With forecasts of light winds, we sat in the sun at the fuel pontoon in Newcastle, relaxed and had a cuppa.
We left the harbour and had a great sail Southwards.
By the time we reached Seaham the wind had picked up to over 25 knots on the nose and things we getting uncomfortable.
While holding our course, a nearby fishing boat came urgently on the radio and told us to turn to port to avoid nets that he had laid out. We crashed tacked and headed off, but were not totally sure what we were avoiding. All very exciting!
Taking down the sails, we then decided to motor into the weather. It is hard to describe how difficult it is to get about the boat when it is being tossed around by big seas. I watched Peter stagger across the cabin to the heads and stagger back, like someone having drunk 10 pints! A big wave hit us , he fell forward and head butted a seat cushion! I must say that he fell very elegantly though!
Altogether a tough old afternoon and we were glad to get to Hartlepool.
In Newcastle we saw some very futuristic ships - here is a photo of one.
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