Whitby to Harwich

Whitby to Harwich

6 nights of varied coastal sailing…

THE PORT OF WHITBY

A picture postcard, bustling, seaside town nestled in a hollow in the landscape of the surrounding moors, 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 Endeavour  was originally built as the ship-rigged collier Earl of Pembroke.  There is a now replica Endeavour in the port.

Trinovante always gets lots of attention in Whitby.

SAILING SOUTH

The moment Trinovante passes out between the Whitby breakwaters we are immediately in open water sailing south with cliffs on our starboard side.

If the wind is fair the crew may go straight into a watch system and Trinovante may head for Great Yarmouth or Lowestoft.

Other options would be to anchor off of the North Norfolk coast to wait for a fair tide or maybe on day one we’ll just make a short hop to Scarborough.

If all goes well we hope to have time to explore some of the Thames Estuary rivers when we arrive.

THE COLLIER TRADE

By 1844 three quarters of the British sailing coasting fleet, employing 10,000 seamen was moving coal from the North to London and the Southeast.   8000 colliers arrived annually in the London River alone. In 1702 there were 98 colliers owned in Whitby.

The trade went from being a summer-only trade to being all year round hard graft. They were sturdy burdensome ships and the grimy collier would have been a common sight in the Ipswich River.

On the journey south, the colliers would have anchored in places such as Yarmouth and Cromer Roads.

Old Photos show big sailing fleets anchored in the ‘roads’ waiting for the wind and tide.

Trinovante may well anchor in one of these anchorages or ‘roads’ on the route south.

The coal trade under sail carried on until the late 1800’s when the railways and steamers took over.

ABOUT THE THAMES ESTUARY

The Thames Estuary is Trinovante’s ‘home’ territory, where she was built, and we think a great place to sail.

Steeped in sailing history and tradition it’s one of the last places in the UK where you will see traditionally rigged boats as a matter of course. Fishing smacks and Thames barges sail and race here throughout the season. The photo here is of Thames Barges at an early morning start for the Colne Race.

In the quiet river anchorages, you will hear the distinctive call of oystercatchers and other wading birds feeding on the mudflats as the tide ebbs and flows.

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.

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

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•