Report by Ed Wingfield
David and Margaret Spensley Bay Raider ‘Crofter’
Roger Bamford National 18 ‘Sea Fever’
Paul Constantine Torch ‘Tyne’
Tom and David Mackie Devon Yawl ‘Lionheart’
James and Michelle Mackie Wharram Tiki ‘Titi’
Alan Barker, Brenda, Doreen Hartley 14 ‘Catnip’
Len Wingfield Willing crew
Ed and Vivian Yacht and inflatable ‘TT Samphire’
Tim, Beverly and Anna Roberts Inflatable ‘TT Coriolis’
Geoff Hill Inflatable ‘TT Sunspot’
(click on any photo for full size version)
Altering the Rally date to late in the year gave us access to the entire Reserve as the tern breeding season was over. Sadly, our terns had failed to raise a single chick, due, it is thought, to starvation. However, the lifespan of terns is up to 14 yrs and the population can survive a bad year. The Farnes puffins had all departed to sea, but we saw plenty of guillemots and one remaining razorbill. Shag, gannet, eider and rock pipit were plentiful. Porpoise were seen at sea, and Grey seals, hundreds of ‘em, were over Holy Island Sands. Sprigs of Thrift and Sea Campion were still flowering on the Island.
The Friday evening was chosen for the evening beach barbecue and fire. We chose the remote location of Oysterman’s Bay, tucked in behind the obelisks. I decided to remain overnight dried out. I watched, as one by one, the others motored off into the still night, back the 1 mile to Holy Island.
The big tides were neaping away, the only chance of a Holy Island circumnavigation was to set off early Saturday morning. ‘Sea Fever’ and ‘Crofter’ were eager for it. I’d arranged to deliver Len aboard ‘Crofter’ at 04.30 but we arrived late. Strangely, when we arrived there was no activity. Soon, ‘Sea Fever’ prepared for sea and Len negotiated an alternative crewing opportunity. They motored off into the still dawn, now late for the tidal gate.
I’d arranged to rendezvous at sea on the far side of the island in deep water…. But, at 20mins after HW came the dreaded VHF call, ‘Er, we are aground!’ They were stranded on Goswick Sands, a huge area of exposed sand, with the next tide 40cms lower than this morning. Forth Coastguard heard our brief conversation on CH69 and enquired the predicament. Roger assured them that they were safe and with plenty food and water. Following this, we switched to mobile phone calls to prevent the rescue people becoming more twitchy.
Paul Constantine came aboard my boat for a cuppa, and upon hearing of the stranding described a system whereby a team could move ‘Sea Fever’ to lower-lying sand, and thereby float off on the next tide. I was soon sold on the idea and we phoned Roger. Soon Paul persuaded Roger. A team of seven DCA skippers were ‘requisitioned’ and duly arrived at the stranding site.
Four cylindrical fenders were taken from the yacht to ‘Sea Fever’. Paul then explained to the team the method of how a 500kg boat could be rolled over firm sand. But in which direction? ‘Sea Fever’ crew had surveyed the sands and were sure the lower lying channel was to the west. After all, they were there as the water drained away. It was decided.
Next was the job of stripping the boat of all removable weight. That done, the boat was lifted by bow and then by stern, to pace the rollers in position. Then, with the boat raised, and the friction much reduced we tugged the boat sternwards for about 3m until the stern dipped due to the fulcrum point being reached. By then a bow roller had emerged and was positioned under the stern
Paul coordinated our effort. We became more efficient, and soon were making good distance before each breather. The breather did not mean rest, as we all then trudged back to collect the pile of cruising gear.

This process continued until we reached the edge of a shallow creek. Distance estimates vary, a 1/4 mile might be a reasonable guess. Anyway, ‘Sea Fevers’ medical beer reserve was soon polished off. The rolling team then returned to their vehicles on The Causeway, leaving Roger and Len to wait out the hours until the next high water.

Late that morning I learned the reason for ‘Crofter’s’ non participation. David’s folding dinghy/tender had set off for Farnes unmanned. A cold 50m swim was required for retrieval. David’s round-the-Island attempt was over for 2008.

Back at the village the Harbourmaster collared me about the stranding situation. I said that he shouldn’t be nervous as all was now sorted.…..
That eve at our Rally HQ ‘The Ship’, we’d been concerned. It was a relief to get the phone call from ‘Sea Fever’ saying that she’d recovered to deep water and was now proceeding to her Holy Island mooring. Well, after all, bad news might’ve disrupted the traditional, happy Rally evening meal and drinks which was now in progress
Sunday morning ‘Tyne’ recovered on the slipway. Others made a late start. ‘Sea Fever’ left The Ouze to anchor off in deep water. ‘Lionheart‘ and ‘Titi’ set off in very fickle airs for Farnes. ‘Crofter’ with Len aboard, got away just before grounding and followed them. That afternoon, ‘Sea Fever’ set off to view Bamburgh Castle, then continued on to Farnes for an intended overnight stop. After hearing the poor 17.50 forecast she returned in the dark to Holy Island using traditional navigation. ‘Crofter’ beached at the remote Tealhole Pt on the mainland shore for a quiet night.
Earlier, ‘Catnip’ had explored the low water creeks and viewed the seal population. Later in the week she clocked up a Farnes trip. Mist caused poor visibility for the return - thus requiring traditional navigation
Moving the Rally from the usual Spring slot to the Autumn in hope of better weather paid off. From the Friday through to Sunday the anti cyclone gave light winds, smooth seas and dry sunny days until Sunday night when it broke down with N f5-6, 2m seas and drizzle all Monday morning. Communications worked well with skippers using both VHF and mobile phones. The intended night sail ‘exercise’ did not take place, although ‘Lionheart’ sailed from Beadnell to H.I. at night (10.5M) and ‘Sea Fever’ returned to H.I. from Farnes (7.0M).