Sunderland International Airshow 2013 - a view from the sea | Mum In The Madhouse

Sunderland International Airshow 2013 – a view from the sea

airshow

We adore the Sunderland International Airshow and it is something we have visited every year with the boys since returning to the North East.  However, this year MadDad and MIni had the opportunity to view the airshow from a different perspective.  They took the DFDS Sunderland Airshow Sailout, which costs £15 for children and £30 for adults and includes a three course lunch too.

The sailout is such a popular event that it often sells out early and we were lucky enough to receive our tickets via the press office.

The trip at a glance

  • 10:30-11:00 Check-in and board the ship.  Boarding will take place at 11am
  • 11:30 Ferry leaves port for Sunderland.  You have a three course buffet lunch.
  • 12:20 Ferry arrives at viewing point off Seaburn and Roker
  • 14:00 Ferry leaves Sunderland for voyage back to port
  • 15:00 Ferry arrives back into port.  All passengers disembark

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MadDad’s Review

You are guided to a free car park as you enter the Port of Tyne and then are shown where to exchange your ticket for boarding pases and board the ship.  Once onboard you have the freedom of the ship and we decided to go for our lunch, which was a three course buffet style meal.   Both Mini and I enjoyed the food, although we did find the drinks rather expensive (which are the only extras you have to pay for).

The boat dropped anchor off shore at 12.20 and we found a place on the deck to watch the Red Arrows who were opening this years airshow.  It was hot on deck and I was glad that we had took sunscreen and hats.  Although there was 500 people onboard the ship didn’t feel crowded and there was plenty of room to find a vantage point.

Watching from the sea gave a whole new perspective on the airshow.  The planes were closer and we had super views and really enjoyed our day.  There was people of all ages on board the ship from families with small children and older couples.  You avoid all the traffic and queues getting out of Sunderland.

The only negatives were that the day was far too short and we didn’t get to see all the days flights and also the drinks were more expensive than I anticipated.  Saying that we will be looking at booking tickets for next year for the whole family.

Mini’s Review

I was really excited to be going on a special trip with just Daddy.  I love planes and have lots of models at home and the airshow is one of my favorite things to go and see.  I have never been on a ferry as big as the one I went on, which was called the King Seaways.  The food was gorgeous and the carrots were my favorite part of the meal.

After the meal we went to get a drink of slush as it was very hot on the deck.  I was excited to see the red arrows and they surprised me by being so close and it felt like they nearly skimmed the funnel of the ship.  We also saw Misdemeanor (a Hawker Hunter), which I have seen before and could tell it was her by the colours she is painted.

We also watched two helicopters that did lots of tricks and they were absolutely class.   I was a little upset to have to set off back before we saw the Typhoon.  I wish the trip had been longer and I would love to go next year with all the family.

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Mini was so excited to be going on the trip that he was up super early and fell asleep in the car on the way home.  He hasn’t stopped talking about his experience since getting home.

 

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