Lord Nelson lays starboard side to at Whitehaven Tongue Quay waiting for her new crew for voyage 699. The day starts overcast in this small waterfront town south of the Solway Firth which joins England and Scotland. The permanent crew busy themselves around the ship cleaning and taking on stores before the voyage crew arrive between 4pm-6pm.
Once everyone has arrived introductions and safety briefings are held. Captain Clare gives a proposed plan for the trip. At the time of the introductions the weather forecast was predicted to be WNW and plan B or was it A? was to leave on the 8th July at high tide and head for the Irish coast hopefully to Dublin.
As you all know plans and weather go hand in hand and things can change! After a hearty meal the crew all settle down on board, some take an evening stroll through the town while others get their heads down before taking their turn on harbour watches.
Update By: Carol(medical purser)