10/09/2008 - Lord Nelson

The day opened fairly cloudy and drizzly for the joining day of LN 705.  Still, this has been nothing new for the summer time here in England. So the appearance of the large yellow sphere in the sky this afternoon was a real welcome sight which greeted the new voyage crew! Let’s hope this isn’t a one off and we take a little of the more clement weather with us!

On arrival on the Lord Nelson, the new crew were met on the bridge by Steve the Mate and the watch leaders for this voyage. Then having signed on, been issued with foul weather gear (just in case!)and found their bunks, everyone was invited to the lower mess to meet the permanent crew members. First of all, Captain Clare Cupples welcomed the camera crew from the BBC Inside Out programme who are on board to experience the magic of the Lord Nelson for themselves. Then she introduced the permanent crew namely; Steve the Mate, Roger the 2nd Mate, Peter the Bosun; Steve the Chief Engineer with Rachel the 2nd engineer and Dave the engineering assistant; Gerry the Cook with his assistant Rosie; Rachel the Medical Purser and not forgetting the wonderful Bosun’s mates Alan, Matt and Heather.

Once all the introductions had been made, Steve began the safety briefings.

This was followed by a welcome cuppa as ‘smoko’ was announced. Following the refreshments, we then prepared the ship for getting underway whilst waiting for the Queen Mary to pass ahead of us. First the gangway was hauled back onto the deckhouse roof. Roger and Bud then climbed down into the DOTI boat to be ready to assist our departure. Next the mooring lines were released and the fenders brought back on board and with everything safely stowed, we made our way down the Solent. After dinner, everyone who wished to, got into their climbing harnesses and made their way aloft to the first platform.

Then it was time for the watches to begin, before getting to our anchorage off St Helen’s.

Update By: Rachel MP