6-8/02/13 - Lord Nelson

Wednesday 6th February

Joining day for most of the voyage crew on STW 12. A busy day on board. Allocating crew to their Watches and accommodation. Kitting everyone out with safety belts, wellies, and oilies. Briefing to crew from Captain Chris, 1st officer John, engineer Marco and Medical Purser Steve.

For those willing it was time to harness up and go aloft- up the fore and main mast. Cape town is notorious for its south-easterly wind, which is more evident when you climb. The backdrop views of Table Mountain, Lion and Signal hill are stunning.

After some fresh air and exercise I was ready for another great meal served up by Derek & Mandy.


Thursday 7th February

Preparations began early as pilot booked for 11am to guide us out of Cape Town. An operation that went off very smoothly with Terry at the helm. A small crowd gathered on the quayside to wave us off.

Shortly after the protection of the port the wind picked up and the sea became choppy. A small number of crew realised they weren’t natural sailors after all! Sick bags deployed. Always wise to keep an eye out for Richard with his camera doing some recording work for ITV. It was quite a choppy night at sea.


Friday 8th February

Today’s plan initially is to sail back to Table Bay to anchor overnight before progressing to Simons Town. But wind and current are against us so who knows where we’ll end up,

Still a number of crew feeling the effects of sea travel but several old sea dogs on board to keep the ship on track.

Maintaining a course of 080 was a bit of a challenge. Well done Lee who achieved a top speed of 8.1 knots.

No escape from 'happy hour’ this afternoon. Port watches on deck, starboard watches cleaning below deck.


Forward Starboard Bob, Richard, Chris, Terry, Lee, Piet and Catherine