03/09/2008 - Lord Nelson

We started on watch at 3.40 and had to keep watch, with the help of Rob the Watch Leader, up on the bridge and keep the ship running the right direction.  The wind wasn’t in our favour so we had to steer 5 degrees port and starboard.

Rob keeps us all on the ship shape and has made the voyage very enjoyable with his knowledge and support. The steering was difficult at first but great fun when you get used to it and especially with Rob’s help in keeping the right direction.
The weather rated from rather rough and we had to set topsails and staysails. Joan was on mess duty for this watch serving some lovely food which all mess men did very well considering the rough weather. We travelled down past Norfolk keeping close to the land dodging the wind mills and oilrigs. John –Paul (the pope ha!) had a very spiritual moment when he saw a dolphin leap out off the water and later came back down to earth when he found it was only seaweed.

Today we came through Dover Straits against strong winds and currents. So now we are anchored off Dungeness; and found out that we will not be able to sail to a foreign port but are still looking forward to stopping in Cowes.

Update By: Moira, Joan and Paul Aft starboard