Trinovante Kirkwall to Whitby TR060824

Embark	Disembark	Vessel	Duration	Voyage No
Tue 06-08-2024, 16:00Kirkwall, Orkney	Wed 14-08-2024, 10:00Whitby	Trinovante	8 Nights	TR060824

Voyage Description

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.

Trinovante alongside Eyemouth. — EYEMOUTH HARBOUR

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.

Start & End Port

Kirkwall, Orkney

Kirkwall

Welcome to Kirkwall, the captivating capital of the Orkney Islands! Steeped in history and surrounded by stunning landscapes, Kirkwall is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and enriching experience. Here’s your essential guide to Kirkwall and how to get there from various regions.

How to Get There

From Scotland:

– By Air: Flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Aberdeen will bring you to Kirkwall Airport, a convenient one-hour journey from the town center.
– By Ferry: NorthLink Ferries offers services from Scrabster to Stromness, with a short transfer to Kirkwall. There are also ferry options from Aberdeen to Kirkwall.

From Southern England:

– By Air: Flights from London Heathrow or London Gatwick with layovers in Scottish cities are available. Travel times vary depending on layover duration.
– By Ferry and Train: Take a train from Southern England to Aberdeen, then board a NorthLink Ferry to Kirkwall, offering a comfortable overnight journey.

What to Do in Kirkwall

History:

Explore St. Magnus Cathedral, the Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces, and the Orkney Museum to delve into Kirkwall’s history.

Culture:

Experience local traditions and arts through festivals like the St. Magnus International Festival and the Orkney Folk Festival.

Sites of Interest to a Sailor:

Discover coastal views, harbors, lighthouses, and headlands that will appeal to sailors.

Entertainment:

Kirkwall offers a small amount of nightlife with live music and entertainment options.

Eating Out:

Savor fresh seafood, Orcadian cheese, and traditional dishes.

Nature:

Explore coastal cliffs, beaches, and enjoy outdoor activities.

Unique Features:

Kirkwall’s distinctive charm lies in its warm and welcoming community.

Accommodation:

Consider staying at The Ayre Hotel, The Kirkwall Hotel, or The Albert Hotel.

Orkney Tourism

For detailed information about Kirkwall and its attractions, visit the official Orkney Tourism website (https://www.visitorkney.com/).

Kirkwall, with its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, awaits your exploration. Create memories as enduring as the ancient stones that grace this captivating destination. Anchors aweigh!

Special Interests
If you have a special interest that you would like to find out about for this port or to tell us about, we would love to hear from you.

Sustainable Travel Carbon Offset Schemes

By selecting sustainable travel options and actively participating in carbon offset initiatives, you can make a positive impact while journeying to or from your voyage.
Here are some suggestions for carbon offset websites.

UK: One popular carbon offset website in the UK is “Clear” who offer a range of carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and organisations. They provide detailed information about their projects and allow users to calculate and offset their carbon footprint online.
North America: In North America, “Terrapass” is a well-known carbon offset website. Terrapass offers carbon offset projects across the United States and Canada. They provide options for individuals, businesses, and events to calculate and offset their carbon emissions. Terrapass also offers additional resources and information on sustainable living.

Europe: A popular carbon offset website in Europe is “MyClimate.” MyClimate provides carbon offset projects and solutions for individuals, businesses, and travel. They offer a carbon footprint calculator and allow users to support various sustainable projects worldwide. MyClimate focuses on promoting climate protection and sustainability.

Australia: “Greenfleet” is a prominent carbon offset website in Australia. Greenfleet focuses on planting native forests to offset carbon emissions. They offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to calculate and offset their carbon footprint by contributing to tree planting projects across Australia. Greenfleet provides detailed information about their projects and the positive environmental impacts they create.

Please note that these carbon offset websites may vary over time, so it is recommended to research and explore multiple options to find the most suitable one for your needs.

If any of these links do not work it would be kind of you to inform us, many thanks.

Adam Purser

Whitby

Whitby by Trinovante

How to Get There

From the UK, getting to Whitby is a breeze. The scenic train journey takes you through the stunning countryside, and you’ll disembark right in the heart of Whitby. For those who prefer the open road, driving is an option too. There are parking facilities available in town, and you can conveniently reserve a parking spot through [JustPark](https://www.justpark.com/).

From Europe, you can hop on a ferry to the UK, landing at ports such as Hull or Newcastle. From there, it’s a picturesque drive to Whitby.

North American adventurers can catch a flight to the UK and make their way to Whitby by train or car, depending on your preference.

For our friends from Down Under in Australia, it’s a bit of a trek, but the journey is worth it. You’ll want to book a flight to the UK and then follow the same travel options as mentioned above.

What to Do in Whitby

History

Dive into the rich history of Whitby by visiting iconic landmarks like Whitby Abbey, a hauntingly beautiful ruined monastery. Explore the Captain Cook Memorial Museum to discover the fascinating maritime history.

Culture

Immerse yourself in local traditions and arts by strolling through the charming streets filled with galleries and artisan shops. If you happen to visit during the Whitby Folk Festival, you’re in for a treat of traditional music and dance.

Sites of Interest to a Sailor

For those with a seafaring heart, Whitby offers stunning coastal views. Take a walk along the pier and admire the bustling harbour. Don’t miss the iconic Whitby Lighthouse, perched atop the East Cliff, offering breathtaking views of the North Sea.

Entertainment

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife with pubs and bars that often feature live music. Join in the local fun at one of Whitby’s dance clubs.

Eating Out

Savour fresh seafood at one of the town’s seafood restaurants, or indulge in traditional fish and chips by the sea. Whitby is known for its gastronomic delights.

Nature

Explore the breathtaking natural landscapes, including sandy beaches and coastal trails. For outdoor enthusiasts, the North York Moors National Park is a stone’s throw away, offering opportunities for hiking and cycling.

Unique Features: Whitby’s unique charm lies in its fusion of history and natural beauty. It’s a place where tales of Captain Cook and Dracula intersect, making it unlike any other destination.

Accommodation

While you’re here, you can rest your sea legs in style at some well-known hotels like the White Horse & Griffin or The Marine Hotel. If you’re in need of relaxation, there are charming spas like Raithwaite Sandsend to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

Official Tourist Website

For the most up-to-date information and guidance on your visit to Whitby, head over to the [Official Whitby Tourism Website](https://www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com/whitby/).

Kit List

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Trinovante

Equipment Trinovante Provides

Foul Weather Waterproofs

Life Jackets

Very warm insulated water-proof flotation suits suitable for colder conditions. These will keep you toasty warm on Offshore Night Watches and sailing in Norway

WHAT YOU NEED TO PACK FOR A SAILING HOLIDAY

Sleeping bag
Clean pillow case. We provide a pillow.
Pair of wellies. Any wellies will do. We might be able to lend you a pair – email us with your size. If you are buying some yacht wellies tend to be a bit lighter
Passport This is needed if your sailing holiday starts and/or finishes in a non UK port and we will be in more than one country during the voyage.
No passport, no sailing holiday.
Non slip footwear – any non slip footwear will do, we are not a yacht so there is no need to buy expensive deck shoes.
Warm hat and clothing. Layers work best. Thick fleece, thin fleece, shirt, tshirt is a good layer set up. Thermal underwear is a great idea and doesn’t take up much room in your bag.
Gloves. Most people don’t bother with gloves, but if you do want to wear some, leather sailing gloves with no fingers may be best. It can be difficult to handle ropes in full gloves.
Towel and toiletries. Most people bring travel towels.
Strap to hold your sunglasses/glasses on with. Essential if you wear glasses.
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and loose clothing to cover up from the sun. Trinovante sails in Northern Europe so you are not going to roast but sometimes it can get surprisingly hot even in Norway.
Any medication that you need.
If you think you may need sea sickness medication Stugeron seems to be the one most people take. The active ingredient is Cinnarzine. We do have Stugeron onboard.
Travel insurance for sailing. For some of our holidays this means ‘offshore insurance’.
We do not require that you have travel insurance for our sailing weekends in the UK.
SchoonerSail’s Buying Travel Insurance For Sailing Holidays has more information about travel insurance.
One specialist sailing holiday insurer is Topsail Insurance. There are lots of other insurers and you do not have to use Topsail Insurance when you sail with us. They may or may not be the most suitable for you.
No valid travel insurance when you arrive onboard, no sailing holiday.

Pack everything for your sailing holiday in a squashable bag, not a large suitcase. Remember space onboard is limited.

Review

Su and John (Mate and skipper) are an absolutely brilliant team. Their story of building Trinovante and her history is fascinating, enterprising and courageous. They were creative in turning a mainly windless week into an Attenborough like superb encounter with Orkney wildlife and history. When the wind arrived, they used humour and patience to turn us into a crew that almost knew what we were doing. It was a brilliant way to experience Britain's wilder places.

Richard

Great trip with fun guest crew and enthusiastic and understanding permanent crew.

Ian

Fantastic scenery Shetland and Orkney Fair Isle Westray good weather and fair winds. Instructions very clear safety in mind at all times. Food cooked by Sue was wonderful we had crab and fresh fish as a treat. Crew were also very friendly and helpful. Would love another voyage !

Lesley

I have spent most of my sailing time in modern yachts of various sizes but having the helm of a 3 masted schooner under full sail is an experience like no other.

Keith

Thanks for a truly memorable weekend! The sailing experience and tuition were first class: I enjoyed the companionship very much: all that under the leadership of two people talented and thoroughly pleasant in equal measure. It was a privilege. Thank you again. And the megastar was Trinovante – what a ship!

Mike

“Food, laughter and space were all in generous supply,
as were the opportunities to learn as much or as little as you chose.
Thanks Su and John the tapestry of life is richer for having sailed with you.”

Adam

We have loved it all from being at the helm, hoisting sail, fixing fenders and weighing the anchor.

Julie

Just a note of thanks for the fabulous time I had aboard Trinovante across the North Sea. I think it mended something in me I hadn’t realised was broken. Of course the reason it’s so good is the way you make us incompetent crew able to share a part of your life.

John

The scenery was stunning. We moored or anchored in a series of small harbours and bays keeping our eyes open for wildlife. Sharing a beer on deck as the sun slowly sank over the silent scene will be an enduring memory.

Stuart & Sara

What a great time I had with you and my fellow crew members last weekend.
I really enjoyed being part of a small and friendly group and being hands-on with the sailing manoeuvres.

Charlie

Thanks for a fantastic week..
It is the skill of a successful host to take a gang of disparate (desperate?) folk and turn them into a group of friends – Well done!
We are thoroughly bitten by the bug and would like to have another go next year

Chris & Alastair