The trip in June was originally planned for Teignmouth in Devon, however at the previous week’s social discussion it was felt that the plankton bloom may be too severe down south, also the Spring Bank trip to Seahouses had not been ideal due to the strong winds so Seahouses was the preferred choice.

Both boats and 11 divers headed up on the Friday night with an expectation of extremely poor weather, there was even discussion by mobile phone on the way up about the possibility of cancelling the weekend, however luckily the decision was made to continue.

Jonathan a trainee Ocean Diver experienced his first open water experience at Beadnell Reef, gaining experience in shallow waters of a drysuit and buoyancy control. The dive was limited to 45 minutes to enable the remaining experienced divers to visit the much loved wreck of the Somali at the appropriate slack tide. The visibility and weather were pleasant considering the predictions, and most people commented that a lot of items were available for viewing e.g. bottles, on discussion with Sovereign divers it is rumoured that explosives have been used to further open up the wreck. The second dive of the day was completed on the backside of the islands to allow for a second dive for Jonathon.

The sea was unbelievably calm, however the predictions for Sunday were strong winds, therefore we made the most of the diving on Saturday, just in case we were blown out on Sunday. John even came along fully prepared for the inclement weather. Most of the divers decided to stay at the Vicarage at Ellingham, which although is a 15 minute drive out of Seahouses each day, the advantage of all being together in a quite location which allows the boat and equipment to be prepared prior to arriving at the Harbour.

Sundays arrival at the harbour was shocking to us all, not only was the sun out but the sea was flat calm, totally unexpected and against the predictions, the boats were quickly launched and we headed out to the Pinnacles to allow the trainees some more skill diving, and the more experienced to dive on the wreck of the Andrea. All had good dives which were followed up by a second dive of the weekend on the Somali, this pleased most of the members after the disastrous weather at Spring Bank, did not allow a dive on it.

Report by :  Steve Price

Undeterred by the less than favourable bank holiday weekend weather forecast, seventeen of us set off on the clubs 4th UK dive trip of 2007.

Clearly the drive to the Farne Islands on Friday night did not dampen spirits as we all duly arrived at the harbour Sat 8am prompt. Some a little worse for wear it has to be said but then Friday had been a long day.

Infact it had been a long week!!

Saturday morning dawned sunny and calm. The slip at Seahouses was a tad hectic as Beadnall launch site had been closed due to underuse. Despite being 4th in the queue to launch the ribs we were quickly in and heading out to the outer Farnes. Flocks of Turns, Guillimots, Puffins and Cormorants escorted us out to the Longstone in style where we were received by the ever inquisitive and playful seals peeping above the surface of the water awaiting our arrival.

The first dive of the weekend on the Longstone was a first in other ways too. For one of our members it was his first sea dive and for another the first time taking in a trainee diver, so well done to both of them. The second dive of the day - Whirl Rocks - certainly lived up to its name.

Notorious for its rapid increase in current within half an hour after slack water, it made for an exciting dive!! The somewhat calmer location of the Yew Glen brought our first day to a close.

Rain and dark clouds on Sunday morning gave way to brighter breezier weather. Numbers were down a little for Big Harcar and the return to harbour in a force four further reduced numbers for the second dive out to a sheltered location on the Inner Farnes. Unfortunately over night the wind continued to build so with that the slip was closed on Monday and we headed back home.

Altogether a brilliant weekend. Visibility on Saturday was between 6 and 9m and the water temperature a balmy 9 degrees so a most marvellous time was had by all.

Report by Annie Frankum