Clippers Return/Maritime Weekend
For Society members proceedings began at South Ferriby on the morning of Friday 16 July where crew members gathered to take AMY HOWSON, COMRADE and privately owned PHYLLIS across to Hull Marina to make ready for the event.
Preparations were made for an 0900 hours exit through the lock with a 1000 hours arrival at Hull Marina, all went to plan until approaching the Humber Bridge it became obvious that the forecasted gusts were far stronger than expected. A phone call from a Society member at Hull Marina warned us that entry would be very difficult due to the wind strength and direction.
COMRADE and AMY HOWSON decided to divert across river to New Holland to anchor and see if the wind moderated. PHYLLIS continued to Hull and, with difficulty, made it into the Marina. AMY HOWSON had problems with her anchor dragging in the strong gusts and decided to re-cross the river and, again with great difficulty, made it into the Marina.
COMRADE, with her small engine decided to continue at anchor and await the evening tide. About an hour before the tide turned the wind began to moderate and by the time we reached the Marina entrance it was very calm. It was 2100 hours when we moored up, just 11 hours later than predicted!!
SATURDAY 17 JULY 2010:
The morning began with the Clippers returning up the River Humber and taking part in a short race in front of the waiting crowds. The Humber Sloop PHYLLIS, with the Admiral of the Humber aboard, officiated at the finish line. The 'Hull & Humber' won and collected the John Harrison Race Award created by Simon Yeo of the John Harrison Foundation.
This was followed by the Clippers entering the Marina one-by-one, to rapturous applause from the assembled masses, and a presentation ceremony which saw 'Spirit of Australia' collect the overall winners trophy for the 35,000 mile 10 month journey around the world.
From the skies the Red Devils Parachute Regiment display team and the Black Cats Royal Naval Helicopters kept the crowds enthralled. The day continued with the Jazz Festival on the main stage at Humber Quays and the Maritime Weekend on Humber Dock Street with many of the Shanty singers performing in the vicinity. AMY HOWSON had approximately 2000 visitors during the day.
SUNDAY 18 JULY 2010:
A leisurely start, the silence broken only by the traders setting up their stalls and the church bells chiming. The Shanty singers commenced at 1100 hours on the Humber Dock Street stage, in the Green Bricks public house and aboard AMY HOWSON.
A steady flow of visitors came through the area all day, COMRADE's crew had some interesting conversations with members of the public asking about our vessels/society, while AMY HOWSON had another 500 visitors and made some useful sales to aid the Society funds.
A productive weekend all-in-all with possible new crew members, helpers and membership applicants.
