We arrived late morning yesterday into San Sebastion, La Gomera, during our watch and Wendy helmed us in to alongside the cruise liner quay. Lunch was taken on deck as it was a lovely sunny day and then we were given shore leave. Some of the crew hired a car to explore the island and drove through lush forests and walnut tree groves. Don who has been entertaining us with his harmonica and sea shanties went swimming with Brian and Katherine off the black sand beach on the town side of the harbour.
Wendy was detailed to guard his left leg as he didn't want anyone to steal it! Three watches had an evening run ashore to sample the local restaurants and all had an excellent meal. John, our film star extra from Glastonbury, entertained us with tales of acting with the great and good. A complementary glass of honey rum finished the meal off nicely. This weekend is a national festival and we briefly dropped in to the beautiful local church where the priest was celebrating Mass and several ladies were in traditional Canary Island dress. In the main square a temporary stage had been erected and there was a free musical festival over the holiday weekend. A classical concert was taking place as we returned to the ship.
After breakfast this morning, we were told to leave our berth as quickly as possible because a cruise liner, the ''Black Watch'', needed to land a medical emergency. We had a sunny morning motoring Eastwards which was enjoyed by all on deck after Happy Hour. The permanent crew had a practice evacuation of a casualty from the main lower topsail yard and Sue, our medical purser, was volunteered to go aloft with Bosun John. Everything went smoothly and the casualty was safely returned to the deck.
About an hour into our afternoon watch we were firmly in the wind acceleration zone to the South of Tenerife and sails were set to take advantage of the brisk 25 knot breeze. Our course took us to the SE at 6 knots so we all enjoyed a good afternoon sail. Steve, our cadet who is doing his sea time, was suffering a little from being entertained in the yacht club but has been busy completing his training portfolio and taking part in a fire training exercise with the other cadets and permanent crew.
After smoko, Steve the Mate gave a sail setting and trimming talk which was very interesting. Our afternoon watch has gone quickly as we have had plenty to do and now that the wind is moderating I expect we will have a quiet evening before going on watch again at midnight.
Watchleader Niall, Wendy, Brian, Don, Katherine, John and Steve.