So we’ve been at sea for 24 hours. We’d been promised that after 24 hours we would all have found our sea legs – unfortunately it appears that isn’t quite the case: some people are struggling to walk in a straight line, Ailie is failing to keep liquids in cups, and so her watch are now carrying a squidgy at all times to mop up after her, whilst others are feeling a little queasy. Captain Clare said that it showed a great deal of dedication to feel queasy in the calm waters we are currently in...
We’ve all done a night watch now, and whilst it was traumatic for some, getting up for four hours in the middle of the night, the starry skies and peaceful waters were well worth it. We are also getting much better at helming although, despite being female, it would appear we aren’t so good at multitasking. One watch were superb at keeping on track, and keeping a lookout in front – just a shame they neglected to look behind to notice the ferry coming up from astern. Thankfully Peter (the second mate) saved the day and averted Nellie from catastrophe. Another watch had a helming incident and did an entire circle before regaining track. This did have some benefits, however, as they got to learn a little more about sail setting at the rush. It also meant that we were treated to a lesson from Chris (permanent first mate) on the sails. Here is what we learnt:
Royal – not the queen and her family, but the highest sails on the mast
Course – not a set of lessons to follow, but the lowest sails on the mast
Yard – not a measure of distance but the horizontals on the main fore masts
Sheet – not something to put on your bed, but a line to pull the sail into shape
Tack – not what you put on a horse, but a line to pull the course forward
The list could go on and on, but we’ll simply say at the start Chris said “So far I don’t imagine you’ve had a clue what’s been going one when I’ve been asking you to pull ropes”, whilst at the end of the talk, we were able to say “Now we’ve got a clew”
There have been some other exciting developments today... Rachel opened the shop so we are all now kitted out in JST sailing gear; forward starboard turned their neckers into bandanas, bought an eyepatch (with a free tattoo, hurrah!) and added a few “Aharghh me’arties” so we are now officially pirates of the north sea; we’ve been so far out to sea we were entirely on our own for part of the day; we’ve found a song book so may be keeping Captain Clare awake all night; Nikki made us sit next to someone we’ve never sat beside at dinner, and most important of all – Forward Starboard watch found the centenary duck! He has now been freed from under Lord Nelson’s hat and is currently socialising in the bar with his yellow and pink cousins. All in all, a fab day.
P.S. Sarah from pink watch wishes her sister Helen a very happy 22nd birthday! Xxx
P.P.S. Did you know that Harry the Hippo no longer likes swimming, Nikki and bluebells, he now likes reading, Laura and guitars.
Written by Forward Starboard Watch.
Day 4: Scheveningen, Holland
Arrived in Scheveningen at 1600 hours, and spent about an hour (or so it seemed) trying to dock. We were following Chris’ orders in trying to tie the ship to the harbour. After a scrumptious tea, we could all go ashore for a while. Forward Port went down to the sea, and while Hannah & Emily stayed up next to the road, Birthday Hannah, Gemma and I went down to the sea to paddle. Chris & Marcin came down later & went for a swim. Back on the ship now, and several of us have decided to celebrate being in port by having a shower. Forward Port are sitting in the bar, taking advantage of the quiet before the rest descend back upon us – the permanent crew are taking advantage of the quiet too & are gathered in Rachel’s cabin chatting. They’re playing the game, How many people can you fit in the Medical Purser’s Cabin. At the moment the answer is 6.
Written by Jenny (Forward Port Watch).