Hi all, sorry if you haven’t seen our recent updates. we have been sending them, but they must have taken a detour around these beautiful Scottish islands! We have had fantastic hospitality and help here in Lerwick, and are sad to leave but glad that we can actuall set sail! We have had so much entertainment, of a really high standard… Friday night Captain Chris was resplendent in his kilt and dress jacket etc, and kindly invited me to escort him to the Captains dinner. It was an excellent evening with delicious food and good music. We were all saddened by the news that evening of the killings in Norway and joined the other ships in flying our ensign at half mast. There are a lot of Norwegian crew here, and we had all had a fantastic time in the Crew parade through the streets the day before. Our thanks to our apron and head scarf clad crew " scrubbers", who gave policemen, roundabouts and anything else a scrub with a deck brush as we went round! Over to the voyage crew for their update:
So the Tall Ships Race has hit Lerwick and its time for a new crew to take over the mighty Lord Nelson. With fresh faces and inspired souls we hoped to set off onto the murky waters mid Sunday but due to the unsurprising 'lovely’ weather that Shetland boasts we have been alongside until Monday afternoon, which is today! So the past few days the crew have been occupied with many forms of entertainment from the well known ABBA tribute band "Bjorn Again" to our very own talented musicians! Also keeping most of us entertained and the rest of us slightly petrified (I hold my hand up to be one of them) was going aloft! With the wind blowing a strong gust and the rain battling down this gave us a perfect opportunity to experience going up the masts in the wildest of weathers. I must admit though it was an amazing experience that is well worth the shakes and wobbles if you;re as scared of heights as I am, and the crew were very helpful in getting me up there! Already just after a couple of days many laughs have been shared and good friends have been made amongst everyone, - certainly looking forward to the rest of the adventure! Just back from doing our first bracing, sitting waiting for lunch, oh by the way the food is great! And ready to sail down to Orkney, bring it on! J Stephen and Skye
Pekican has just left and other ships are getting into position for our final Parade of Sail , we hope to leave at 14.00 and head for a bit of sunshine !
Jane MP