24/10/11 - Lord Nelson

LN797 Day One: Yesterday saw a windy start to the day with the fenders between the starboard side of the ship and the quayside having disturbed a few people during the night. Others were disturbed by the slap of waves around the stern. It was the usual joining day morning of tidying the ship, stowing sails away below decks and pre voyage meetings. After lunch the voyage crew started to arrive. they were greeted by their watch leaders on the bridge and shown to their bunks before signing on.
After initial safety briefs it was time for a quick cup of tea or coffee (smoko). This was followed by evacuation practice for those involved, and then the first evacuation drill, involving all the voyage crew. The ship was then got ready for departure, first it was time for everyone to get into full wet weather gear. I say every one but the cook Dave and Derek his assistant were quite happily preparing the evening meal in the warm and dry galley.
The crew of Tenacious kindly let go the mooring lines for us and we were away the forecast being horrible wet and windy. Neil the captain set a course for going towards the Isle of Wight and then anchoring on the Mother bank which proved to be more restful than the previous night alongside was. The voyage crew gradually settled in several finding their way to the bar before getting a rest before their anchor watches.

Jo Hicks
Medical Purser