Ships are queasy, it’s Raymond’s ride of joy🎶 Ha ha got you…. Bet you thought it was one of those naughty rugby songs. Well hello peeps, sorry its been a while since the last blog. It’s been a bit busy on the “Black Pig” of late.
Captain Greybeard “hoisted the flags” calling the “fleet” to action. “Meet at Market Cross 0945”. “There be treasure in the Eastern seas for which the citizens need relieving” he advised. The excitement was palpable as the “captains” gathered at the appointed hour…..but “Who’s the jester on a race bike, dressed in t-shirt and sweat pants sporting a can of Tesco’s finest…?” At least he kept us entertained before moving off to his next “target”.
The “fleet set sail” navigating their way through the “Straits of Beverley” heading eastwards via Weel Bridge to Tickton. After traversing the “A1035 rapids” progress was steady with the North westerly wind until reaching Routh. At this point, the “fleet tacked” southwards under full “press of sail” on Meaux Road until turning onto the Kidhill “strait”. On reaching Skirlaugh, captain Greybeard relinquished control of the fleet declaring “I’ve reached the limit of my charts. You’ll have to navigate your own way from now.”
The next leg saw the fleet on the “port tack” through Rise to Withernwick and on to Cowlam. At this point, the fleet split up into the separate groups to tackle the breezy head wind on the main road through Mappleton to Hornsea with the “Clipper Ships” in the lead convoy followed by the “Cruisers” and the “Battle Ships” bringing up the rear.
Arriving at the Floral Hall the “captains” began their “raid on the local treasures”. “Ooh I’ve worked up a right thirst” declared Ian, our newest “ship off the blocks” as he decided to start a new trend by raiding the beer fridge. “A BEER!?” queried some “But the sun is still well above the yardarm! Well that makes a change from the ‘rum ration'”.
As we returned to our “ships” we were greeted by a light spray over the bow prompting some to don sou’westers ready for an anticipated downpour which failed to materialise. After navigating our way out of Hornsea we turned North into the wind towards Bewholme. Michael took up the “flagship” position with everyone else happy to trail in his “wake” as we sailed close-hauled on the port tack.
Turning onto a broad reach, the pace picked up with Chris in front as the blue fleet skimmed along the “reach” like a Kingfisher seeking a new hunting ground. Brandesburton soon “hauled into view” where after regrouping the fleet continued onwards to Leven and back to home port of Beverley to complete another successful raid ride.