18/05/2009 - Lord Nelson

What a treat! The Lord Nelson made it up the river under the Avonmouth Bridge to Bristol. Many dog walkers and joggers were stopped in their tracks to see this wonderful sight. All the hard work climbing the mast to measure our height was worth it. The calculations were proven, as having waited for the tide to rise to the level that got us over the lip beneath us, the bridge had to be passed underneath before the tide grew too high – and yes we did it! Either side of us, the mud flats began to appear and we followed the winding river up through the lock and finally into the basin for a full weekend of activities with the Cardiff and Bristol branches. As we bade farewell to the voyage crew of LN 719, our JST friends and branch members arrived to begin the preparations for the tours they’d planned that afternoon. Forty guests were welcomed and shown around the ship, before they embarked on an evening reception. In addition to this we opened our doors to a group of girl guides and their leaders for B&B on board – all part of their adventure. Of course, seeing a tall ship come alongside so far up the river meant that many local people were able to take advantage of the open ship next day (Sunday) and came to look around too. A busy weekend indeed but thanks to our local supporters for all their efforts in making this a success.
Because of all the timings with the tide, today started early and our new crew arrived at 0900hrs to be signed on before meeting Captain Barbara, who told of her plans for the voyage and introduced the permanent crew members, namely: Chris the Mate, Ali the 2nd Mate, Marcin the Bosun; Marco the Chief Engineer with Rachel the 2nd engineer; Gerry the Cook with his assistant Mandy; Rachel the Medical Purser and the Bosun’s mates Alan and Lindsay. Once everyone had settled, Chris began the safety talks. Then no sooner had lunch been had, than it was ‘all hands to harbour stations’. Duly togged up in their foul weather gear (as the heavens opened), the new voyage crew arrived on deck ready to heave the gangway aloft to its home on the deckhouse roof; then mooring lines were released, fenders brought in and we headed out through the swing bridge and into the lock. Once through the lock we headed out under the Clifton Suspension bridge to many on lookers and made our way down the river, meandering with the help of a tug in front of the Avonmouth bridge once more, to make sure the water levels were right for us to psass under – to a huge cheer from the new crew who were up the rigging for the occasion!!
So we’re underway now, with plans to come alongside in Kinsale (or Cobh, or Waterford.....) we’ll let you know how we get on!
Rachel
MP LN