19-10-12 - Lord Nelson STW1

First blog of our epic Sail the World voyage on Lord Nelson.
DAY 1. Voyage crew arrived from 1pm, drizzling rain but all excited to be getting aboard at last after months of anticipation. So lucky to be part of this unique adventure. Evidence of immense amount of work being done to get ship ready for the 2 year epic trip. New bedding courtesy of John Lewis, air con being fitted but not complete so there are some engineers coming to the Canaries with us to complete it! Tough job at sea, but great that they are doing it!!Lots of other new clean shiny kit. Thanks to all supporters. Then the Launch tea party on the quay, all the crew in smart new blue polo's with our new main sponsors Norton Rose logo. Lots of press photographers. We felt like celebrities! Sir Peter Snow presented Capt Barbara with a brand new red ensign and declared the Norton Rose Sail the World Challenge open. We also all met the new JST Vice Patron Alexandra Rickham - a Paralympic Bronze Sailing medallist - and some of us even got to hold the medal - its heavy? What an unexpected treat.