Hello all from for'a'd starboard watch group on afternoon watch. 2.15pm.
Captain John and Second Mate Ali have cleared us straight across the English Channel under full sail and not a pause or a hesitation at all. Lots of ferries and freighters bearing down on us or so it seemed only to magically pass by. Ali showed us the radar system and we also had port and staboard watches (as always). Lots of sail up and sail down and now up again. Made a full 8 knots Captain John has just told me. And beautiful sunshine as well. A perfect sailing day to follow a pretty rough day of mal de mer for me yesterday (forgot to take the tablets!) Angela our watch leader is fantastic, and Natilie was a ministering angel with water and dry biscuits.
We are a very happy crew and even with First Mate Steve and Bosun Alex bellowing orders (sorry, guiding us gently) we seem to still be smiling after all the pulling an pushing. A lucky few (me included) were able to go aloft today to assist with sail setting - an incredible sensation to be up above all the hurly buly and in the peaceful sound of the wind and the waves below. Those who know me will not believe that I went up, and many others as well.
OOPS I have just noticed that Alister is at the helm again... Cancel all of the above... France watch out we're coming in fast... Will it be Boulogne or somewhere south of that? Worry not dear readers we have a date tonight with the rougher bars of Boulogne and nothing will deviate Capn John from that course. Signing off... Yours Truly Steve W (AKA Uncle Albert)