Back in the water and off to Hull

By December 2011, Phira was ready to go back in the water.  After waiting for a reasonably calm day, it was a nerve-wracking procedure, watching the boat being hoisted high enough to clear the other boats before being deposited onto the edge of the Beverley Beck.  Quick check of the seacocks, start the engine, persuade the keel out of the mud at the bottom of the river and off to a temporary mooring by the lock.

Phira being craned above other boats and into the water.

On December 11th, after much checking of tides, depths and consultation with experts, we penned out of the lock onto the River Hull at about 0720.  Progress along the river to Hull was smooth and uneventful.  The crew consisted of Gareth, Colin Walden and Gav Bullock, as well as myself.  I had sailed with Colin before and I knew he was a very experienced sailor who had brought barges up the River Hull, so our little boat shouldn't present any problem.



Gav at the helm, with Gareth and Colin keeping watch for navigational hazards!

The bridges at Kingswood heralded our entry into Hull, with only just enough height to get underneath (everyone ducking out of the way!).  The journey through Hull gives a really interesting perspective of the city, with glimpses of its maritime history and trade evident in the derelict buildings bordering the river.

Coming up to the Humber, going under the tidal barrier near The Deep

Everything went according to plan and we went out onto the Humber to make the short journey up to the Marina basin and were soon penning in and onto our berth.