Well what an interesting day!
We were all feeling a little stir crazy having been in Leith for nearly a week and just waiting for the weather to improve so we could continue our way. We have all spent so much time studying just lately, we want to put it into practice once again on the sea!
Although the weather is improving, the wind was still blowing strongly and hadn’t abated as quickly as first forecast. The latest forecast, at 0400 told us we could expect strong winds, west to North west 5-7 increasing to gale 8 then easing to 4 later. We we were sailing down the east coast, we could cope with a strong westerly as the land protects us. I remember struggling as a kid to learn about this is geography, how can the land protect you? If my old geography teacher is reading this – you will be pleased to know the penny has now finally dropped!
We were woken by Chris at 6.30 by a sharp knock on our cabin doors, what a shock! This shock was alleviated a little by the fact that he had a cuppa ready for us all!
Mike is skipper for the day today and we started with a briefing informing us what needed to be done by each of us.
We had to wait for the naval vessel to leave before us, and we were to follow her into the lock. They had been busy preparing to leave
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And eventually, we could see 2 tugs heading towards her ready to lead her out
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Its amazing to watch how these tugs move in the water, they can literally spin on a sixpence!
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I then found it lovely to zoom in with my camera on the tug – as I saw a fit looking man working on there, with a strong set Scottish looking jaw – who is this Martyn?
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The tug sends a line to the ship and the crew prepare the boat to be tugged!
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And off they go – ready for us to head towards it. Mike gave us our instructions and we slipped the lines and followed the mine sweeper into the lock. The Leith harbour guys were there to take our lines, and give us as friendly a send off as they had a welcome! We threw the lines and were grateful for them to hold onto it as the water level dropped in the lock
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All lines secured, the friendly staff even took my camera and got a shot of us on the boat
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Then John waited for the lock to open
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and Chris took the opportunity to do a spot of teaching to our skipper of the day
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He is dressed like Indiana Jones, but he is still in touch with his feminine side!
And “Catalogue Man” gives us his best pose
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The water level drops, but the view doesnt improve
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And the gates open
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And open
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And we take a peek out into the elements – we could see we had an interesting days sailing ahead of us!
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Our lines are released
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And we head into the Firth of Forth once more, and we are finally free!
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We leave Edinburgh behind us
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And the minesweeper followed us out
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Edinburgh does look beautiful in the morning sunshine!
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I remember walking up Arthurs Seat on New Years Day with my mate Andy! (lots of stops for “photography” on the way up there if I remember!
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The sea conditions were a little challenging, but cups of tea were still well received
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We passed by Bass Rock which is a famous gannetry – although it isnt breeding season (our resident ornithologist informs me), it is teaming with gannets,
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And their droppings
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This was a real treat for John
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We negotiated around yet another famous headland of the British Isles – St Abbs Head
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We reach Eyemouth well ahead of schedule by at least 2 hours! It may have been a little to do with the wind which helped blow us there. Challenging conditions, but wonderful fun! The wind averaged 30/35knots but did gust up to 46 knots. We were fortunate in its direction as it was a beam to a broad reach so it blew us on our way to Eyemouth at a steady 8-9knots! Mike brought us beautifully into Eyemouth.
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And we secured our lines onto a working barge, and the guys on there were very helpful and loaned us an extension lead so we could reach the shore power and use electricity for the first time in a week – thanks guys. We have been so lucky with people we have met along the way, such helpfulness!
Here is RBE secured in Eyemouth
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We took a little stroll and found “The Contented Sole”
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and met the barmaid there – Jayne (Jane with a Y – there is a common theme emerging here!)
Jayne with a Y kept us entertained and told us they served the most wonderful fish and chips. We were very tempted and ordered a portion each
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She was absolutely right – it tasted gorgeous, lovely fresh meaty fish, crisp batter and tasty chips, salad, garden peas and loads of tartare sauce – we can recommend the dinners at The Contented Sole in Eyemouth!
A couple of pints of Old Speckled Hen and dinner made us all very tired. Back to the boat at 9pm and every one headed to their cabins for an early night. Not for me, as I’m skipper for the day tomorrow and I have a passage plan to write. We are heading for Blythe, north of Newcastle tomorrow, and are due up at 6am – goodnight!
