Consoling myself with the thought that we had only lost 3 hours of a favourable wind, we commenced setting sail as soon as we were clear of the breakwater. The NW wind was a force 6 and the seas bouncy, but within an hour we were under sail. The crew all pulled with gusto and set both Lower Topsails, both Courses, the Spanker and headsails. This amount of canvas had us sailing southwards at 6 or 7 knots. A few squalls passed over during which we made up to 10 knots and tried to shelter from the accompanying heavy rain showers.
The crew were all jubilant at being at sea and actually sailing.
Unfortunately one of the crew, desperate for a fag and ignoring good advice about slippy decks, took his last walk on deck this voyage. He slipped, bumped his head and suffered fractured ribs. Overnight we had a bumpy passage but by morning things were beginning to calm down and occasional glimpses of sun brightened the skies. Our casualty was airlifted off when we were 40 miles from Lisbon. The large Portuguese military helicopter that came out provided a great photo opportunity for the crew and within half an hour of arriving at the ship, our casualty was whisked aloft in a stretcher.
We remained under sail throughout, and as the wind had decreased a little we set the Upper Topsails and T'Gallants. When things quietened down we carried out rounds and Ronan, Medical Purser, was traumatised by the Captain as she led him round the ship, pointing out hitherto hidden areas requiring improvement.
All is looking good for our passage south
Captain Barbara