Ghost Ships

Last Tuesday we waited until the afternoon tide to depart Wells sun kissed shores for Hull. As ever, it was a wrench to leave such a lovely place, especially after the Indian hot summer heat of the previous three days. However the winds were due to change around to the north, which would mean either getting stranded there or a rather rough passage back. 

We enjoyed a fast run back on mostly glassy calm seas in the hazy sunshine, encountering only slight low lying mist patches once within the lower Humber. There were quite a few ships anchored off Spurn, which in the mist looked eerily like ghost ships. Crabpots were few and far between but easy to spot in these calm conditions, but also were confused at a distance with seals frolickling on the surface. We arrived at Hull Marina just as the sun set before 8pm. 

The remaining days of our holiday were spent in Hull. We departed Hull early Sunday morning on the biggest tide of the year. Moonshine was soon up on the plane, running really well with a fast flowing tide. Passing Whitton Island we spotted a yacht which was 'high and dry' aground. This just seemed coincidence as when we set off on holiday two weeks ago, a yacht in exactly the same location had requested our assistance in a tow due to grounding. We had advised it was too risky for us to assist due to falling water, and for the yacht to contact Humber Rescue for assistance. We never heard anything more on the VHF radio, and assumed he had drifted off. Maybe he had, maybe not....VTS Humber was aware of the yacht today which was now unmanned, and even they queried how to manage a recovery as it was so high out of the water. 

We soon arrived back at Ocean Lock Goole, which was ready for us to sail straight in. 

This concluded a not very adventurous, but very relaxing holiday for a change.... something which after previous years we think the dogs greatly appreciated!

Sea Dog

Wind wise, there haven't been many calm days had we chosen to head further down the coast. Due to the current global crisis, we chose to stay in Wells and have a nice relaxing holiday. 

We have discovered Scout enjoys the dingy, and looks forward to her little dingy trips...the older two aren't that bothered,  choosing to bed back down for naps between walks...we may make a sea dog of her yet!

Construction of the new Lifeboat Station has commenced. They plan to widen the ramp access over the dunes to facilitate a faster launching route at low water, whilst still allowing public access at all times. 

The town quay looks odd without the Albatros, which went to Maldon, Essex on 18th August 2020 for a major refit. 

Monday and Tuesday are looking calm weatherwise. We plan to top up with fuel on Monday at high water, and depart Wells Tuesday. Fingers crossed for a nice calm run back up the coast.

Silver Season

After feeling rather deflated for our forthcoming summer holiday due to the current climate, we decided an infusion injection of excitement was needed. Therefore, we had planned on Wells next the Sea, and a Wash holiday, the latter of which we haven't visited for the last 8 years. However the impending works to extend the King's Lynn visitor pontoon soon put paid to that idea.

We had an early pen out of Ocean Lock Friday morning. It was on top of the spring tides and due to a lot of fresh water coming down the Ouse, the river was littered with debris. We were also aware that UKD Seahorse was dredging in the Hull Marina entrance until 10am. This meant there was no rush for us to get there, however we did decide to plane when a large coaster which had penned out of Goole after us was hot on our tail at The Apex. Passing Whitton Island, a yacht called us on the VHF requesting assistance to tow him off as he had grounded....well out of the channel. We advised we were unprepared to assist in this instance, as the tide was now ebbing and he had gone aground at high water. Bearing in mind the tides would now be dropping off, we didn't want to risk grounding ourselves, and requested he contact VTS for Humber Rescue to assist with a tow. The skipper of said yacht understood our decision, but we never heard him call VTS. We presume either our wash or the ship's wash may have freed him. We were soon back on the plane to test the engines for sea, but reduced speed again at Lower Whitton and made Hull just as the dredger had completed his works.

We spent two nights in Hull Marina waiting for the breeze to die down, penning out early Sunday morning to head to Wells.

It was very busy in the lower Humber with shipping movements, and with the wash from the pilot and wind farm boats it wasn't a particularly smooth ride. Once out at sea we kept close to the Lincolnshire Coast which was a lot calmer, but crossing The Wash it chopped up once again. Wells next the Sea, as ever, was a great sight to see after an arduous trip. We can now relax, as at the moment we have no other plans other than having a lazy relaxing holiday.

We have heard the term 'silver season' described for this time of year, as retired folk can enjoy a quiet holiday once schools have reopened. Time will tell if this will feel odd to us.