16/08/12 - Lord Nelson

Robin is perfecting the 'backwards-butterfly' stroke as we all attempt to come to terms with the deck sloping at unexpected angles.  We've had an eventful run up through the Bay of Biscay - the wind has been pelting us along at 7-8 knots (sometimes 10!) and dramatic squalls accompanied by lighting made for some interesting night watches. The conditions were so bad on our watch that the main royal was ripped to pieces. Like the sound of two trucks crashing into each other. Today we celebrated Emma's birthday with an amazing chocolate cake made by Cookie Dave and some rather off singing.  Our two lovely BM's (Oofie and Ee-fah - the long and the short of it) are currently roving round the ship tying down anything that moves with extra bungee cords (I suspect I may be next).  We've been very active setting sails then taking them in again so the bar sounds more like a library than anything else. Even Robin's 'port and starboard' nail polish is starting to chip off. About to exit the Bay of Biscay and on track to reach Waterford in about two days time. 
Love to all at home (Hi Mum!)  Emma P and the rest of FS watch.