We were anchored off to the east of the Isle of Wight overnight. We had breakfast then with the prospect of wind and the opportunity to raise sail it was all hands on deck. Our first task was to do a safety drill which despite our best efforts was not quick enough (better late than never).That completed, half the watch (the beefy ones were attached to render assistance to the other watches in helping to raise sail) most of the ships sails were raised but don’t ask us to name them yet, it’s too early in the week. Happy hour followed, gin and tonics drunk and between bouts of enthusiasm cleaning toilets. Being the afternoon watch we were privilege to sample cookies lunch before the main mealtime onboard thus onward to take over the bridge for the afternoon, spies were posted by our watch leader Barbara both port and starboard to identify hostile shipping with Eagle eyed Fran spotting numerous ships way before the rest of us resulting in frantic dashes to the officer of the watch reporting her findings. Those of a more mature age with cataracts, gradually nodding in agreement. All of the watch took turns at the helm which proved very successful as we are still mid channel, hadn’t run aground or been castigated by the officer of the watch for reckless driving.
Nic and Terry pp Aft Port Watch