27/06/12 - Tenacious

27/6/12

The ship is eerily quiet after the bustle of ship life over the last 24 hours or so, We are alongside the pontoon in St Helier, Jersey, and were all glad to see the sun break through the sea fog that has been plaguing us since Swanage!

Watch outs were critical as we were in and out of patches of rolling mist and fog , this continued into the night, and so we had the mournful sound of the fog horn blaring, and some watertight doors shut overnight. It was especially critical to keep eyes open wide as we crossed the busy acceleration zone during the evening.  After a good period of sailing, we switched to engines at around 20.30, and motored throughout the night.

Today found us nearing Jersey by breakfast, but again, there was no view, due to fog. So we had an hour of "happiness," cleaning the ship, and followed this with a spot of retail therapy in the lower mess.  Tenacious will be well advertised by our voyage crew today !

By the time, we had all had an on deck sandwich lunch, taken the pilot on and come alongside, the sun had come out .  Suddenly, layers were being shed and sunglasses put on. before being removed for the voyage photograph . This was hilarious, as 43 crew squashed onto the narrow pontoon next to the ship... and the combined weight caused a serious sinking feeling. and a few wet feet at the back !!

Shortly afterwards everyone started heading ashore for walks, bus trips inland to various destinations, and several were spotted with a big ice cream in hand ! So all quiet until harbour watches commence at 22.00 and the crew return. Tomorrow there will be a chance to climb, or be hauled up the mast, for those that need a little more assistance, and then we will be off on our travels again. Everyone is well, and have got good sea legs, so we will enjoy our last night at sea tomorrow, on our way back into Southampton.

Jane MP