We awoke relieved to realise that we were still alongside the quay at Cherbourg and hadn’t been boarded by pirates during the night. Looking out the weather promised to be another good day, but horror of horrors still no wind. By now Sue had already gone to her mess duty...gleefully, while the rest of us waited in bed for those precious extra minutes. Cookie and Rosie yet again provided us all with an excellent breakfast. Having mustered for our meeting we were allocated our watch and “happy hour” duties. Why this is called happy hour we still don’t know !!!!!!!! The heads beckoned..... Watch leader Bryan informed us that a photo shoot on the quayside followed after happy hour. No pamper time was allowed for us girls to look our best. But a few did manage to apply a little lippy. Our “David Bailey” Marco had us all smiling with his “guaranteed laughter duck hat”. Full crew photograph was followed by watch photos. Captain Clare informed us we were to visit her most favourite place on the planet, Alderney. Yeah! For those of us who were going ashore we were warned to be back prompt for 1.45 or else it was a long swim home.....
We were all off duty now (apart from Sue who was still gleefully on mess duty, dicing vegetables for lunch and our evening meal. Cherbourg was once again invaded by the motley Nelson crew! We returned to alfresco lunch of fresh bread and cheese taken on deck in the glorious sunshine, yummy. Still no wind! Our escape from the dock was scheduled for 2.30 and we slipped our last line 2.44 precisely (so we are informed by the scribe aka Sue, she gets around!). While we were waiting for the bridge to rise John was at the helm lining us up for our escape out of the basin. A task Nick had accomplished on leaving Southampton 3 days ago. After Bryan, June and Jackie had stowed the ropes and Linda had returned safely in the DOTI boat we all mustered on the bridge to continue our watch. Still no wind! Janet and Ron skilfully guided us out into the open ocean on a heading for Alderney. Our heading was now barwards to relax and write this blog... Forward port watch all think this is a very happy ship where everyone pulls together inspiring us all with confidence to achieve anything we desire.
Still no wind! We suddenly heard the call “Dolphins” and we dropped everything and ran to the bow. Unfortunately the beer was now taking its toll and we arrived too late! They hadn`t hung around for the slow coaches.
Shiver mee timbers mee hearties, still no wind!
Forward port watch