Left Hartlepool at 0630 hrs on-route for Amble with a southerly wind, by the time I got half way the sea's turned horrid as it started blowing from the east causing a nasty sea that if I am to be honest was a wee bit scary.
So good to get through it and not turn back or divert into Blyth.
I really would like to get to Eyemouth tomorrow but Im absolutely shattered and my Crohn's started to kick off a bit today, so, a day of sorting boat out and recharging myself.
Went to the Harbour Inn for the best Steak pie, chips and peas I've ever had and to my amazement the local postman (Tommy) gave me £20 for the charity and a passing Lass gave me £10... lovely welcome to Amble.
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Saturday 30th July
Weh hey.....
Got to Harlepool, big sea's coming out of Scarborough soon woke me up, brilliant lively crossing with puffin's, guillemot's and dolphin, sun came out as soon as I arrived in marina.
Malcom and Kate on Cirrus Cat joined me for the leg which made it all that bit more enjoyable.
I thought Harlepool would have been very industrial, however, its a lovely place surrounded by bars and resturants.
The locals are called 'Monkey Hangers' for reasons described below:-
According to local folklore, the term originates from an incident in which a monkey was hanged in Hartlepool. During the Napoleonic wars, a French ship of the type chasse marée was wrecked off the coast of Hartlepool. The only survivor was a monkey, wearing a French uniform (allegedly)-(presumably to provide amusement for those on board the ship). On finding the monkey, some locals decided to hold an impromptu trial on the beach; since the monkey was unable to answer their questions, and many locals were unaware of what a Frenchman may look like, they concluded that the monkey was in fact a French spy. Just to make sure, the animal was thus sentenced to death and hanged from the mast of a fishing boat on the Headland.
Got to Harlepool, big sea's coming out of Scarborough soon woke me up, brilliant lively crossing with puffin's, guillemot's and dolphin, sun came out as soon as I arrived in marina.
Malcom and Kate on Cirrus Cat joined me for the leg which made it all that bit more enjoyable.
I thought Harlepool would have been very industrial, however, its a lovely place surrounded by bars and resturants.
The locals are called 'Monkey Hangers' for reasons described below:-
According to local folklore, the term originates from an incident in which a monkey was hanged in Hartlepool. During the Napoleonic wars, a French ship of the type chasse marée was wrecked off the coast of Hartlepool. The only survivor was a monkey, wearing a French uniform (allegedly)-(presumably to provide amusement for those on board the ship). On finding the monkey, some locals decided to hold an impromptu trial on the beach; since the monkey was unable to answer their questions, and many locals were unaware of what a Frenchman may look like, they concluded that the monkey was in fact a French spy. Just to make sure, the animal was thus sentenced to death and hanged from the mast of a fishing boat on the Headland.
Friday, 29 July 2011
Friday 29th July
Hopefully leaving for Hartlepool In morning.
Struggling to get internet connection, so appologies for delay in publishing latest video.
Struggling to get internet connection, so appologies for delay in publishing latest video.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Wednesday 27th July
Weh hey,,,, Escaped Grimsby at 0400hrs this morning, now in sunny Scarborough.
A massive thanks to Emma and Pete for a fantastic welcome to Scarborough.
Bed time as I am cream krackered....
A massive thanks to Emma and Pete for a fantastic welcome to Scarborough.
Bed time as I am cream krackered....
Tuesday, 26 July 2011
Tuesday 26th July
Going to give it ago at leaving Grimsby tomorrow at 0400 hrs, weathers not perfect but I have just got to try, fingers crossed I should be in Scarborough by 1600 hrs.
Monday, 25 July 2011
Radio Interview
No sailing video's as I'm 'STUCK' in Grimsby, so here's a radio interview promoting Charity I did on Saturday.
How many times you can say 'absolutely' on radio :)
How many times you can say 'absolutely' on radio :)
Monday 25th July
Tried to run for it this morning, but got to Spurn Head only to be welcomed by very rough sea's, impossible to make head way as northerly winds and big waves.
Turning back for Grimsby was a killer, looks like I am going to have to give it until Thursday, gutted.
Been stuck here for two weeks today, I'm so desperate to leave and get into blue water instead of murky shallow waters.
On a positive note, there are some really nice people in this marina and they couldn't be more helpfull.
Turning back for Grimsby was a killer, looks like I am going to have to give it until Thursday, gutted.
Been stuck here for two weeks today, I'm so desperate to leave and get into blue water instead of murky shallow waters.
On a positive note, there are some really nice people in this marina and they couldn't be more helpfull.
Friday, 22 July 2011
Weather
The red line means strong wind warning, possible to leave if wind is behind you but when its right at you, it would be like running into brickwalls every ten seconds, not ideal.
I need winds from the south !!
Friday 22nd July
Grimsby looks like its going to be my longest stay, 2 weeks on Monday and the weather doesnt look like its going to improve until early next week.
Fustrating to say the least, F8 gales tomorrow, I was tempted to leave today but a French boat has just arrived with a broken goose neck, due to the size of the waves.
The west and south coast are now perfect for sailing and the east is awful, I swear the bad weather is following me around, maybe clockwise would have been better.
The days are long and there is nothing to do apart from go to the club house and drink beer, at £1.40 a pint I think it could be worse.
Finleys on top form and has become quite a celebrity with the Humber Cruising Association, who have been so welcoming and helpful.
Fustrating to say the least, F8 gales tomorrow, I was tempted to leave today but a French boat has just arrived with a broken goose neck, due to the size of the waves.
The west and south coast are now perfect for sailing and the east is awful, I swear the bad weather is following me around, maybe clockwise would have been better.
The days are long and there is nothing to do apart from go to the club house and drink beer, at £1.40 a pint I think it could be worse.
Finleys on top form and has become quite a celebrity with the Humber Cruising Association, who have been so welcoming and helpful.
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
Return Of The FINLEY
Now ive come down to earth, I would like to say a massive thanks for all your support, I know the return of Finley would not of been possible without all your support xxx
WEH HEY !!!!
WEH HEY !!!!
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Finleys distinguishing feature
If you could pass this picture onto anyone that you think may help.
Finley's toe on his right foot is disfigured and a ring is on his right ankle. (easy way of distinguishing him)
Finley's toe on his right foot is disfigured and a ring is on his right ankle. (easy way of distinguishing him)
19th July
I don't know when to leave Grimsby, the weathers ideal tomorrow but I am still getting occasional phone calls to Finleys whereabouts.
Finley is definately in an area around Oxford Street, but no body is coming forward and I don't know what more to do, whilst I am getting phone calls its hard to go, but I have to get round Scotland soon.
Its a hard one!!
Finley is definately in an area around Oxford Street, but no body is coming forward and I don't know what more to do, whilst I am getting phone calls its hard to go, but I have to get round Scotland soon.
Its a hard one!!
19th July
omg, Humberside police have just been on, they cant tell me too much but they either have a parrot or know where one is, there going to look into it.
The police officer asked me what does he say and does he have a loud shreak, I said what he says but forgot about him saying 'shut up' and she said does he say 'shut up'. I went weak at the knees, Finley always said shut up..... pls pls
The police officer asked me what does he say and does he have a loud shreak, I said what he says but forgot about him saying 'shut up' and she said does he say 'shut up'. I went weak at the knees, Finley always said shut up..... pls pls
Monday, 18 July 2011
Monday 18th July
Itv have been out and are running the story on itv Yorkshire tonight and hopefully Granada tonight or tomorrow.
I hope this gets Finley back as I dont know what to do if this doesn't bring him back.
I hope this gets Finley back as I dont know what to do if this doesn't bring him back.
Sunday, 17 July 2011
Thank you
I am blown away by the emails and texts from everyone and the offers to add to the reward to get Finley back.
Your generosity and support is priceless and you will never realise the strength it gives me to continue this nightmare.
Thank you so much for all your support, it's comforting to know there are geniunely brilliant people out there..
Your generosity and support is priceless and you will never realise the strength it gives me to continue this nightmare.
Thank you so much for all your support, it's comforting to know there are geniunely brilliant people out there..
Finley
Had another phone call saying the house I went to last night has the parrot, so I phoned the police and they took me around there but no Finley,
The police were good and drove me around to all the local boys and stated that the reward is now £1000 and no further action will be taken, we just want Finley back.
Im staying for a few more days, we must be getting close now....papers, tv, radio, flyers ... dont know what more to do....
The police were good and drove me around to all the local boys and stated that the reward is now £1000 and no further action will be taken, we just want Finley back.
Im staying for a few more days, we must be getting close now....papers, tv, radio, flyers ... dont know what more to do....
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Sat 16th July
Still no Finley, I had a phone call tipping me off about an African Grey in a house in Grimsby, but unfortunately the parrot wasn't Finley.
I believe its been on ITV today, I just dont know what else to do, or how long to hang around for !!!
I believe its been on ITV today, I just dont know what else to do, or how long to hang around for !!!
Friday, 15 July 2011
Closer
Ive come so close today, I found out today that I actually walked past the lad who had finley inside his coat and the reason I never stopped him and asked is because he looked wiped out and had a man u football top on.(how stupid of me, more reason to dislike Man utd...) only if I'd stopped him all of this could be put to bed, so so close.
Ive been round to the local 'heads' today and they know of this Tyrone character and are going to give him a visit as they want the reward... and I have a few other people looking for me, so fingers crossed he might not be too far away.
Ive been round to the local 'heads' today and they know of this Tyrone character and are going to give him a visit as they want the reward... and I have a few other people looking for me, so fingers crossed he might not be too far away.
15th July
Ive been out there looking again this morning, but to no avail.
Most people have left the marina as there was a little gap in the weather, but I couldnt bring myself to leave without Finley.
I think its just a matter of staying by the phone now with fingers crossed hoping I get a bit of good fortune.
Most people have left the marina as there was a little gap in the weather, but I couldnt bring myself to leave without Finley.
I think its just a matter of staying by the phone now with fingers crossed hoping I get a bit of good fortune.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Finley
Devistated, I left Finley out of his cage this morning as he was acting very quiet, then someone knocked on the boat I opened the hatch to greet them and forgot he was free in the boat, Finley then flew out and headed west towards a block of flats about a mile away.
I ran after him, climbing on buildings, calling him, then I got wind that a local had got him, I found the lad but he gave it to a gang of lads who then sold it on to someone else, Ive chased and chased after these lads to no avail, placed flyers all over Grimsby and I am getting alot of help off the locals as I have put up a substantial award for his return.
On a positive note if a can find one, at least hes not injured or getting battered by the seagulls.
I dont know what else to do, I cant really leave until Ive exhausted every avenue and I dont know whether to continue with the challenge.
Im gutted to say the least, I pray he comes back to me.
I ran after him, climbing on buildings, calling him, then I got wind that a local had got him, I found the lad but he gave it to a gang of lads who then sold it on to someone else, Ive chased and chased after these lads to no avail, placed flyers all over Grimsby and I am getting alot of help off the locals as I have put up a substantial award for his return.
On a positive note if a can find one, at least hes not injured or getting battered by the seagulls.
I dont know what else to do, I cant really leave until Ive exhausted every avenue and I dont know whether to continue with the challenge.
Im gutted to say the least, I pray he comes back to me.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
12th July
Ive broke past the 1000 mile mark now :)
Arrived at Grimsby yesterday after an epic 164 mile sail (30 hours) from Felixstowe, stopped off at Lowestoft for a quick kip, then sailed through the night and arrived at Grimsby at 1500hrs.
Just got a cheque for £50.00 for the charity from a passer by, things like that give me a terrific lift, £1960.00 in charity now, lets try and take it over the £2000 before I leave for Scarborough on Thursday..
Arrived at Grimsby yesterday after an epic 164 mile sail (30 hours) from Felixstowe, stopped off at Lowestoft for a quick kip, then sailed through the night and arrived at Grimsby at 1500hrs.
Just got a cheque for £50.00 for the charity from a passer by, things like that give me a terrific lift, £1960.00 in charity now, lets try and take it over the £2000 before I leave for Scarborough on Thursday..
Saturday, 9 July 2011
9th July
Hopefully leaving for Lowestoft tomorrow morning 0530.
I would like to give a massive thanks to Richard and Janice off shikara for introducing me to Orwell Yacht Club and Fred and Sue, who filled me both with knowledge and fear... Thank you.
I would like to give a massive thanks to Richard and Janice off shikara for introducing me to Orwell Yacht Club and Fred and Sue, who filled me both with knowledge and fear... Thank you.
Friday, 8 July 2011
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
6th July 2011
I now know were I was going wrong, walking into a local sailing club with a scouse accent and a pair of Adidas Marathons on isn't the best attire to a sailing club. So I have bit the bullet and purchased myself a pair of 'deck shoes' now I am an accomplished sailor despite my ability.
I must tell you about a 17 year old lad who has just pulled up in Woolverstone Marina, he also is sailing around Britain single handed, he is a brilliant lad with amazing courage, he's spinaker crazy and knows his stuff.
He's sailing around Britain for the Even Keel and RYA Sailability charities, which are two fantastic charities.
His web site is www.tomwebbsailing.com
I must tell you about a 17 year old lad who has just pulled up in Woolverstone Marina, he also is sailing around Britain single handed, he is a brilliant lad with amazing courage, he's spinaker crazy and knows his stuff.
He's sailing around Britain for the Even Keel and RYA Sailability charities, which are two fantastic charities.
His web site is www.tomwebbsailing.com
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Posting comments.
A lot of people are telling me they're having problems posting comments. Can anyone help as I don't know how to rectify this situation ??
My mobile 07856 277386
My mobile 07856 277386
Tuesday 5th July
Arrived at Felixstowe at 21.30 hours last night, after a very tricky leg, depths of water were less than shown on charts, therefore I can only presume that in the previous gails the sand banks had moved, not good.
Woolverstone Marina in five mile down the River Orwell, in a lovely surroundings. The weather is due to change for the worst tonight, so it may be a stay in Woolverstone until the low passes.
Woolverstone Marina in five mile down the River Orwell, in a lovely surroundings. The weather is due to change for the worst tonight, so it may be a stay in Woolverstone until the low passes.
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Sunday 3rd July
Arrived at Ramsgate at 15.00hrs after a very fast passage.
The spring tide worked with me until I attempted to enter Ramsgate, I literally had to steer away from the harbour in order to get pushed into port. Thankfully Zuma gritted her teeth and fought the tide and after a very dry mouth situation we got in.
Two boats hit buoys whilst entering which made the situation the scariest of the challenge. (even more than the lightning)
Leaving for Felixstowe tomorrow to take on the Thames Estuary, this is the leg thats been giving me concern since the early stages of planning this challenge, never mind the spring tides and it being the busiest shipping channel in the world and the sand banks the size of cities !!!
The spring tide worked with me until I attempted to enter Ramsgate, I literally had to steer away from the harbour in order to get pushed into port. Thankfully Zuma gritted her teeth and fought the tide and after a very dry mouth situation we got in.
Two boats hit buoys whilst entering which made the situation the scariest of the challenge. (even more than the lightning)
Leaving for Felixstowe tomorrow to take on the Thames Estuary, this is the leg thats been giving me concern since the early stages of planning this challenge, never mind the spring tides and it being the busiest shipping channel in the world and the sand banks the size of cities !!!
Saturday, 2 July 2011
Saturday 2nd July 2011
Arrived at Dover at 1700 hrs, engine purrrred all the way, thank god.
I have contracted a terrible disease, the worse because you inflicted it on your friends. It is a disease of brain and mouth and is particularly prevalent among single-handers. It normally lasts for a several hours after a long passage and is called verbal diarrhoea. The brain keeps sending messages, 'for gods sake shut up, you are boring the pants of everyone' which the mouth refuses receive and continues to spew out garbage.
Ramsgate tomorrow (hopefully)
I have contracted a terrible disease, the worse because you inflicted it on your friends. It is a disease of brain and mouth and is particularly prevalent among single-handers. It normally lasts for a several hours after a long passage and is called verbal diarrhoea. The brain keeps sending messages, 'for gods sake shut up, you are boring the pants of everyone' which the mouth refuses receive and continues to spew out garbage.
Ramsgate tomorrow (hopefully)
Friday, 1 July 2011
Friday 1st July
Arrived in Eastbourne at 1400hrs.
A lovely coastal sail today, gorgeous coast with amazing white cliffs, everything was going great until the engine started to play up just off Beachy Head, this was more scary than the lightning.
After I removed my head from my hands, it was tools out and fortunately after bleeding the system it seemed to be ok although I now smell like I have showered in diesel. Leaving for Dover tomorrow, I really hope I have cured the problem as its a leeshore wind with little wind, so it's a motor all the way.
They say it happens in threes, 1,lightning 2,engine 3, ??????????
A lovely coastal sail today, gorgeous coast with amazing white cliffs, everything was going great until the engine started to play up just off Beachy Head, this was more scary than the lightning.
After I removed my head from my hands, it was tools out and fortunately after bleeding the system it seemed to be ok although I now smell like I have showered in diesel. Leaving for Dover tomorrow, I really hope I have cured the problem as its a leeshore wind with little wind, so it's a motor all the way.
They say it happens in threes, 1,lightning 2,engine 3, ??????????
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