Fwd Starboard watch came on watch at 8am which meant we were woken up at 6.45am for early breakfast. We came on deck to find that France was in view and we were actually needing to kill some time before we could meet the piolet to take us into Cherbourgh harbour. So although we were sailing on a NWN heading we were actually being pushed backwards by the tide. Eventually it was time to put the engines on, stow the sails and make the boat ready for port. I was given the helm which was a slightly nerve racking experience especially going through the lock, but of course I was just doing what the captain told me to do and so we came alongside safely. On the way in we spotted three dolphins that came to play in our wake. Once the boat was tidy we had our photo taken in front of Tenacious. After this we were free to explore and discover the delights of Cherbourgh. Most people decided to eat ashore and I enjoyed a huge bowl of mussels followed of course by a chocolate crepe. Back on board our watch did a harbour duty from 2200-0000, during which we were serenaded by a group of rather drunk French youth. A good nights sleep was had and everyone appeared bright eyed and bushy tailed for breakfast. A hearty meal of cereal, toast, and full cooked washed down with juice or tea set us up well for the day ahead. While some were working hard washing up in the mess others were given permission to go ashore for the last 30 mins before we needed to get ready to depart.
Some people were asked to do shore duty which meant they had to release the mooring lines. They then transferred back onto Tenacious from a RIB, which looked very daring as they climbed a slippery rope ladder up the side of a moving ship. Once we were safely out of the lock we were joined by the dolphins again so cameras were at the ready but they didn't stay around for long. Lunch was then served on deck and then after lunch, sails were set.
This involves setting the yard arms and then hauling on ropes to get the sails unfurled. I was then asked if I'd like to go aloft to sort out the buntlines. I had already been aloft once but we weren't allowed to take cameras on our first ascent so I took this as an opportunity to get a photo as proof that I had done it. By this time my watch was back on watch. Which kept us busy helming, keeping watch, writing the log and making afternoon tea for everyone. Fwd Starboard watch - Andy, Tom, Gemma, Louise, Paul,
Bill, Tony and Cheryl