Hello from AFT PORT watch! Today we were on the 8-12.30 watch (except for Lizzi who is on mess duty) so we had an early start leaving Orkney. We motored until around 1030, due to the tides in the Pentland Firth. We could see all the eddies in the sea and every so often the ship would choose its own course. Then we got the sails up and our watch leader Trish set a speed record of 7.8 knots. This might not seem much but the ship was heeling and our speed has been less than 1 knot a lot of the time while sailing. Jen and Fran nearly got into trouble with the Captain for suggesting course changes and some sail trimming but actually she agreed with us. We then carried on until 12.30 and handed over to Lou’s watch. After a lovely lunch of macaroni cheese and trifle (not on the same plate) we settled down to do the Captain’s challenge. Each watch has been given an egg and we have to throw it from the top of the mast and land on the deck. There are points for the furthest throw, intact egg and for presentation. We suspect we will win on presentation but are unsure about the others. We have nail varnished our egg (apparently they become less brittle), then encased it in a Pringles tube filled with socks, tissue and toilet paper and egg boxes. We have then filled the Pringles tube with strawberry jelly which the lovely Colin kindly made for us. We have then decorated the entire tube as a female pirate complete with hook instead of hand and a parrot on her shoulder. Lizzi and Rachel were snoozing at this point so we are hoping they will finish the decoration.
Yesterday was Trish’s **th birthday so we had presents and a lovely chocolate cake. In the evening we played pass the parcel which included forfeits as well as prizes. Rachel had to spend this morning’s watch in a wheelchair so we all took in turn to buddy her. She did some brass cleaning, helming and lookout duties and in fact enjoyed herself so much that she had lunch in the wheelchair and slept in it all afternoon.
This morning a fisherman gave us about 20 crabs that he had caught and didn’t want (he was aiming for Lobsters). Which meant most of the crew spent the afternoon removing all the meat under the watchful eye of Fred the Fish (bosun’s mate). The upper mess has a lovely smell now. After this (it’s been a VERY busy day) the permanent crew had to do a drill to remove a casualty from an enclosed space. Jess unfortunately had wrapped her leg around the ladder in the galley store and the crew had to practice getting her out. Dr Fran was very surprised to be involved in this and immediately requested entonox. We’re not sure if she wanted this for Jess or for herself. Jess then had her leg placed in a splint and was placed on a stretcher before being hoisted into the lower mess. Surprisingly her leg then seemed absolutely fine. Fran wondered why her hand had blood all over this and thought it was a bit too realistic but then discovered she had injured herself whilst helping to save Jess from amputation.... A plaster has made it all better. Anyway it’s nearly time for ANOTHER meal, so will wander off and go and eat J
Now back on watch and its 2145. About an hour ago we saw a boat coming towards us very quickly. It turned out to be a lifeboat from Fraserburgh coming to check us out. Shortly afterwards we were boarded by three men and we sent them Alec the engineer and Marcin Bosunski. They had a ride on the lifeboat and the lifeboat men had a tour of Lord Nelson. Now they have gone we are busy devouring jelly babies and yoghurt raisins. We have brought in some of the sails because we were going too fast and we have to arrive in Aberdeen at a certain time tomorrow. Anyway back on deck now, finish the watch and go to bed. We are finally sailing at night time! Although doesn’t really get dark....