Gale force winds hit day 8 on the ultimate tall ships adventure from Aberdeen to Newcastle!!
We woke in the anchorage with heavy rain. As per ships routine when at anchor, all watches were dropped by the voyage crew in the day time at 08.00. The only duties that had to be done were Messmen which was Heather Lyall from our group which is Forward Port and Happy Hour J
Due to the weather and no one having to be on watch we had some of the girls who are using this time to gain experience for QGA and D of E. They were seeing what it would be like to have a disability and see how it would change their life. Hannah from Forward Port spent half of the day blind folded and yesterday she spent some of the day in a wheelchair.
Also today was a special day for Steph from AFT STBD as she was celebrating her 15th Birthday here on board with us all so we all sang Happy Birthday and Fred the Cook made a lovely Chocolate Cake.
Most people spent the morning inside, after lunch the sun came out for a short while but there were still strong winds. Watch Leader Rachel brought knitting needles and wool with her and asked anyone if they would like to help her knit several small square for the centenary event Fusion as they are planning to make a tree cosy. We started the knitting outside in a sheltered area at the front of the ship away from the wind but it got worse within 10minutes of us starting so we decided to move to the middle of the ship where there is more shelter but the weather got worse. So at one point about 7 of us were knitting on the deck in the middle of the ship in the rain and with Gale Force winds so yes we moved down below into the lower mess and began in there but again we had to move as the Messmen wanted to get set up ready for 2nd sitting dinner, so we moved to the Bar area.
Just after 7pm the 4 Watch Leaders and the permanent crew went to the Chartroom and discussed what the plans were , they then came and told us that they would like us to be ready at half 7 as we would be raising the anchor and setting the sails and heading towards Newcastle. All voyage crew were on deck and the setting of the sails began. We knew the weather was bad and that the sails had to be set quickly. The Engineers were out helping and we had never saw them help before with the sails. After the sails were set AFT STBD went up on watch and some people went to bed and the rest were in the bar. Forward Port is on Watch at 12am till 4am so, Jenn (WL), Emily, Hannah, Katie, Bekky, Elayne, Lizzie and myself (Rachel J) pooh and Burnett the Monkey are all off to bed as its 10pm and we are knackered!!!
The sail was very pleasant with minimal motion, just the ship being heeled over to the portside, making getting around more fun.
Forward Port Watch