For the first time ever, since steamers sailed from Whitby to Hartlepool, we are offering 3 hour cruises along the Yorkshire coast to the picturesque fishing village of Staithes, which includes an hour ashore for you to explore this quaint fishing village, where fishermen still use traditional methods to catch cod and lobsters. Take time out to have a drink in the "Cod and Lobster" pub or take a walk up the street to the Royal George pub in the heart of the village. Cross the bridge over Staithes beck (where the fishermen shelter their boats whilst storms batter the breakwaters) and visit the RNLI inshore lifeboat station and shop. We will try to arrange for the shop to be open during your visit as these cruises will be late afternoon or early evening.
We believe that one of the last Whitby passenger boats to offer time ashore at another port was the passenger steamer "Emu", which was purchased by the Whitby Steam Tug association in 1873. "Emu" is the only vessel to be identified by name among the 40+ ships carved into the church pews of St Mary's church.
During periods of fair weather we do coastal cruises of various types. One of the most popular is our evening sunset cruise, along the beach to the village of Sandsend, about 3 miles north of Whitby. During this leisurely cruise we keep relatively close to the beach so that passengers can enjoy the evening sunset on both land and sea. Whitby is one of two places where the sun rises and sets in the sea during the summer months.
A unique trip, never been offered before sail out at dusk, view the lights of Whitby from the bay, as we navigate our way back into the harbour in darkness.
7th to 10th August 2010
Esk Belle II will be actively involved with the tourism experience of the exciting tall ships race by linking the harbour marinas with the Victoria Dock, home to the large ships for this 4 day event.
The Esk belle II is already fully booked for the escort of "The Parade of Sail" to be known as the Grand Farewell on the 10th August 2010. On the 7th 8th & 9th of August we will be running sight seeing trips to view the tall ships
Join us for this exciting event!