Uncomfortable in our boat which has a big slamming flat bottom as opposed to a classic British long keel which would have been on it's element.
Alone at the helm for a short while riding the waves, strong wind and sailing was my image of heaven (as I wrote when aged 11). Time like that has led many a sailor to reflect on metaphors for the sea. For me I was moved for a while in reflection and prayer around the theme of the sea being the great ocean of God's love. Not original I know, but meaningful when you're out there; the awesome creative power and energy. Life on earth would not be as we know it without hot and cold ocean currents being the earth's arteries; contrasted by the peace and intimacy of a becalmed sea mirroring the light from above. So it was good to sing through kids songs like 'wide, wide as the ocean' and favourite hymns like 'Here is love, vast as the ocean' whilst dodging lobster pots 12 miles offshore.
Passing Flamborough head we were making progress and a Puffin took off under the bows. Reminded me of watching the puffins with parents at Flamborough. The point at Scarborough stood out nicely, a port kindly sponsored by Caroline. Seas didn't ease as we approached Whitby whose north facing harbouring was taking the brunt of the swell. Could we enter safely? If not then another 7 hours on to Middlesborough!
We arrived near the hazardous Whitby Rock North Cardinal and I hailed the harbour on Channel 11. Depth was only 2 meters at entrance and with the swell... We circled another 45 minutes with waves crashing on Whitby Rock and around harbour. I hailed again and depth at 2100 was 3 metres - lining up the transits and bearings we powered up and rode the swell through the narrow harbour mouth; relief all round and congratulations to our extremely good skipper. The harbour official met us on Fish Quay, it was so good to tie up in a historic safe port. We had a late birthday supper for Brian, pictured below with Stella at helm, and turned in for some sleep at last!
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