14th - 15th August 2012
It was a calm night at anchor just around the head from La Coruna. The ship rocking gently from side to side, which sent the crew to sleep, like babies rocked gently in their cribs. Quiet baby sounds replacing the normal snoring, well in the men's section anyway.
We awoke to breakfast. The "full monty" placed in front of each man and woman by the highly efficient mess men. Except for Robin who prefers just two eggs. To my surprise, the lack of bacon at breakfast doesn't seem to blunt his energy.
Happy hour arrives. Ruth gave a very interesting talk about how to use a broom, so many things that I had not realised before!. First dry brush, then dry hoover and finally a wet scrub. Ecoverfor the loo and flash wipes just for the loo seats. Sif cream and blue cloths for the basins, and a glass cloth and glass cleaner for the mirrors. Black bags in the dust-bin. Change the hand towel at the end to of the shift. Our watch gets hovering. Yippee!
After lunch of cheese, salad and cold meats we weighed anchor and set off for the start line. Eventually the rain lifts and some of us managed to venture out on the bow sprit for the first time. Race start time was set for 7pm, and as we approached the line we set the fore main, course, t'gallants and royals, the upper gibe, and the main t'gallands, royals. The captain expertly timed our start and we crossed second, within the 15 minutes mark.
Off went the ship, reaching speeds of 7 knots with the wind veering erratically at first, but then settling down to a steady wind on our quarters. Eventually we were passed by some of the larger boats but we are in with a chance based on the handicapping system, because we have declared few sails and a smaller sail area. So, onwards to fair Dublin.
The day was finished off with a fine display of dolphin and killer whales off the bow and sides of the ship. As if to speed us along on our first night, racing for glory and a well-deserved pint of Guinness.
Gavin Donaldson on behalf of Aft Starboard