28/05/12 - Lord Nelson

Departure from Bristol at 10:30 AM from outside the Arnolfini with clear blue skies and sun; everybody in excellent spirits. This was particularly the case for the five people left behind to hand over wires and then had to chase after the ship in a speed boat. Once back on the boat we saw lots of people waving and racing to take pictures of the ship and to revel in the spectacle! We passed through a couple of bridges plus a lock had to be cleared before passing under the Clifton Suspension Bridge designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. We travelled through the gorge on towards the Avonmouth Bridge and anchored at Pill to be taught the ropes by Steve and Lesley. As this happened we were surrounded by children on the banks from various local schools. Some of the cadets used a catapult from the top of the ship to fire waterbombs at the screaming and excited children. Once the tide was right we were able to pass under the Avonmouth Bridge with half a metre to spare much to the amazement of those watching. From there we sailed onwards past Portershead, Clevedon Pier and into the Bristol Channel.
Conditions are very calm albeit very cold on the bridge. WRITTEN BY CHRIS
GOLBY AND CATH SLADE