Jo’s Monday walk : Tall Ships Regatta at Blyth

IMG_2227

You might know that I couldn’t stay away from a Tall Ships return to the north east of England.  I spent 4 happy days admiring them when the race came to Hartlepool in 2010.  This time it was the turn of Blyth, on the Northumberland coast.  I didn’t think you’d object to coming along and having a look over my shoulder.  I can promise you a little fun, and a pirate or two.

Although it’s only 50 miles north of me, and the birthplace of my late Aunt Isa, I have seldom visited Blyth.  I was surprised at the amount of information it generates in Wikipedia.  The name Blyth comes from the river of that name which flows through the town, blithe being an old English adjective meaning ‘merry’ or ‘gentle’.  Isa would have liked that.  Back in her day the town thrived on the industries of coal mining and shipbuilding. During the First and Second World Wars the local shipyards built many ships for the Royal Navy.  Among them, the first aircraft carrier, HMS Ark Royal, in 1914.  Like many another, the town has struggled to reinvent itself for the changing times.  A visit from the Tall Ships is a real coup.

What a thing of beauty they are!  I knew my Dad would be bursting with pride at the Polish representatives.  Dar Młodzieży, The Gift of Youth, is a Polish sail training ship and the largest of the ships present.  It made me smile that comparatively tiny Fryderyk Chopin is the youngest of the Polish Tall Ships.  Let’s stroll along the Quayside and take a closer look.

The British contingent was headed up by Lord Nelson, the flagship for the Jubilee Sailing Trust.  Their mission is to promote the integration of people with disabilities, enabling them to meet the challenge of sailing tall ships on the open seas.   Quite a formidable challenge it seemed to me, as I looked up at all the ropes and pulleys.

IMG_2228

Next in line I found Oosterschelde, the last remaining representative of a large fleet of schooners that sailed under the Dutch flag in the early 20th century.  The name comes from the eastern part of the River Schelde, which flows through Belgium and the Netherlands on its way to the sea.

Now I realise that not all of you share my fascination with ships.  Let me just introduce you to a pirate ship and then your attention can wander.  The Shtandart is a replica of the 1703 frigate built by Peter the Great, in St. Petersburg, Russia.  You can imagine the excitement that this one generates, with its swashbuckling appearance.  I think it had the longest queues for boarding.  And where there’s a pirate ship…  “arr, Jim lad!”

IMG_2261

In addition to the amazing vessels themselves, every effort has been made to beguile and entertain.  There are fairgrounds, trading stalls, and a grand stage.  An invitation to observe the activities of Port of Tyne includes a wind hub and renewable energies centre, looking to the future.  A band marches smartly past, and I cease the opportunity to ‘guess the number of Lego bricks’.  A minibreak to Amsterdam surely has my name on it!

Strolling on into Ridley Park, I’m glad to see that the children have not been neglected.  Magicians perform their tricks, eliciting broad smiles from the parents and the usual serious attention of the youngsters.  I applaud the dexterity, and cheer along with the crowd.

But it’s impossible to ignore the presence of the great ladies.  Their masts loom on the waterfront and the crowd sways toward them. Some of the ships are open to the public for a few hours each day.  The Polish ships and Lord Nelson have already closed but I still have one option.

IMG_2323

My Dutch friend comes with a bonus.  Tethered just behind her is the clipper Morgenster.  When I have looked my fill I can clamber over into the smaller ship.  I’m helped aboard by a smiling crew, and just look at this little beauty!

IMG_2334

See what I mean about all those ropes and pulleys?  Morgenster has an interesting history.  She started life in 1919 as a herring lugger named Vrouw Maria.  In 1927 she was motorised and given her current name.  She worked as a fishing boat until 1970, when she was sold and used for sport fishing day trips.  Certification problems led to her being sold again, this time to a Rotterdam singer, who apparently wanted to use her for ether piracy.  Prosecution was unsuccessful but the ship was allowed to degenerate into a terrible condition.  Happily she was bought in 1983 and lovingly restored.  It would not be until 2008 that she made her way back to sea.  The life of a boat!  Many such facts are found in the event guide.

Nothing more to do now than absorb the atmosphere of so many people having a good time.  At the main stage the Irish Dance music has toes tapping.  Mine too!  It was a reluctant farewell from me.

I hope you didn’t mind my little bit of self indulgence.  The event guide has full details, just in case you can make it in time for the Parade of Sail this afternoon.  Torrential rain caused car park difficulties on Sunday but the skies are clear again today.  A cuppa now, I think!

walking logo

Many thanks to all of you who read and encourage me each week, not to mention those who walk with me.   As always I have some great walks to share.  If you’d like to join me at any time, details are on my Jo’s Monday walk page.  You’ll be very welcome.  Just click on the logo above.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Starting with a bit more of Toronto from Jackie this week.  Quite a big bit, in fact!

High Park

Walking with tigers could be dangerous!  You’d better stay on the bus :

Periyar Tiger Reserve

Violet Sky has some quirky carvings for you this week.  You’ll like them!

Carvings

Kathrin has a beautiful time spotting elks, and admiring ferns :

Fern Canyon, Humboldt County

This city has been waiting for me eternally!  I’ll get there one day, Biti!

Rome again

The rough with the smooth with Drake this week, and some superb shots :

Quiet flows the River Rhine

A perilously placed chateau caught my eye, over at Denzil’s place :

Modave: A Chateau and a Country Walk

Not so far away, Susan check’s out Amsterdam’s rival.  A good-looking city!

Walking Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Make time for a canalside stroll with Adam and Harriet?  I’ve done some of this one :

Kennet and Avon Canal – Bath to Bradford-on-Avon

And Becky just barely scraped in!  I haven’t even had time to read it yet!

Returning to Wells for an ecclesiastical stroll

Wishing you all a very happy week, and if you can make it to Blyth today I can highly recommend it.  Take care till next time!

150 comments

  1. I can just see your big smile all the way here, Jo, when you walked amongst these beauties. The tall ships are so big that they don’t even fit in a photo. 🙂 It is an extra treat that the organizers make the visit and regatta an event for all with a lot of other activities. I’m glad you had such an exciting weekend!

    Like

    Reply

    1. The event was bigger when it was held in my home town, in terms of ships, but the atmosphere and entertainment was wonderful, Liesbet. Yes, ear to ear grin 🙂 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  4. I think you must have been a sea-woman in an earlier life, Jo. These ships are magnificent and you had the perfect day on which to see them. A blue sky makes everything look chipper! I would have loved seeing all the sights too. I love those enticing little nooks with their fanciful quotes. And the details of the ships show them to be ever-so-lovingly maintained. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Like

    Reply

      1. I am still sick, Jo, and just made a doctor’s appointment for this afternoon. I hope she can give me something to help me get better! I’m glad you had such a grand day. 🙂

        Like

  5. Absolutely lovely shots. There’s something about all the intricacies of a sailing ship that is completely beautiful – maybe because everything is so perfectly functional. I love the “Morgenster” particularly – all that lovely fresh white. Would you sail the seas in one? And what is it with pirates?? Hugs on a quiet Monday – time ven to scrub the bathroom floor.

    Like

    Reply

    1. I just gawp at all the rope and pulleys, Meg! I think that people in a wheelchair who attempt to sail one of these are very brave. I’m good with them in harbour but I don’t have the best sea legs in the world. (sheepish admission 😦 ) Swab the decks, me hearty! Pirate’s Moll hugs 🙂 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    1. Hiya darlin’. 🙂 🙂 After heavy overnight rain we’re back to blue skies again today. Most unusual for a Bank Hol. The Parade of Sail must have been awesome. I was down on the Moors with the walkers so I’ll have to catch it on TV later. Hope all’s well in your world.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. The Moors would have been lovely in the beautiful weather Jo! Mlle in London says it has been over 30 some days there – she’s loving it!! My dad took my aunt for a drive up the Yorkshire Dales on the bank holiday and said it was gorgeous. All well here – dashing out the door for my weekly German class soon! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Wonderful, so so wonderful. Was lucky enough to have ‘sailed’ on a Tall Ship for four days in the Whitsundays a few years ago. Incredible experience albeit no winds so we were under motor throughout 😦 . . .however one day they did get us to hoist two sails. Well all the girls did the boys were too shy. Four worked on one, and I was given my own. Apparently the one and only sail one person can hoist on their own, but even I struggled with that!!

    Like

    Reply

      1. If you are ever lucky enough to be in the Whitsundays in late summer or early Autumn then look out for a Tall Ship cruise, you don’t need to do anything apart from enjoy being on board!

        Like

  12. Pingback: The Majestic Jotunheimen – artishorseshit

    1. Hi darlin’ 🙂 Sorry I’m late getting here. I was out with the walkers on the Moors this morning. Just going to read yours then retire to the garden with a book. The good life! 🙂 🙂 Thank you!

      Like

      Reply
  14. Pingback: Hell’s Mouth – Not so Hellish | Lost in Translation

  16. I’m a ship lover like you Jo and once caught the ships in St Katherine dock in London. I found the story of the Morgenster simply fascinating!!

    Like

    Reply

    1. There weren’t as many ships as when we hosted in Hartlepool but the entertainment was well done, Kate. I’ll have to read your link later… walking again! Happy Monday! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

      1. Ooops, accordion….. Alas, I’m not in the least musical other than loving to listen to a good Classical concert… Been enjoying the Proms from my TV and radio… Time was when I would have gone, but the trains into London are a nightmare this year

        Like

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.