The Big Race - Day One
The voyage crew had all eagerly arrived on board and had signed on ships articles by 14.00. There are quite a few familiar faces amongst the voyage crew, along with some new ones. The voyage crew had all eagerly signed on for the 25th anniversary race voyage. Captain Barbara then introduced the permanent crew; she then outlined the various ways that we might be negotiating the various way points during the upcoming race.
The race between Lord Nelson and Tenacious commences at 16.00 tomorrow (Tuesday) to make the most of the tides around the eastern side of the Isle of Wight. We have Ron Dadswell on board as race director, he has organised ISTA races in the past.
Although the race hasn’t officially started, we are ahead. We got our completed pre voyage documentation to the JST office first, we left our berth first. Not that we are keeping score!!
The voyage crew have had their safety briefings; we have done the first emergency evacuation drill. Some intrepid crew have donned harnesses’ and been instructed and climbed aloft to the platforms. Several of the voyage crew helped with the gangway from the shore then let go the mooring wraps before getting into the DOTI boat to get a ride to the ship and clamber up the ladder to get back on board.
Dave the cook ably assisted by Derek produced a lovely roast. Several voyage crew are watching the banks of the Solent as we head towards the Isle of Wight others have made themselves at home in the bar.
More training is to follow tomorrow including bracing drills and sail setting talks.
Jo Hicks
Medical Purser