Web report Day 9 & 10 TNS 265
Crew entertainment for the day commenced with a practice fire drill. This involved a simulated fire in the aft pump room.
Midday found us off Cape Mondego (Portugal). Many of the crew took advantage of the dramatic change in weather. Oil skins were cast aside, bare limbs exposed, and many crew relaxed on deck, basking in the sun.
The much improved weather conditions found several crew ascending the main mast - because it was there!
Sadly the lack of wind forced us to continue under power; however we had three jibs and three staysails out as stabilisers to reduce the ship’s roll.
Aft Port on the 8-midnight watch saw us following the inshore traffic zones with the lights of Lisbon off to port. The 7.30am call beckoned us to a more overcast day and at last the engines were turned off as both the main and fore mast lower and upper topsails were set.
After a hearty breakfast, we continued to set ALL of the remaining sail, storm jib, fore and main course, t’gallants and royals, plus the spanker. At last the ship is under full sail, making progress towards Cape St Vincent having covered 203 nautical miles in the last 24hours. Captain Barbara was spotted aloft on the foremast doing an inspection of the rigging.
We are now on the 1230 – 1600hrs watch, the wind has dropped and the storm jib has been handed. Cape St Vincent is still almost on the beam and the fishing line is out…..
Aft Port
Peter, Kai, Jerry, Oliver, Richard, John, Ann and Emma