29/05/12 - Lord Nelson

Congratulations to Watchleader Peter Cairns for his 50th JST voyage. Cookie Dave produced a succulent iced fruit cake for the occasion.

After an enjoyable day sailing, we reluctantly resorted to engines to arrive at the Isles of Scilly. We took on board a pilot to direct us to the anchorage at Saint Mary'
Most of the crew made their way ashore via the DOTI boat and enjoyed the hospitality of the picturesque Isle of Scilly, Saint Mary's.

Forward Port Watch : Peter, Graeme, Alana, Alistair, Sam and Dan.
The last 24 hours according to Gary, David,Jon, Alan, Cedric and Bette (Aft
Port Watch)
Midnight saw us all wide awake and ready for action, well awake anyway. The sea, according to our poetic chorister Cedric,was "looking glassy, with undulations". As we arrived on the bridge the moonlight was like sparkling diamonds on the sea and Aft Starboard - the watch we took over from - assured us there were mermaids in the depths. Our first night watch was surprising cold after the glorious sunbathing weather we had enjoyed during the day but our discomfort was more than relieved by a cohort - well at least 3 - of friendly dolphins darting through the dark water like silver torpedos.
Night rolled on and the sea rolled with it. The upper mess provided us with a 2 am feast but not all of us survived the Rhubarb Crumble Challenge...
During the day our messman Jon has learnt a secret professional tip regarding the peeling of onions without crying - but he tells us it has to remain a secret. Our first sail setting of the voyage saw the watch well represented on the main topsail yard with Bette on the port clewline and David on Starboard.
More excitement of a pilot whale, first sighted by bosun Lesley (who kept quiet to avoid the voyage crew abandoning the various bits of rope they were
pulling) made a second pass some distance away. The entertainment of Lesley's Jeremy Hunt moment when she spoonerised the buntlines and clewlines more than made up for her keeping the whale sighting to herself! Right now we're on first dog watch (4-6pm) in hazy sunshine with all sails set.
Glorious. Nobody has any money left because our lovely new Medical Purser, Cath, opened the shop this afternoon and we've spent it all. We are determined to show off our Nellie gear when we hit the hostelries of Waterford.