050’ 13.14 N
002’ 44.12 W
Alderney to Plymouth
So here we are now on the way to Plymouth after another brief encounter with the French coast. The days are blurring together as a result of the watch system, but we’ll try and get them separated out!
I think it was Monday that we zipped into Portsmouth and ramped up alongside another Challenger skippered by Cmdr Bond, who like Adam and Paul, brought a whole new charm of his own. We spent the day doing jobs, and then went out for a bite, but we were already fairly knackered so it wasn’t a late one. Next day we shipped on out at 1400 and set course for Cherbourg. Kate and Jen were navigating and got everyone there perfectly, even through the treacherous English Channel at night (incidentally, Kate is writing this part!). The channel was great craic though and really interesting because even though you know what way the ships are going, it’s pretty impossible to judge how far away they are. But including today, we’ve now done the channel four times, with no dings to report.
Once in Cherbourg – we arrived about 0500 – we came alongside, had a quick briefing and clean up, and then it was off back to Weymouth with nav team Tony and Jack. Phil came out with a good summing up of our first trip to France: ‘We came all the way to France, just to drop off a big bag of shit!’ this was in reference to the bin bags out of the heads!
Got back across to Weymouth safely, with absolutely stunning sailing conditions. The sun was shining and we were whoring along upwind in a nice force 5. I nearly didn’t want to go to bed, but after a zombie like turn on helm, I crashed. As for the watches, we are getting used to them at last, and no one seems to be too tired, apart from Jack obviously, who is currently asleep and soon to get a rude awakening from Alex!
After 2 hours in Weymouth – from about 2100 to 2300 - where we met the other tall ship Stavros Niarchos, we jumped port again and set course to Alderney, which is one of the Channel Islands and all new to us. This time our turn around was even quicker, about the same length as a tack to be precise! Daniel and Grainne got us there, and as I speak poor little Jersey boy is working out the pilotage back into Plymouth. Our progress back is a bit slower this time as the wind is not quite the way we’d like it, but we’re fussy now after all the good stuff. Sun is shining again though!
As for morale: everyone is still getting on really well, although the tiredness has made us a bit mental and inclined to laugh at ANYTHING! A shower is on order, but I dunno how long it’ll be till we get one. At least we all smell the same! One suggestion by Paul to save water on the boat and get a wash in was to shower together… this is still under debate!
So far, so good. Getting our miles in, and doing some proper navigating and night sailing, whilst still managing to keep the comedy act going. Alex just banged his knee, now that’s comedy!
Additional Note from Fets
Tonight, we will learn how to roll our own cigarettes! Paul has volunteered to teach us – brave man! We are hoping that it’ll be a success because nearly all of our Marlboro lights are gone now. Will keep you informed on our progress.
It’s safe to say that our navigation skills have improved greatly since the start of our voyage on challenger 2, however, there may still be a few details that need to be ironed out for some of our crew members. Today, the instruction was given to tack when we get to the I in submarine! It would appear that our navigators thought the word submarine actually appeared in reality as it does in the chart. Our skipper, in his wisdom, said “No problem, just let me know when you see it”! Needless to say, we sailed straight past the submarine training area because not one of the people on watch spotted the I!
Ads’ Note
Things have been fairly full on since leaving. Lots of shorter coastal passages, plenty of pilotage and passage planning from the troops. Each and everyone of them stepping up to the plate and delivering what was required. All have been adapting to the way of life on board… sleep management being one of the key things that everyone has come to terms with.
As a team we have all shared some highs and lows. Some classic quotes:
“It was all making sense skip, I thought I had it sussed and then you introduced your pole.” Let us not forget,
“I spy with my little eye something beginning with France.”
And my personal favourite
“Crickey, it is raining in my head!”
Last few days have been especially gruelling as we zig zag across the channel. As it happens the vast majority of arrivals has been during night hours which has been keeping all onboard on their toes, especially the nav teams.
Guys and Gals all becoming very familiar with the Reeds Almanac and Chart 5011. Also learning to use the heads without sinking the yacht.
Some words from Arnie Archy Renegade Ruprect the IX
“I am fascinated by the snakes and turns that my name takes… I am I am I am in awe of The Great One who precides over his minions as a shark does its kill. Having spent many hours grabbling with the rain in my head. I finally figured out that the ‘Shark Break’ is actually the ‘Shaft Break’ Will report as soon as if able… Over; but not Out… Yet. (a snake twit in the making!)”`
“It is pretty demoralising looking at the same light house for about three hours.” Phil.
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