In the absence of the Admiral, Captain Pugwash stepped up to suggest today’s route. “Right then me hearties, all hands on deck! A North westerly wind is forecast for the day, so we’ll set course to Huggate.” At two bells of the forenoon watch the nine strong fleet assembled at the home port of Market Cross.
“Anchors Aweigh!” was the cry as we set off along the Newbald Road taking us to Cherry Burton. Facing into the head wind we continued on a “close haul” through Holme-on-the-Wolds and the long slog from Middleton-on-the-Wolds, North Dalton to Huggate. Despite the adverse wind, the clipper ships at the front maintained a strong pace while the some of the fleet scattered like the Spanish armada. On regrouping at the Wetwang junction, it was time to “gybe” and run out full sail.
Heading to Tibthorpe, with the wind off the port quarter and heading generally “downstream” the pace picked up as we cut through the ocean like a hot knife through butter. There was a little turbulence along the way as we encountered a section of road akin to the moon surface. From Tibthorpe, the fleet continued to Southburn and Cranswick before calling in for refuelling at the farm shop.
Taking a seat in the cafe, the “Captain” noticed the long line of Knights at the counter almost reminiscent of a similar queue in a comedy film. Just needed someone to start dancing. Chris eventually came over to the table with a face as long as a horse’s nose. Having asked for chips he was told “I’ll have to see” so settled for a scone instead. What she probably said was “I see no ships”
Heading back out into the cold was a reminder that winter is not so far away. The first section of the Bracken road, found us battling our way into the wind once more, this time on the starboard bow until turning south. Following familiar routes the fleet returned to port retracing our outward course.
Finally I must thank all those assisting an underpowered captain along the way including a special thanks to Stephen for taking the lion’s share of the wind.