25/04/12 - Lord Nelson

25 April..... Traffic separation zone, just off Wolf Rock...
Despite the high winds and roly seas, forward port are ending the voyage on a real high. The high points have been, conversations under the stars in the middle watch, the endless patience of the professional crew as we ask them for the umpteenth time where the t'gallant sheets are, the quality of every meal - how do you produce a full English breakfast, roast lamb dinner and delicious pastries when the galley is rolling 20 degrees?
For Chris, whose first voyage this is with JST, a real high point has been the ability of the so-called "disabled". Already we are devising schemes to get back aboard "Nellie" for another voyage...... It was wonderful to be on deck at night and see the phosphorescent trail of a dolphin near the darkened surface of the ocean, right alongside, still twisting and curving playfully in that vast night.
This voyage has been a great experience. It has been good being able to slow down and settle into the ship's routine, as well as getting to know the people on our watch and the rest of the crew.
It was lovely having a day alongside in Cobh, and to be able to walk on solid ground, but we were all glad to put back out to sea.
For me, this meant having the opportunity to helm the ship out of the harbour, under the watchful eye of the Captain. It will be a shame when the voyage comes to an end, but I plan to be back at some point in the future.