Monday 19 July 2010 Scarborough N5416.88’ W00 23.36

Before the longer passage to Great Yarmouth, a short sail to Scarborough. Another glorious sail in variable winds up to 22 knots true; and again sunshine.

The coastline looked marvellous, rolling hills coming down to the shore rather than the rocky cliffs we have been used to for some time. Scarborough harbour is nestled in under the hill which is surmounted by a huge castle; all very picturesque when entering from the sea. The harbour is in two distinct parts – the old harbour and the outer harbour – with both being dominated by the lighthouse. The outer harbour dries out but is filled with moorings with deep keel boats in cradles as Bridlington. The old harbour has recently been dredged to a minimum depth of 2m CD and contains a modern marina plus berths for fishing boats as well as tripper boats.

In front of the lighthouse is a striking statue of a bathing belle, one of a pair commissioned in 2007 and 2008 to celebrate Scarborough’s position as the first UK sea bathing resort in the 17th century to her regeneration in 21st century.

Following the requirements given in the Almanac, we radioed ‘Port Control’ for permission to enter and to request a berth. ‘Port Control’ seems an anarchism for such a small fishing and pleasure harbour, but one has to do what one has to do. Port Control were most helpful and allocated Alcyone a special berth in pride of place on the end of the main pontoon; he was there to welcome us and to ensure we moored in exactly the correct spot - right opposite a sign saying “Disabled priority access berth”. Either it was something I said or someone has been talking!

Today Scarborough is a holiday town dominated by the huge Majestic Hotel. The beach was crowded with holiday makers; boat trips from the harbour were doing a roaring trade – choice of Pirate ship, speed boats, or elegant (and it must be said some what elderly) tripper boats. We preferred Whitby; Scarborough was not as elegant and refined as I had expected with plenty of amusement arcades and candy floss available.

Sailing round Britain seems to be a very popular activity. We find the same boats keep tuning up in the various harbours as we all follow similar routes and are subject to similar weather constraints. One Contessa 26 crew in Douglas, Isle of Man, referred to ‘having done his circumnavigation a few years ago’ as though it is a right of passage that all cruising sailors must do. However, one boat that we first encountered in Arbroath and have seen in several harbours since is a Wayfarer dinghy “Viper” being sailed round Britain by a young lady, Fran, to occupy the summer. She put us to shame by announcing she left the River Debden on 15 May, and will complete the circuit in the next week or so. She arrived late evening in Scarborough and was on her way again early next morning.