For the majority of the crew, being first time voyagers, Day One was somewhat of an eye opener.
But for those who'd sailed before on Lord Nelson, stepping onto the deck again was like slipping into a favourite, much loved old sport's jacket.
You felt at ease and within minutes already refreshed.
In dribs and drabs the volunteer crew arrived and soon realised that this new world of the sea that they'd entered, though baffling in many aspects, was one of the friendliest places to be.
Name tabs were stuck on shirts and tops and by the time the call came to attend the Captain's briefing, many new friendships were well under way.
As one of the first timers commented later as we all tucked an excellent cold spread served on deck:" I didn't know what to expect. But certainly nothing quite like this."
He'd realised that the magic of being a crew member aboard Nelly is that there are no strangers----only shipmates from day one onwards.
Tony Bushby
Starboard FWD.