The excitement of the horse races (I was a jockey, my knees will not forgive me for quite some time, I think) meant a good night's sleep last night - for some of us. 40 knot winds had Second Mate John and some of the rest of the permanent crew up at ungodly hours as we avoided hitting various smaller vessels and buoys! We did think it was rather noisy in the fo'c'sle, what with all the creaking; little did we know about the fun and games in the Chart Room.
Monday morning dawned reasonably clear and bright, and after a typically hearty breakfast, a long period of "happiness" (scrub scrub scrub), and a visit from the fresh water tanker, we seemed finally ready for the off! A period of rest was implemented to enable us all (and most importantly, the permanent crew) to get some shut eye, then at 3 - 3.30pm we were all set to make a move. After motoring out of the shelter of Falmouth harbour, we set the inner jib, and the fore and main staysails to redress the "bouncing".
Some downpours and a chill wind reminded us that it is in fact November (the weather was deceptively beautiful yesterday) and that we are about to head across the Bay of Biscay... all hands, sea sickness tablets at the ready!
Looking forward very much to seeing what the next few days have in store for us, and sailing down south to warmer climes.
That's all folks!
Helen F/P