Grimsby to Scarborough - Day 103

Grimsby to Scarborough - Monday 22nd August 2011 - Day 103

After spending a night in Grimsby, the prospect of another two days there was not enthralling, so we decided to push on to our next port.

Spurn Point

We left the pontoon at 11.00 and went out into the Humber via the free flow lock. The tide was in our favour as we made our way down the river.  The full main was set at 11.45 and we crossed the shipping lane onto the north side of the bank.  At 12.45 we were passing Spurn Point which marks the entrance to the Humber.  Here is stationed the only professional crew of a RNLI all weather lifeboat and we could see them out practising with the inshore boat.  Once round the point we unfurled the genoa and set our course for Flamborough Head.  At this time a seal popped up and watched the proceedings from not too far away, he did not seem to impressed and disappeared.

Fishing Boat Hollie

Crossing Bridlington Bay we came across lots of lobster pots.  Luckily they were well marked with their large attached round coloured floats.  Here can be seen one of the boat's laying her bombs.  If ever you become entangled with one of these, it is more or less curtains and you will end up being towed into port.
It was a fine sail across the bay with a steady easterly breeze, a smooth sea and sunshine.

Flamborough Head Lighthouse

It was dusk as we passed this important landmark on the north east coast, the Flamborough Head lighthouse. The surrounding spectacular cliffs looked special in the fading light.  We doubled up the watches at 22.00 to be able to see the lurking lobster pots and on this starry clear night with a half moon rising at 23.30. We watched as these marks which now had a pole and flag marking them, slid by.   The nearer we got to Scarborough the town lights gave a reflection on the sea which helped with our sharp outlook and once again these pot markers kept missing us.  We were given clearance by the port watchkeeper and were tied up alongside a motor cruiser Celtic Prince in Scarborough old harbour at 01.00.  Another long thirteen hour day but we had another 63 miles under our belt.  The beer, cheese and biscuits went down well.