyage had a good mix of sailing and ashore. I sailed because it was part of my Bucket List. The Captain and crew, the food, accommodation and safety briefing were all excellent.

Kenneth C

5 stars - I found a ship (Tenacious) on your site that was sailing from Auckland to the Falklands. I jumped at the chance and now can say with a bit of pride that I have sailed around Cape Horn on a square rigger. WOW and THANKS for your site." Classic Sailing Facebook.

Mike N

I was on board the Tenacious with Mates4Mates when it sailed from Brisbane to Sydney. After getting over some seasickness, I had the time of my life. From climbing to the top of the main mast, helping to brace the yards and set the sails, helping stow away the sails, and helping out in the kitchen. It was a mind blowing experience that I would recommend to anyone and everyone.

William H

Made me think about my life in a hole new light . I came out of hospital after a double fracture to the skull & a bleed on brain , feeling sorry myself when I was helped other people on the ship , people in wheelchairs & other disabilities I give myself a kick up the arse an thought wake up Vinnie you haven't such a bad injury have you? Thank you JST Clan  

Vinnie S J

I Recently returned to Florida from a three week voyage on Tenacious, sailing from Panama to Costa Rica. Exceeded all my expectations by a long shot. Fun, hard work, and great food. Beautiful and educational adventures ashore, along with wonderful friendships with a diverse crew. I feel totally rejuvenated. Try it!"

Ernest R C

I am wheelchair bound and went on the Tenacious on Saturday. It was absolutely fantastic, to learn the ins and outs of a sailing. All the crew were so helpful and accommodating. Would do it again definitely. "

Troy W from Melbourne, Australia