Greetings all ashore from the TNS328 crew. We have come alongside, for the first time since we left Southampton, and are in Cascais. We are by far the biggest vessel in the marina, and should boost the tourist trade by 98% atleast ! The gangway is in place, and Capt. Simon has gone to the police with all our passports ……. So hopefully, we will swarming ashore after the next set of linesmen have finished their safety briefing with Ali.
The Bay of Biscay was pretty kind to us really, a huge swell and plenty of pitching, as we would expect , but the weather was generally sunny and mild. The few who succumbed to the mal de mer, were robust about it, and all up and about quickly.
Graham and Sam have worked tirelessly with the rotating messmen to ensure that our palates have been tickled, and our waistlines thickened, we won’t need fenders in the Canaries … we can all hang over the side ourselves !!
There have been various informative talks at 16.00 most days, on buoys, rigging and things nautical. There has been an almost daily dose of enforced happiness, to keep the ship smelling sweet, and we have had an opportunity to shop and have nice new Tenacious togs to strut shoreside !
There are various talks to come on the next leg, and more drills to complete. We had a full scenario fire fighting drill this week, which involved myself and the voyage doctor also.
Everyone appears happy, and plenty of banter and fun is keeping morale at a high. It will be good to get a walk in today , and eat a meal with both hands free to use the cutlery, instead of cradling our plates and mugs to our chests possessively at all times !
We intend to leave again at 10.00 tomorrow, so we will update you when we are alongside next time. Love to all at home, we are thinking of you !
Jane
Medical Purser