2.30pm and we are gently making way in a southwesterly direction towards Lavrion. The Captain gave a main mast briefing this morning and announced the race was to end at 6pm due to the light winds.The good news - we are still in 4th place - commiserations to Shabab Oman who has paid the price of losing 2 places under the handicap system by overtaking us overnight.We have gathered a few watch members comments, having been aboard for a few days:
Dai Rees (Watch Leader) - another amazing voyage of discovery; lovely people, no strangers only friends I had never met.
Arnold Orton (today's Birthday boy!) - as a yachtsman I am amazed at how totally different this is from yachting and you should forget most of what you have learned and pick up these new skills.
Tony Bushby - most memorable quote I have heard: the ship heeling, waves battering the galley portholes as Graham the cook announced 'I have the feeling of a rap moment coming on' - as his Welsh assistant Nigel took heed and fled out of earshot, the music boomed out in perfect harmony with the weather outside.
Adem Vural - "Tenacious is anchored in my heart - with so many lovely, nice new friends is my thanks".
Mike Prince - I always enjoy being aboard Tenacious, this trip has been particularly pleasureable, meeting people of a different culture and making so many friends.
Alan de Bank - as a first timer I didn't know what to expect. The voyage has offered me challenges that I never thought I could meet. I have surprised myself and caught the bug. The people I have met have been diverse and just so very friendly. I can't wait until the next time.
Lionel Francis - Not only do I enjoy the sailing but the association with able bodied and disabled shipmates is something special. Added to this it also gives me a chance to bond with my married daughter, who is also a crew member and who I only see 2 to 3 times a year.
Sue Kent - it is an outstanding experience with many facets. 1. It gives people with disabilities the chance of a unique experience to sail on a square rigger of which there are not many left in the world.
2. It is an opportunity for people from all walks of life and abilities to interact in many different ways ie the running of the ship, sailing, cleaning, crewing, setting the sails etc, learning to interact with each other. This to me personally has enhanced my confidence and enriched my understanding with disabilities.
Cynny Sharp - I have so enjoyed getting to know my shipmates and have the greatest admiration for our visually impaired Turkish watchmate who has undertaken all tasks with us, from hauling on lines to helming .The talks from crew members on eg sail setting, rope handling and the history of sail have been wonderfully informative and often highly amusing. God bless the cook and you will see me again!
Cynny Sharp Aft Port Watch