LEISURE
Sailing – Teesside Princess manager Rachel Hutchinson and first mate Chris Hughes-Rutherford on board the vessel at Castlegate Quay .
ALL ABOARD
New era begins for Tees Valley ’ s most popular boat
She ’ s probably the best-known boat on Teesside – and a cruise onboard often changes people ’ s perceptions about “ industrial ” Teesside .
Since 1996 , the Teesside Princess has been a familiar sight as she gracefully wends her way along the River Tees on a stunning stretch between the Tees Barrage and Yarm .
Built specifically for Tees cruises , she has carried thousands of passengers over the years on everything from serene afternoon teas to lively party nights and themed events .
And whether it ’ s simply a leisurely cruise you ’ re after or something more specific , including delicious traditional roast dinners or live music nights , taking a trip on the Teesside Princess is something every local resident or visitor should consider .
The 11-mile , three hour return trip is a constant delight as she sails under bridges and past the sort of lush scenery you may not expect in an otherwise urban landscape .
Starting from built-up and evolving Stockton , the views soon change dramatically into something more rural as Bassleton Woods , Thornaby Woods , Preston Park and thriving Yarm are all seen from the impeccably turned-out cruiser ’ s two decks .
From verdant spring and summer banksides to the stunning colours of autumn and atmospheric chill of winter , the scenery is spectacular .
And she now has a fourth owner at the helm , Nathan Hobday , who through his firm Red Lion Marine already operates several workboats from Teesport and is proud to be the Teesside Princess ’ s latest custodian .
Built in Hartlepool by Joe Wilson and Dave McPherson in the mid-1990s , the Teesside Princess is a 25m long cruiser that eases her way along the river at a five knot speed limit .
She ’ s available all year , with sailings dependent on bookings and interest . And on Saturdays throughout peak season , she always sails from Stockton ’ s Castlegate Quay at 10.15am and 2pm .
Her close-knit , full-time team , which is supplemented by seasonal bar and galley staff , comprises skipper Colin Robinson , manager Rachel Hutchinson , first mate Chris Hughes-Rutherford and housekeeping supervisor Heather Hutchinson – Rachel ’ s mum , who ensures a clean vessel every time she sets sail .
Chris and Rachel have been part of the team since the 1990s , with Chris starting out as its resident DJ ! And while both love the boat , they agree on her main selling point – the stretch of river it sails on .
Chris said : “ Everyone on Teesside knows the Princess but the hardest part is getting people on her .
WORDS : DAVE ROBSON PICTURE : CHRIS BOOTH
“ Once you ’ re on her and you go past Victoria Bridge and it all opens up , it ’ s stunning whatever the season , and people love it .”
Rachel added : “ Once you pass under the bridges and head towards Yarm , you wouldn ’ t think you ’ re in a part of the world that ’ s probably best known for industry . “ The industrial part is at the other end but where we sail , you get beautiful surroundings and wildlife such as deer , kingfishers and otters .”
As we talk in the booking office at Castlegate Quay , the phone rings regularly with inquiries – and not just from local people .
Rachel said : “ I ’ m already taking bookings for 2025 . And a lot of our passengers come from outside the area – we get coach companies from Leeds , Lincoln , all over really .”
And when they get here , says Chris , their reaction is usually the same .
He explained : “ They ’ re all pleasantly surprised about how beautiful the river is . “ Every area has an image from the outside and ours is probably industry . But this part of the river isn ’ t like that – it ’ s green , it ’ s relaxing , it looks great in all seasons and it ’ s a haven for wildlife .”
A return trip costs £ 14.95 with concessions and shorter journeys available . To book a sail , call 01642 608038 , email bookings @ teessideprincess . co . uk or to check packages and the host of live and themed events available , visit teessideprincess . co . uk .
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