Berwick to Newcastle

Debbie Webb

Left early on the high tide. Forecast was for increasing wind so we wanted to reach Newcastle by 5pm. Main and Genoa. Good sailing. Had to avoid pots. Took inside passage from Holy Island past the Farne islands. Lovely. Kept close to coast. Wind dropped and we motored for a few hours with just main up. Wind increased three hours from Newcastle so we brought out the Genoa again. But wind increased again so swapped for staysail. Wind soon dropped and we were close to Newcastle so we brought in all sails. Had to refurl Genoa as it was too tight. Called Tyne VTS. Told us we could come in as cargo ship and DFDS ferry were leaving. Crossed channel to South Shields anchorage. Wind increased. Anchor holding well. Rocky in the wind.