Planning somehow came unstuck in getting to Great Yarmouth. The distance from Whitby to Great Yarmouth is some 160 miles; making the short leg to Scarborough reduces the theoretical mileage to 140 miles. Intermediate harbours are the Humber Estuary, either anchoring off Spurn Point or Grimsby Marina, and Wells-next-the-Sea. Spurn is a good passage anchorage if the wind is from the north or east but exposed to south to west. Grimsby Marina is in a locked basin with access only at HW ±2.00 hours; high water for Wednesday was approximately at 0230 BST. Wells-next-the-Sea has limited water depth; the Harbour Master advised that we could get in on Tuesday but would then be neaped until at least Saturday before having sufficient water to get out. Hence it was decided to do the leg to Great Yarmouth in one.
Alcyone left Scarborough at 1030 hours Tuesday and arrived in Great Yarmouth by 1300 hours Wednesday. This is the longest passage I have done in Alcyone and the longest for some time. The forecast had promised light winds with talk of south easterly winds going round to the west. In the event, we had up to some 20 knots on the nose for much of the way. The sea was very lumpy across the Humber Estuary leaving us both feeling somewhat jaded due to effects of ‘mal du mare’. However, coming down the Lincolnshire Coast in the morning was again glorious with sunshine, and a fresh breeze.
The first part of the passage was along the North Yorkshire coast to Flameborough Head, white limestone cliffs providing a contrast to the previous coast line of brown sedimentary rock cliffs. Then, as the coast fell away, we continued out to sea to cross the Humber shipping lanes and oil and gas platform infested seas; we seemed to pass far more platforms than were marked on the chart and there was a continuous shipping movement. The supply boats in particular appeared to be a law unto themselves; for no apparent reason they would suddenly start into motion and follow us or shadow us. The platforms light up at night looked very impressive. Approaching Great Yarmouth the Norfolk coastline becomes low flat lands with long uninhabited beaches which looked wonderful in the morning sun. And finally the Scroby Wind Farm clearly visible for many miles and appearing to be a block on the channel to Great Yarmouth.
Then arriving at Great Yarmouth. One Pilot Book refers to the port not being welcoming to yachts – this is a gross understatement. The polite word might be unhelpful. But nevertheless we made it up river to the Town Quay to moor against the old quay wall in difficult tidal conditions. With modest investment it could be an excellent yacht harbour without in any way impacting on the oil industry supply boat trade; one local commented that the Council is only interested if it is amusement arcades and funfairs!
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