Scarborough to Whitby - Day 105

Scarborough to Whitby - Wednesday 24th August 2011 - Day 105

We left the pontoon in Scarborough old harbour at 09.45 and came out with the 707 boats to finish off their championship with the last two races.  Conditions were better for them with a clear sunny day, slight sea and a southerly breeze.  We quickly had our sails up and headed north.

Whitby coble

Nearing Whitby we came across lots of fishing pots and here is a photo of another type of fishing boat and this one was lying a net.  At least the net had floats on the top and you can see the little white balls bobbing up and down.  The coast line changes into the cliffs of where at the top of Whitby high stands the lighthouse.  Around here there are lots of wrecks and divers come to explore but have to be very careful for there are strong currents around the headland.

Whitby piers

At 14.00 called the marina for clearance and was informed the swing bridge would be opening at 14.20 and the next opening after that would be at 23.00.  Full speed through the piers and you enter this wonderful harbour which was packed with visitors walking along the quaysides.  This has always been a magnet for the holiday makers who are enthralled by the wonderful setting. The local fishing boats who are still at work and the many shops selling local produce.
We made it through the bridge and were safely tied up for 14.30 on the visitors pontoon.  The improvements made to the marina are excellent with the newly opened facilities block being the main feature.

Swing Bridge

Whitby was holding its annual folk music festival which was an added bonus.  First into the Ship where in both the front and back bars music was being played.  It was most enjoyable watching and listening as all kinds of different musicians. They wandered in and out, if they wanted to join in, out came their instrument and they would begin playing.  The main culinery attraction here is fish and chips and we went to the famous Magpie cafe and we were not disappointed.  Without a doubt the finest fish supper I had eaten during my trip round the UK.  A walk over the bridge brought us into the Shambles, as by its name, it was not the best.

Quayside

Normality was restored in the Board where more good music was to be heard.  We finished off in the Black Horse which proved and excellent choice with the same format of music in the front and back bars.  The back was full of musicians and even clog dancers, amazing to watch, while the front was singers. These were great and we all joined in the merriment.  On board, I have a banjo and it proved I should of been practicing more on the trip, as even I may have been allowed to join in, though my teacher would of said, no.
Returning to the marina we were held up by the now open swing bridge to let visiting yachts pass through.  We were not alone waiting and within the crowd the young ones began singing a little dittie and we all joined in.  What shall we do with the drunken sailor. What shall we with the drunken sailor. What shall we do with the drunken sailor.  Earlie in the morning.  Very apt.