West Cork Sailing and Powerboating Centre Blog of Trainees Adventures - Many posts by the trainees

Week 8 We came foul to polly prop

2011-11-10T18:56:00.002Z

Week 6 - Some chill out time at sea

2011-10-20T13:10:00.002+01:00

Week 6 We sail to Valentia - Sunshine, Scenery, Skelligs

2011-10-20T10:21:00.001+01:00

Dolphins on week 6

2011-10-19T10:57:00.002+01:00

Dolphins come to play.

Week 5 of Training

2011-10-13T15:24:00.004+01:00

Wild winds, happy hearts

Ruddlerless in the Rain

2011-10-05T10:09:00.000+01:00

2011 2012 Trainees

2011-10-05T09:30:00.005+01:00

Blog is back. A great new team of trainees have started training towards their Commercial Yachtmaster.
Welcome Vanessa, Micheal, Billy, Ger, Ciaran & Julian. The beginner sailors have been with us the past 4 weeks learning the basics and others that already have some experience joined this week for some serious stuff.
Coming up:
- Videos of last weeks ruddless in the keelboats to follow.
- Profiles of each trainees.
- A weekly report on the teams achievments and adventures.

Sunset at the Boat House

2011-03-23T22:33:00.000Z

100% Pass - Again

2011-03-22T13:49:00.002Z

Everyone passed - yippeeeee. 4 more Commercial Yachtmasters hit the ocean waves. Well done lads.

Nobody likes white bits!

2011-02-20T19:06:00.003Z

Nobody likes white bits!

Back to Base - Back to Reality

2011-02-16T11:57:00.003Z

A big welcome back to all our sun bronzed trainees today. Niall is actually enjoying the grey skies, chilly rain and most of all the smell of wet sod!! Everyone has headed off to Rossbryn this morning to launch Jessy back into the water, she will retun to Adrigole tomorrow. I have found some unsensored pictures of their Caribbean adventures - watch this space!!

Guadaloupe to Trinidad

2011-02-01T08:58:00.005Z

Reinforcing the sheets from clue chaffing!
Brave Simon heads to the top under sail. Nice shot Simon.
They leave Trinidad today and head on a long sail to St Marteen. Happy sailing.

Images of the Atlantic Crossing

2011-01-29T10:36:00.008Z

A series of images of our Atlantic adventure, whales, xmas, mid atlantic dip, repairs, sunbathing, washing & so much more.

Cruising Guadaloupe, Snorkeling Antigua

2011-01-24T10:10:00.006Z

Last week was a wonderful circumnavigation of Guadaloupe and back up to Antigua to pick up more crew. A mid sea lobster pot and floating line slowed down progress on return to English Harbour as the prop was tangled. A plan was made to anchor under sail in Falmouth Harbour and the reduced speed meant it would be after dark. A difficult manouver in such a large boat in the best of conditions, but at night in busy harbour was going to be tight. A gentle controlled speed under main of 3 1/2 knots was perfect, location chosen to drop, then a squall came in and speed picked up to 7 knots, a boat was moored in the chosen location, with another hidden behind it - eek! It was midnight and the anchor had to be dropped as there was no room for manouver - as she drifted back on her anchor heads started to bob up from companionways. She floated past each boat as more chain was let out and finally she came to a comfortable halt. Great team work from the crew - well done gang.

A relaxed weekend with snorkelling and dining out was had by all.

They lift anchor today and head for Tobago to build up some miles and discover another piece of paradise.

21 days,4,500 nautical miles - Barcelona to Antigua

2011-01-13T17:53:00.006Z

We made it. The wind had us chasing it south but never got too strong, often a bit too benign, but was kind to us on our Atlantic crossing. Dolphins, whales and sea birds entertained us along the way - along with broken pumps, ripped sails and worn sheets to keep us busy.

No one wants to see another bean or lentil cassarole for a good while and Fionnually, Fiona & Noel were very happy to sink into big beef burger their first day on Antigua.

We have been chillin out on Slipway Marina for a few days now making cleaning and servicing Cypraea ready for the Commercial Yachtmaster trainees arrival on today.

Yachtmaster Theory Training

2010-12-17T11:33:00.004Z

Congratulations everyone on the theory course. They all passed and have now broken up for their Christmas break and to get ready for the Caribbean adventure.
Meanwhile, we on Cypraea and waiting in Gran Canaria for the wind to turn and then we will be gone across teh Atlantic to the sunny Caribbean sea. Etd. Monday now - we are all chomping at the bit to get going and taste that rum!!
Here are some pics of our journey so far.

Tarragona to Gibralter

2010-12-09T16:02:00.004Z

Sunshine and a northerly breeze here in Gibralter, which means it't time to leave on Cypraea to head for Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.

Our water tanks are full and the lads helped witha mammoth shop of fresh fruit, veg and meast to keep us going for the journey. It was a truly strange experience to be shopping in Morrisons in Gibralter - Bisto, sausages, cranberry sauce, rashers and so so many familiar items on the shelves. I tried to buy local fish but all they had was UK import, very strange!!

Crew are all fit, well and keen to carry on the journey. The boys are working hard on there school work and on imporving there Nintendo skills (the latter being much more important apparently!!) - a bit of bribary always works to bring them back to the school work though.

In the mean time Simon is back at base training this years trainees in t heir Yachtmaster Theory and all is going smoothly, while Igor keeps them all well fed. Well done guys.

Sunshine and Snow

2010-11-29T11:24:00.003Z

The trainees are working hard in sunshine and snow!! What is happening to our climate? This is the final week of sailing for 2010 and they bring Jessy over to Rossbryn to lift her and tuck her up for a couple of winter months. Then return for 2 final weeks of theory in the lecture room. All ready for the 2011 safety training, Caribbean sailing and back to Jessy end of Feb for more sail training to prepare for their final exams in March.
In the meantime Cypraea is on her way to the Caribbean. We are stopped in Tarragona to make some modifications. The previous owners didn't seem to go for particularly heavy sailing, so we are busy moving electrics, adjusting cupboards and servicing pumps. The crew are amazing so an enourmous THANK YOU to Noel, Kristof, Fiona and Fionnualla. Rory and Oisin are doing their school work and being sent into the bilges to get to difficult places.
Tarragona is an amazing city with old Roman city here too.

I attach a few pics.
Gail

Cruising on Jessy in Bantry Bay.

2010-11-19T07:34:00.005Z

The keelboats were lifted in gusting South Westerlies this week and everyone worked well as a team to bring them ashore safely and decomission the equipment in lashing rain - thank you Dougie Gill for the joy of offshore gear. Not much hosing down of the decks and hulls was needed!! The underfloor heating was fired up in the Boat House and lots of coffee brewed as everyone sank into getting to grips with navigation theory this week. All will be back out on Jessy for the next couple of weeks.

Nora and Maurice are set free

2010-10-21T09:45:00.002+01:00

Great Jybe Feidhlim and Dave

2010-10-21T09:43:00.000+01:00

Keelboat Training Day One

2010-10-21T09:29:00.004+01:00

Feildhm and Dave's first freedom sail into Bantry Bay.

2010-10-21T09:07:00.000+01:00

Cy's head out into Banty bay in the keel boats on their own

2010-10-20T20:17:00.002+01:00

The trainees were let loose into Bantry bay in the keel boats on their own check out the skills they have already mastered in only 7 days of sailing!! a real credit to them

yachtmaster trainees for 2010-2011

2010-10-13T20:10:00.004+01:00

We extend a very warm welcome to this years new trainees Nora, Stephen, Maurice, David and Feidhlim. They all got off to a flying start this week with dinghy sailing to really master the skills of working the wind to your advantage. These next 2 weeks will give the guys an ubeatable expereince as any one who knows sailing a single handed dinghy is the best way to learn wind awareness fast, make a mistake,- and well its splash.
The weather has been superb and already everyone is flying around the harbour compleatly un-aided.

Dolphins off the West Coast

2010-09-16T14:18:00.003+01:00

You can subscribe to our UTUBE CHANNEL http://www.youtube.com/user/WestCorkSailing?feature=mhum

More Great Achievments for Trainees

2010-06-22T21:24:00.002+01:00

Noel Phair became a Commercial Yachtmaster this spring after the 6 month training preogramme and has just returned from delviering a brand new Jeanneau 44DS from South of France to Turkey for Jeanneau. They were so impressed with his excellent skills to deal with each little situation that was set before him they will be looking to give hime more deliveries soon. Another great testimonial for the level off Yachtmaster West Cork Sailing produces.

Clipper Round the World Race

2010-06-21T12:54:00.005+01:00

Hugh McCarthy is on board Cork as she leads the way across the Atlantic to Kinsale. Keep it up Hugh and crew - we look forward to welcoming you home - first!This picture is of Hugh in a more relaxed sailing experience in the Caribbean this winter. I think any pictures of him sailing right now will be VERY different. The exposure, ocean swell and constant drive to make the boat perform must be such an exhilerating adventure. We are all looking forward to hearing the highs and lows of the trip.

New Boat On It's Way

2010-06-01T16:59:00.003+01:00

A big new boat is coming soon. West Cork Sailing and Powerboating Centre are expanding the Commercial Yachtmaster course and buying a 60foot ketch. This lovely boat will give trainees a chance to train and build up experience on board a large yacht, which in turn not only builds up their skills but looks good on your cv when job hunting as a Yachtmaster.
Previous trainees of the Commercial Yachtmster course are working in all corners of the world and skippers are now calling us to ask for the latest top recruits to employ. Great news for our trainees and great news for the industry. Keep an eye on the blog and Facebook for the arrival of our new vessel.

Flying to the Scillies

2010-05-12T10:32:00.000+01:00

I am always superstitious about predicting the weather but it looks like its going to be a down hill run all the way to the Scilly’s next week, with a North westerly giving us a lovely reach down. Then the high builds from the south to give us glorious hot weather while cruising around the islands and some nice south e...asterlies for the way back. Beautiful flat seas, screaming reaches, whales, dolphins, early morning sunrise coffees, beaches, swimming and islands. Oh yea!! and they call it work. Still have space on board if you wanna join us. Call Gail or email. Niall

First Race Evening of the Year

2010-05-06T22:45:00.010+01:00

A brilliant evening of dinghy sailing tonight. Followed by supper and chocolate cake watching the sun set behind Hungry Hill. Aagh it's good to have this lovely sunshine evenings - give me more. We were enjoying getting back into the dinghies we decided to skip the race and sail aimlessly round the harbour to see the seals.

Gail

Work at Sea

2010-05-05T21:32:00.003+01:00

Congratulations goes to Hugh. Newly qualified and already got a position with Clipper Yachts delivering a yacht from Jamaica to Kinsale. Great post, well done.

Free Bags

2010-04-23T09:38:00.002+01:00

Just got this link from some fancy bag company. They seem to be collecting names for their database and giving away posh bags.
http://www.emercedesbenz.com/lifestyle/style/true-wind-navigator-duffel-and-classic-tote-bag-giveaway/
Good luck
G
Oh, and once again we have blue skies and a gentle wind. Gonna do a video of harbour & centre today, so take a lok at the new video pages on the web tonight.

Anchored Off Dunboy

2010-04-22T18:21:00.004+01:00

Jessy is gently swinging on her anchor at Dunboy Harbour, west of Bere Island, this evening. Blue skies, flat water, gentle breeze. Chicken pieces sizzling on the hob with a lovely spicy sauce. Sailors sat on deck enjoying the view. A lovely relaxing evening ahead.

Fastnet and Basking Sharks

2010-04-21T11:45:00.002+01:00

Now the Commercial Yachtmaster training is over Jessy starts her spring summer season of training courses, charters & day sails. This week is Competent Crew and Day Skipper. After a morning of getting to know the boat the trainees sailed her out into Bantry Bay and south to the lovely harbour of Crookhaven in time for a pint in OSullivans.
Tuesday was blue skies and a lovely breeze for a jaunt round the famous Fastnet Rock.
Wednesday now and they just saw the first Basking Shart of the season as they head for Bere Island tonight and a comfortable stay on Lawrence Cove Marina. The basking sharks started to come back to the West Coast of Ireland in large numbers a couple of years ago and we were worried that too many intersted boats men & women were going to put them off, but they return again. A wonderful sight slowly making way just below the waters surface with their big mouths wide open to catch the plankton.

New Skippers

2010-04-18T20:41:00.010+01:00

We look down on Adrigole Harbour from the top of Hungry Hill. Click on the image and see if you can spot Jessy on her mooring.

After a great night in the Glenbrook Friday, we all headed off to climb Hungry hill Saturday morning. It seemed such a good idea the day before but with a few of suffering from the previous night, the initial eastern shoulder was proving a bit of a test. Fiona decided that she would have to sleep on the decsion and so went back to bed, the rest of us climbed on. We all got into our stride at the top of the shoulder and the rest was very enjoyable making the summit in about 3 hours.

Back at the house that evening the party got under way with the champagne flowing and congratulations all round. 3.30 am we ran out of booze so Noel decided it was time to carry the party on down at the Birches, I left them to it.

It has been a great 6 months and Gail and I have made great new friends. We wish them all the best for their new maritime ventures and hope that the seas will bring them the same happiness and adventures it has brought us.

Niall Mac Allister

Some photos of our day yesterday.

100% Pass

2010-04-16T20:40:00.002+01:00

Well done everyone. All back on the dry and all passed with flying colours. Off to the pub now for a pint and full diagnosis of the past two days. We plan to climb Hungry Hill tomorrow, followed by champagn and fillet steak. Photos of the party to celebrate will follow.

Trainees Sail Alone in Adrigole Harbour

2010-04-14T19:54:00.002+01:00

Favourite Pic

2010-04-13T20:44:00.001+01:00

Great Tacking Guys & Gals

2010-04-13T20:36:00.002+01:00

Practicing marina manoevers

2010-04-09T16:10:00.003+01:00

Mastering Man Over Board

2010-04-09T14:52:00.005+01:00

6th – 9th April

We were all delighted to get back out to sea after our 2 week Easter break. The rigging was tightened up and fine tuned before we set off blindly (through ‘fog’) past Roancarrig lighthouse where we practiced our man over board drills. We’ve all finally managed to master crash tacking on to them (at least 50% of the time) and if not using the roximity to throw out the dan buoy and getting them on the next tack.

We spent the rest of Tuesday circumnavigating Bere Island before coming into Lawrence Cove for the night.

Wednesday morning was spent practicing our coming alongside into various berths in Lawrence Cove. Hugh wandered the marina with his highly sophisticated piece of equipment - the lead line, to check out where we could and couldn’t go. We got to grips with using prop kick and wash to our advantage as well as letting the wind do some of the work for us.

Once we exhausted all of Lawrences Cove’s berthing opportunities we headed out and practiced our anchoring under sail. We took it in turns sailing up to our anchorage, snagging and paying out the anchor until secure and then sailing off it again on the opposite tack.

After lunch we headed towards Bantry under Spinnaker. Noel got a nasty rope burn across his hand when trying to grab the guy as the Spinnaker flew off.

We spent Wednesday evening and Thursday on a reconnaissance mission of Bantry and its surrounds by circumnavigating Whiddy Island a few times. Niall simulated various situations to get us prepared for our exam next week. The ‘fog’ came and went for us to practice our blind nav, the man over board dummy kept falling in, the engine apparently failed to turn on intermittently and we zigzagged around to practice gibing the Spinnaker.

We spent Thursday evening in Glengariff. Once safely on the mooring we hoisted Fiona up the mast to change the bulb on the engine light. On her way back down she glided gracefuly into Hugh's open arms. We made our way back to Adrigole under Spinnaker on Friday. We’re all slowly getting more confident and competent with our skills and will hopefully sail through our exams next week!

Fionnuala (Commercial yachtmaster trainee)

Sailing for everyone this week

2010-04-08T15:36:00.000+01:00

While the trainees are enjoying sunshine and light breezes in Bantry Bay, back here in Adrigole Harbour Rory went out for little jaunt of his own yesterday, with Oisin trying to keep up with him in a kayak.
Reports back from Jessy are that the blind navigation exercises are going well.
Gail

Final Countdown

2010-04-06T13:57:00.003+01:00

Everyone is back after a well earned Easter break and out on Jessy for a week of manouvers in Bantry Bay. The final countdown to Exam day is now on, with only 7 more days of training to go. The weather forecast for this week is lovely sunshine, not much wind Wed & Thur though. It is difficult for the guys to post now, so I will keep you up to date with their news.
Gail (back at base)
Happy Bunnies Everyone

Yachtmaster prep video on u tube

2010-03-18T20:07:00.005Z

Check out they guys doing mobs in the sound on utube

http:www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss5Hs_70KOJg

Yachtmaster prep week 1

2010-03-18T18:50:00.009Z

Yachtmaster prep week 1.

Picking up moorings under sail, Coming alongside in all situations, Anchoring under sail and motor, refining the skills learnt in Day skipper, Navigation in restricted vis, night navigation, and off course the ever elusive man over board under sail and motor in Bantry Bay.

Coastal skipper final leg

2010-03-12T14:29:00.005Z

They rounded the Bull in the dark in my absence!! I was fast asleep in my bunk, very unlike me. Maybe I have confendence enough to dose off. Shame I missed it though as I had never been up close and personal to the beast in the dark and as expected the lads said it was impressive in a kind of ominous 'I am big and you are small' kind of way.

I was woken up just before 3am to be told we are at Pipers Sound and I sleepily crawled out of my pit to supervise the nights anchorage. Needn't bothered- they were fine.

We had a late start and after breakfast Hugh skippered us back through the sound to Adrigole. We gave Jessy her weekly scrub down and Noel Fiona and Hugh took her off the pontoon and put her back to her mooring while I prepared lunch to be served on the balcony at the centre. (pics attached to prove we dined al fresco)

The Pink Princess was paddled ashore in tru Pochahuntus (spelling!!) style by the boys and she didn't even get her tootsies wet on the slip.

After lunch Gail got serious and gave the trainees the yachtmaster exam paperwork which was taken away to be studied over the weekend.

Next week we get down and dirty for Yachtmaster prep- lets see how they get on???

Niall Mac Allister (instructor)

Flying Spinnaker along Ireland's West Coast

2010-03-12T14:09:00.006Z

Wednesday 10th March:

We set off at 6.30 this hazy and icy morning and headed around Slyne Head towards Roundstone carefully avoiding the treacherous Namaken rocks. Noel was keen on taking us though Joyce’s pass but when Nialls palpitations kicked he decided against it. We enjoyed lunch under the 12 Pins while keeping an eye out for our examiner who lives up around these parts. Hugh declared that he was bored about mid afternoon so ended up having to endure riddles and mind games from Fiona and Fionnuala. Our attempt at ‘I spy’ later on didn’t work too well when a certain member of crew chose a word beginning with ‘i’ then decided that maybe it started with ‘e’. When we finally gave up he declared triumphantly that the word was antenna (pronounced ‘intenay’ in a West Cork accent). We arrived into Kilronan on Inishmore at dusk and tucked into a roast chicken dinner. Noel tried his hardest but was unable to fit in a 4th chicken leg. Fiona got 'ferry' excited again as she watched the ferry coming and going from Inishmore for a while before following the rest of us to bed and dreaming of yacht carrying container ships.

Thursday 11th March:

Another early start so as to reach the Blasket Sound before nightfall. The light breeze allowed us to play around with the billowing spinnaker on our way South. We plan to use the Inishtearaght and Bull lighthouses to keep us clear of the Skelligs and Lemon rock as we sail through the night. We will anchor up in Dunboy off Castletownbere sometime in the very early hours of the morning so as to get a few hours of sleep while waiting for sunrise before we head the 10 miles back to Adrigole.

Fionnuala (Commercial Yachtmaster Trainee)

New style of picking up a mooring

2010-03-11T14:46:00.005Z

Picking up a visitors mooring is not as easy as it looks!!

Wind on the waves, nice and calm for lunch.

Killary Fiorde looks like the Canary Islands at the moment.

Sailing to Galway this week - Perfect winds, perfect skies

2010-03-10T11:05:00.004Z

Monday 8th March:

We’ve decided to build up as many miles as we can this week so we set off bright and early Monday morning for Killary. We passed by Fiona’s on our way to pick the princess up from her island. She glided gracefully from her delivery tug onto Jessy after an extra 2 hours beauty sleep.

We revisited a few places from last week – Back through the Dursey and Blasket sounds for our journey North. Night fell just after passing the Blaskets giving us the opportunity to practise gauging our rising and dipping distance from the various lighthouses along the West coast – Inisterracht, Loop head and Slyne head.

Tuesday 9th March:

The sun rose over the Aran islands and 12 pins as we followed the Connemara coast up to the Killary fjord – the only fjord in Ireland. We were all very grateful after a disturbed nights sleep when Niall announced mid morning that he was preparing bacon and egg sandwiches! Happy out we sailed on up Killary harbour where we are moored off Leenane.

Tomorrow Noel will skipper us to the Aran islands after a lunch stop in Roundstone. Until then we will enjoy the Galway/ Mayo sunshine.

Niall MacAllister - Commercial Yachtmaster Instructor

Sailing past the Skelligs

2010-03-08T07:24:00.006Z

These pictures are lovely high resolution, so you can click on them and get a good look at the beauty of the Skelligs.

Our return trip from Dingle took us past the Skelligs, these majestic rock outcrops are allways impressive to sail past, but to be able to do it on such a beautiful day made for a very memorable experience. The largest of the rocks Scellig Michael was the location for one of Irelands most notable monestries and was the home for early Christian monks for over 600 years up to the 12 century. The steep incline up to the top and the inaccessibility of the landing during any kind of sea must have kept these guys on their toes. It is with awe and respect that we rounded Skellig Michael and up to Little Skellig to view one of Ireland's largest gannet colinies get ready for the upcoming breeding season, with thousands of birds vying for position on this precipitious rock outcrop with beaks full of nesting material.

We headed into Derrynane for the night, one of my favourite anchorages, and a favourite of Daniel O Connell the liberator and many a romantic yachtsman. As we were approaching the transits for entry to the harbour we were treated to a magnificent sunset between the Scarrif Island and the Scelligs as the sun formed a huge pink and orange ball with magnificent reds stretching out over the islands. The photographs above are a memory but can not replicate the sheer beauty and exhilaration of what we saw.

Niall, Instructor on Commercial Yachtmaster Course

Back Sailing Again - Schull, Adrigole, Portmagee, Dingle, Derrynane, Adrigole

2010-03-06T07:19:00.005Z

Lunch in Ventry; Fionnuala greasing the steering; Felicity cuts her birthday cake

It is good to be sailing again.

Monday: We met in Rossbrin early Monday morning to head back out on Jessy. Luckily the weather was great so it wasn’t too much of a shock after our Caribbean sailing. We spent the trip to Adrigole sorting out the rigging and getting the sails sorted. Hugh and Noel had a great morning trying to figure out which line went where. Somehow we ended up with extra lines and an upside down jib. Being men, instead of asking for help they decided that everything comes with spare parts!

Tuesday: An early start to catch the tide through Dursey Sound got us into Portmagee in the mid afternoon. We tied up alongside a trawler and were immediately greeted by customs who had a chat with Noel about transporting drugs. We must of looked a bit suspicious after that as we tore apart the lazarettes trying to get at the steering shaft to oil it up. Our fire fighting in the Isle of Wight really helped with squeezing into all those small dark spaces.

Wednesday: We were woken very early by the fishermen on the trawler next to us at Portmagee pier. The morning being fine they decided to head off keeping us tied alongside. We were well on our way out the harbour before we’d managed to release ourselves. Fortunately we had our warps doubled back onto Jessy so they couldn’t just release us themselves! We headed up to Ventry for an early lunch before rounding the seal covered Great Blasket. It was then into Dingle marina where we celebrated Felicity’s birthday with cake and a few drinks in Dick Macks pub/ cobblers.

Thursday: Hugh is our skipper today so we didn’t leave til 11am. He claims that this was due to the tides but we all know how much Hugh likes his sleep. We waved goodbye to Fungi the dolphin and its off to Derrynane via the Skelligs on another very sunny but not very windy day. You now need a permit to land on the Skelligs but we will still hopefully come across a few puffins and gannets.

Friday: After an overnight in the beautiful Derrynane Harbour we were up at 6.30am and headed back over Kenmare Bay, through Dursey Sound and into Bantry Ban, back home to Adrigole in time for a hearty lunch on the balcony of West Cork Sailing.

Next week more cruising along the west coast - we hope to get to Galway and back.

Fionnualla (Commercial Yachtmaster Trainee)

Wow, the Power is Great

2010-02-25T19:38:00.007Z

Women were tugging up the anchor, men taking the helm - the age of chivilary is well and truly gone. The Advanced Powerboat Training brought us out through Dursey Sound at dusk and to Bull Rock in total darkness, rounding back to Adrigole at high speed. The navigation planning and boat checks took alot longer than the actual trip - all worth it though.
Enjoy the pictures - keep an eye on Fionnuala's tongue - this indicates REAL concentration.

4 days of powerboating, navigating and programming (yes programming the flipping GPS's -eeek! - so time consuming - one number out and it is all wasted time!). Flying along on the plain with a big fat rumbling engine beneath you is a reall thrill. Juggling flasks of hot coconut lentil soup, hot chocolate and curly ham sandwiches was a novel experience in the lee of OSullivans last strong hold (the Dursey Sound) in the spooky shadows of dusk. Why is it that a curly ham sandwich is so tasty at sea? Our night navigation excercise brought us all back safely to Adrigole by 10pm and the glowing lights of the Boat House were a welcome site. Gail had left every light on for our return - it's good to get back home. This is a far cry from the Caribbean cruising a couple of weeks ago.l

More Power!!

2010-02-22T19:28:00.006Z

Powerboat training last week for the National Powerboat cert and some improver training; launch & recover, control at high speed, tight turns, rescue and on Friday a spot of wakeboarding in 7degrees. Well done Hugh, shame we didn't get a picture of his big beaming smile as he got on the plane and flew behind the powerboat.

Today everyone has their heads down in charts and tide tables. Each trainee has a different passage to plan. Felicity is off to Gibralter and we are all visuallising the trip in this beautiful weather. Will let you know if they all made it to their destinations!!

Advanced Powerboat Training on Thursday - hight speed powerboating at night - should be fun.
G

This brave little sailor jumped in on Friday for a dare - it was deep and cold, but he earnt himself 2 yorkie bars for being so brave!!

'FROM THE FREEZER TO THE OVEN'

2010-02-12T10:50:00.001Z

Wednesday 10th February 2010, 2345 hours UTC, Location; Isle of Wight.

After the Hypothermia of yesterday we got to play with fire today.
Remaining nameless, but well dried off from his totally inadvertent demonstration yesterday of how not to enter the water when operating in and about a vessel and not appearing to hold any grudges against all those who stood on the deck above bursting there sides with laughter, our 'bespectacled' tutor took us dutifully through the required course content.
It was easy to imagine the future delights that awaited us. Thoughts of Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding, perhaps a little overdone, did pass through my head. Not that Niall's cooking isn't up scratch, on the contrary, we are still enjoying his culinary delights every evening.
I think everyone likes playing with fire, it must go back deep into Human history. We all seem to like the glow of a warm fire and the memories it brings back. Of course I can also imagine the first fire fighting drill, when back in a cave some bearded caveman leaned a little to close to the fire. I can imagine the 'mate' wagging her finger saying, 'I told you so'. Perhaps that's where designer stubble came from, or maybe it was the first case of a 'stubble fire'
Back from daydreaming, we headed down to the Equipment room and were bedecked out in our fire fighting gear. Big thick fire proof trousers and jackets, 2 pairs of gloves, A pair of steel toe capped Wellies and a fireproof hood like the Formula 1 racing drivers pull on just before the Race and then... The Breathing Apparatus. We were shown how to prepare, check over, and test this important piece of equipment until we knew it inside out. No room for a screw up here. Apart from the fact that we bottles are charged to high pressure we would be relying on this air to survive.
We headed down to the fire area and cooking commenced. Chip pan fires and Galley fires, though the water in the Medina appears to have special properties not found in other water when poured onto Oil. Instead of the promised 'whoosh' of flame from the pan, our fire was put out in an instant. This stuffed should be bottled as 'Extra Strong' Fire Fighting Water. So the moral of the story is... If the water doesn’t come from Cowes, don't pour it on a chip pan fire!
We attempted to use other cooking implements such as pots, lids and even a blackened Cheese Board. Blackened not from fire but from the mould of the strong cheeses smuggled over from France each evening by intrepid sailors of other training establishments regularly passing down the river. (poor bas***ds... going out in this weather... haven't they heard of the Caribbean!)
Wanting to find more things to cook we headed for Red Ensign's Outside Galley and Food Storage Area. We knewit must be the Galley, as we could see smoke billowing from every gap in the containers and the aroma of Jamaican Chicken was very strong. Testing with the backs of our hands we could feel the heat from the cookers. They must cook large amounts in there though cleaning the ovens is not high on their list of duties as the smoke was pretty bad. To ensure no one can see into the galleys and find out what's cooking no windows exist and we were unable to peer inside.
Crouching down low, just in case Chef Casey Ryeback was on duty with his throwing knives, we opened the door and had a quick look inside. Very little could be seen. Large amounts of smoke hung in the air, and due to the fact that Electricity has not yet reached the Isle of Wight, it was dark inside. We much anticipation our group of 3 entered.
Wanting to ensure that we searched all areas thoroughly to obtain as many goodies as possible we followed a set search pattern. Holding onto the walls, and waving our hands and feet from side to side, our little group found its way along the walls of the galley areas. You would think that people using these galleys on a regular basis would have removed the various obstacles lying around. Perhaps a few less chairs for them to rest on might encourage a bit of a cleaner work environment. We worked our way through various rooms and after backing down a tunnel and climbing stairs we were unable to find the source of the pleasant aromas.
With our air starting to run low, we decided to head back out the way we had come in. We regrouped and discussed our failure with the other group who had completed a separate search. Niall decided that rather than cooking himself we should head back in, together this time, with him in command. Hopefully what a small group couldn't find, a larger one might. We tried but unfortunately, once again, we left empty handed. It was a major shame as all this exercise was creating an appetite and the wonderful aromas had been so tempting.
We intend to try again tomorrow and I heard rumour tonight of another room we didn't enter which contains a Golden Rivet. I am told that the glow from the Rivet is so bright and the light from it flickers and dances around the room. Having been forged in the depths of some Volcano it still gives off heat and should be approached with caution. Believed to be priceless, if we can remove this Rivet we might all be set up for life!

Calender Girls and Boys

2010-02-12T10:25:00.007Z

Memories from an Old Sailor

2010-02-12T10:19:00.000Z

A 'CELTIC MIST'
Tied onto the pontoon outside the Red Ensign Training Centre in Cowes is 'CELTIC MIST’. I noticed it on the first day here while leaning on the wall waiting for the Chain Ferry to come back across the Medina to the East Side. I wasn’t sure it was ‘Celtic Mist’, its name is small and painted in a non contrasting colour and difficult to make out, but the shape was right. Trawler shaped with a bow strongly built to push the seas aside and the relatively short masts. The cream hull a little dull for the want of a bit of spit and polish. She is Ketch rig, but probably motor’s a lot better than she sails. For those who don’t know ‘Celtic Mist’ she is Charlie's old boat. The late Charlie Haughey, that is, our former Taoiseach.
She is tied up here, I have been told, for quite a while now getting some work done on her. Funny, though I would like to find out more about her, something about her keeps me away. It’s like I shouldn’t ask. Like it’s none of my business, or like I have no right. Normally when I see a sailing boat, I wonder where she has come in from or where she plans to anchor next. I would like to listen to the stories she might tell and I can imagine ‘Celtic Mist’ could tell some stories!
It brings back memories though of summers on my own boat, sailing around the SW and occasionally coming upon her in Dingle or some other anchorage along the way.
Warm summer’s when the kids were small and ‘cool duding’ was the rage, as my daughter used to call sailing with the Lee rail under water. On an ETAP 26 that was some effort and usually indicated holding onto sail way too long. I was reminded of long walks and Goat’s Milk Ice Cream on Oilean Cleire and of visiting the Planetarium in Skull. Visits’ to Mary Anne’s in Castletownsend with friends. I remember a game we played where as each woman entered the restaurant we quickly had to assign a boat type. We had the Laser and the Hallber Rassy, The Dutch Barge and then of course in our company only Swans and Oysters . We named many other’s only constrained by our limited knowledge of Sailing Vessel’s. Funnily enough we never found a system for categorising Men.
But the other memories that ‘Celtic Mist’ bring up are not to do with the vessel itself but of her past owner. Whether any of it is true is irrelevant. It’s like finding water in the bilges. It could have got there any amount of ways and every boat will get a bit of water now and then. But when you keep finding water there, you know you have some kind of a problem. Apart from the general dampness and the extra weight carried it creates a problem in that you have to find the leak. You can’t leave it.
You have to find it and seal it because you know for sure that the inflow of water through a leak tends to increase, not decrease. It will slowly but surely rise up above the flooring and once you find it lapping around your feet it might be too late. Water finds its way into every space in the boat. If it gets to the Electrics, they short out. Water in the Batteries causes the release of noxious gases. Water in the engine, especially for a Motor Sailor will bring you to a stop quicker than an illegal Gill Net. Leaks must be found and stopped or the ship will founder.
Anyway, here is the Chain Ferry and as I crossed and walked the few hundred yards to the Classroom I felt sorry for ’Celtic Mist’. She is a very pretty vessel, looking strong and sound. I have no doubt she turns many a sailors eye as they pass. She holds the promise of distant horizon’s and both foul and fair weather ahead. I have no doubt she will carry her sailors safely as that is what she was designed to do. She will stand up to whatever the seas have to throw at her. She deserves to be looked after and I hope her crew appreciate her strengths and her weaknesses. I hope they remember the old saying, ‘Look after your ship and she will look after you’.

Warm me up

2010-02-10T18:55:00.002Z

All we can say is you dont want to be stuck in a situation like we simulated today. 4C water is really cold. Let alone when youve an ex army guy pushing you through the moves - overturning the liferaft, towing and hauling the rest of the crew into a liferaft after having been in the water for over an hour. This was nothing like doing a sea survival course indoors like is done at home. It made it all very very real down to realistically debating what to do with dead people in the liferaft and drinking urine for hydration.
Fi

‘COLD? COLD?.. IT WAS BLOODY FREEZING!”
9th February 2010. 2000 Local Time: Position: East Cowes, Isle of Wight.
The reported water temperature at the beginning of our exercise today was 5.8 deg C.
Not an unusual temperature around NW Europe at this time if the year, and maybe a few
degrees colder than SW Ireland. What was unusual was that 9 people were splashing
around in an enclosed area at the mouth of the Medina River flowing through Cowes.
Red Ensign insists on it being realistic.... and it was. It is estimated that the
average person, ‘WITHOUT’ the proper survival gear, has something between 2 and 3
minutes of immersion time in these waters before they become unconscious.
We were well kitted out, with everything but the face covered. We were sealed at the
neck and wrists and the suits even included integral waterproof booties. And we wore
gloves and hats. We gave up after 90 minutes. We all wanted out. No one was willing
to continue in the water anymore.
It was an interesting lesson.
In the Caribbean it would have been warm enough to swim around for half the day but
here... falling in to briny has a completely different set of consequences.
So ... what did we learn?
1: Plan and expect it to happen. It might but expect it not and be prepared.
Be suitably equipped and practised in the procedures used, up to and including
using a Life Raft.
2: Don’t leave your boat until the last possible moment.
The Liferaft is a last resort but try to transfer to the liferaft while still
dry.... if at all possible.
3: Liferafts contain the minimum legal requirements!........
Have your own ‘grab bag’... put whatever you want into it. You can argue about
sharing what you have later and it might just spice up the party!
Sitting in the raft looking around at the faces peering out from the hats and
suits it was obvious that despite the joking and laughing not one person in the raft
ever wanted to be there for real.
Cold..... Was it cold? Not at all... Ha ha...
We lasted 90 minutes, only about 40 of that actually in the water, the rest of the time
was in the raft, and I repeat what I said above.... WE ALL WANTED OUT!
Tomorrow, we start Fire Training..... They schedule it like that in case we need further thawing out!
Angeus

‘RELIGIOUS RETREAT’

2010-02-09T11:47:00.000Z

Aengus returns - Welcome back.

8th February 2010. 2000 Local Time: Position: East Cowes, Isle of Wight.
It’s hard to describe the sight that met my eyes last night, when after climbing the hill from the Cowes Chain Ferry to the Convent..... yes... not a typo.... the convent! I stumbled upon the returned ‘navigators’ stretched out upon flowery cushions in the ‘common room’ of the Nun’s house.
Bronzed and scantily clad, yet shivering, the returned adventures appear healthy and suffering a little from jet lag. The warmth that greeted me when I opened the door was explained by them using the central heating to slowly acclimatise to the 3 deg C outside temperatures, and their desire to maintain as long as they could the appearance of still being in the Caribbean.
They regaled me with stories of their adventures. The stories I heard bore no resemblance to those which have already appeared in the blog. These were stories of late night Full Moon parties, with simulated Erotic dancing routines. It would appear that national pride in ability to down the local brew on some of the Islands has been severely dented and that it may not be possible to return to certain areas in future. One of our gentlemen would appear to have broken the hearts of a string of local comely maidens. Some story was told about a party aboard a Superyacht owned by some Godfather. Then they tried to tell me that it was a godfather of a friend of Fiona. A likely story! I do not lie here, if anything, I am holding details back just in case of future litigation. However as I have now rejoined the group I must ask that I am not pressed on the details received during this debrief.
Enough to say that they all are well......!!!!
Well... Day 1 with Red Ensign....
First Aid, Instructor: Monica Dale.
The poor woman, I am sure she had no idea what to expect before we arrived. Once in the door we were directed to the Galley and immediately made a considerable dent in the contents of the Biscuit tin. Into the classroom and within minutes we were discussing blood and guts and what to do in a medical emergency. I don’t hold out much hope for any casualty’s who fall under the bandage of our happy crew. We learned not to put chopped off fingers in pockets, without placing a sign on the ‘corpse’. We discussed Health and Safety differences between both jurisdictions with Noel explaining in detail, the very high standards of H&S found in Ireland. After lunch we got down to the ‘touchy feely’ bits, with various people acting out life threatening injuries with pairs of First Responder’s. We probably didn’t score very high in the ‘comforting’ section of scenarios, perhaps that is an Irish trait, I don’t know. However in nearly all cases the nature of the injury was discovered and the casualty was passed to the professionals while still alive. First aid techniques included moving the casualty into more comfortable positions using whatever was handy, usually a boot. I can say that in real life all the casualties would have realised that they were in serious danger and likely to pass from this life unless they assisted the First Responders in every way possible. Finally we were each asked to put down on paper how we would like to treat people with various illness and injuries in future. We ensured that we wrote down what was in the book so I assume we will have passed with flying colours.
Tomorrow I feel, holds the greatest fear for all. The temperature of the water here in Cowes is about 3 deg C, similar to the present air temperature amid the very light snow shower. We will be required to demonstrate the Irish way of deploying, entering, righting, and generally operating a Liferaft. This will be done in the ‘real’ water.... none of this imaginary ‘swimming pool’ conditions. Exactly how far out from shore we will be is still in doubt. I personally hope it will be no more than 12”. To ensure they are properly prepared for this event, the younger members of the crew have decided to visit some local public places in an attempt to taste the local waters in anticipation. Of course, they forget that their bodies, are still a few hours behind, and it is likely we will not see them until the early hours of the morning.
Should your correspondent survive tomorrow’s trial, he will give a report, and hopes to include some photographs.

Farewell Sunshine

2010-02-09T11:33:00.006Z

Cleaning the bilges; Updating the blog; The last supper.

Our long flight home gave us the opportunity to reflect on our months sailing in the Caribbean. We really had great fun sailing in consistent 20 knot + winds. We gained great experience from extended days continuously at sea rotating 2 person watches every 3 hours. This gave us the opportunity to deal with all aspects of sailing as a small team. Our night sails in the Caribbean often brought heavy squalls leaving the pair on watch to reef the main or pull in the headsail in 35 knot winds and driving rain. Obviously when we were all working hard it was difficult to picture and document it. This may have created the illusion that our trip was merely a tropical holiday. We did however sail over 1700 nautical miles in 4 weeks heading as far east as Barbados and as far South as Trinidad whilst being over 150 miles from safe haven on our trip up to Tortola. These are not normal places to visit for traditional Caribbean sailing. The intensity of the sailing and enthusiasm of the students and instructor made us all learn how to get the most out of both the boat and the crew whatever the conditions.

We enjoyed 'One more night' in a Karaoke bar in Antigua before the flight home. This was not like a karaoke bar back home where people are reluctant to get up and sing, here people were fighting over the mike to sing the next Bob Marley song regardless of whether or not they had a note in their head. When the bar closed and we were finally ushered out we spent a few hours on one of Fiona's friends 50ft cruisers and debated the purpose of life.

We arrived in the Isle of Wight for our STCW95 training on Saturday. We were all in bed by 20:30 on Saturday evening but managed a lovely walk around Alum Bay overlooking the Needles on Sunday. Its strange not to be constantly swaying and having so much space!

First Aid Champions - Noel and his sore arm; Niall is poorly; Hugh needs saving; Hugh has a new friend; 1 2 3 drop!!; Noel saving lives.

Lots of pictures of sailors having fun

2010-02-06T10:27:00.007Z

Barbuda -> Antigua via Palasters Reef

2010-02-06T10:24:00.001Z

Waking up in beautiful Barbuda was a great place to start our last day of sailing, the highest point of which is only 35m. Niall and Fionnuala swam into the white sandy shore through tropical turquoise waters towards our last Caribbean sunrise. We then headed to the south of the island for some snorkelling at Palasters Reef. Negotiating our way through the reef was a nice challenge on our last sailing day and the crew really pulled together and worked as one.

Felicity skippered us around the extending shallows off Antigua for our return to Jolly harbour where our breathtaking adventure began 4 weeks ago. The rain started pouring down as we entered the harbour. It was the only time we really got rain other than a few night squalls. The only boat that passed us on our long harbour entry was of course flying an Irish flag!

Today, Thursday has been spent scrubbing the decks, cleaning the bilges and everything else. Tomorrow evening we make our way home via the Isle of Wight. We spend a week with the nuns in the Isle of Wight while completing all our STCW95 courses including fire fighting, sea survival, personal & social responsibilities, first aid and VHF. Noel plans to get one of the Sisters of Mercy to take care of his twice daily aftersun applications for the week as Kate will not be joining us in the Isle of Wight..

Tortola -> Statia -> St Kitts -> Barbuda

2010-02-03T11:29:00.026Z

Some of the crew; Tea time; Story time; Still dancin; Shell museum; Sea Shells.

Pulling down the main; Rum distillery; Sunset; Oh Noel!; Need something that sways like a boat; Ladies dancin.

Electric hook up; Fog horn; Chart plotter; BBQ in Jolly Rogers

Check out the moves, British Virgin Islands; Dancing with locals; Tortola; Bombas

The boys actually waited for the girls!; bombas by night; Shells.

We all thoroughly enjoyed our rest days in Soper’s Hole, Tortola. We attempted to save ourselves on the Friday night in preparation for the full moon party on Saturday. However the Jolly Roger Inn took control and that plan was abolished.

Kate even got invited back to Larry’s yacht which was bigger than average. She told him she was married and he promptly moved on.

Niall spent Saturday windsurfing on the eastern end of Tortola with Finian Mulrahinny, who has just broken the world speed record.

Felicity and Kate spent the day wandering around the gift shops in Soper’s Hole followed by a few bottles of Chardonnay and a good chat.

Noel, Hugh, Fiona and Fionnuala rented an air conditioned car and drove around the island for the day. It was difficult to get out of the car but they still managed to visit a quirky shell museum and the only remaining rum distillery in Tortola.

Saturday night was full moon party night in Bomba’s Shack. Niall, Noel, Hugh, Fiona and Fionnuala ventured out for the night. The photos explain it all really.

By 9am on Sunday morning everyone was up and preparing the boat for what turned out to be a 50hr sail. The initial plan was to head for Statia which turned out not to be too pretty – Fiona is the only one who found the huge tankers fascinating. As the wind was ESE we decided to head NE so as not too have to motor for our last 3 days. We started by heading South towards St Kitts but didn’t get too far down the coast before heading NE towards Barbuda.. Monday night was spent tacking our way through the night so everyone fought for the best side of the bunks which changed every couple of hours.

The soles of poor Hugh’s feet are peeling and the girls are claiming squatters rights on Noel’s cabin.

Barbuda is beautiful, a really flat island surrounded by long white sandy beaches with no footprints on them. It isn’t reliant on tourism like a lot of the other islands we have visited.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, we head back to Jolly Harbour, Antigua. Thursday will be spent clearing out the boat and preparing our goodbyes.

Steel bands, cocktails and cruising

2010-02-01T16:11:00.009Z

Steel pan competition; Girls enjoy de drums; Steel pan West Stars

Multi storey boat storage!! ; Fiona leaing Chagauramas; Good bye Trinidad

Dinner will be served shortly; Women at Work; Poor Hugh

"Has anyone told them we are on a schedule" Hugh;

"What are they at this time?" Hugh;

"I'm not going back if they fall in" Hugh

Felicity plotting our course; "I feel the need for speed" ; Life on the open sea

Kate - the on board gynaecologist!! ; Another Caribbean Sunset; One last rum punch

3am!!; Happy Hugh; Noel on the road; Noel out and about

Trinidad - Norman

2010-01-31T12:14:00.000Z

500 miles at sea. Time was spent competing for max speed over the water. Hugh managed a respectable 8.2 knots, Fionnuala 8.3, Niall 8.4, Fiona held the lead for a good while with 8.6 until Noel awoke fresh after 6 hours of sleep and got Tara up to 8.7. This speed combined with the underlying water movement gave us an over the ground speed of 9.5 knots over the ground. Noels result is questionable as it is suspected that he was not sailing on course when he achieved his high speed. This competitiveness lead to quite unsettled sleep as we charged through the water close hauled with the boat at an ever increasing angle with our guards rails slowly vanishing underwater. 2.5m swells and constant winching in order to get the most out of the sails didn’t help either.

Most hurricanes start around the Cape Verde islands off Africa and move over the Atlantic. However all recorded Grade 5 hurricanes are formed around 15 degrees North and 64 degrees West. These are the seas we have just sailed through. These tend to track in a West to East direction. Think Katrina, Lenny and Mitch.

We did pass the tiny Venezuelan bird sanctuary island of Isla Aves about 250 miles into the trip, surprisingly it looked like little more than an oil rig.

Other significant events include:
Hugh awaking Tuesday morning with a flying fish lying next to him… must of slipped in one of the portholes.
Wednesdays highlight was a delicious roast chicken dinner. The challenge here was to keep the gravy on the plate. This gave us all the required energy to race North for another night.

Were now anchored off Norman Island, apparently where Robert Louis Stevenson got his inspiration for writing Treasure Island. Were heading to Soper’s Hole, Tortola in about half an hour. Were treating ourselves t o a berth in a marina for 2 nights. Saturday night will be spent in Bombas Shack for a Full Moon party. Give it a google if you want to know what were getting ourselves in to.
Pictures will follow later tonight. (Sunday 31st).

Drummin Mon!

2010-01-25T18:59:00.001Z

Early Sunday morning we arrived in Chaguaramas, Trinidad, an old US military base. We're in a marina for the first time since we left Antigua over 2 weeks ago. We've all been taking full advantage of being able to hop on and off the boat whenever we want! Yesterday was a chill out day so after long awaited showers most of the gang took it easy and stayed around the boat yard and went over to see the Spirit of Oysterhaven in the next marina over.

Noel, Fiona and Fionnuala decided to venture further afield and headed out of the 'compound' and got a lift in the back of a pickup truck into the capital Port of Spain. A steel pan drumming competition was being held - picture 50+ people with various alterations of 45 gallon drums with strategically placed dents and holes. These drums were fixed to makeshift trailers and the 20 bands queued up around the city waiting for their turn onfront of the judges.

This evening we head on our long passage North. We spent the morning scrubbing the decks (Hugh, Felicity & Kate) and grocery shopping (Niall, Noel, Fiona & Fionnuala). We'll be out of contact for a few days but will include some pictures of the steel pan Soca bands in the next entry.
Fionnuala

Tobago - > Trinidad

2010-01-25T18:36:00.005Z

Another overnight sail, fortunately this time with the wind in our back so were all hoping for a decent nights sleep. Much required after our exploits last night. You’ll be glad to know that we did Ireland and the Irish proud. If anyone would like an evaluation of Caribbean rums and beers Noel is the man to ask.

Once in Trinidad we will be stocking up for our long sail North to Tortola. We need to log at least 3 continuous nights at sea, 150 miles from safe haven and a minimum of 500 miles long. Basically a case of steering 310 degrees and setting the sails for 80 odd hours. Then its time to fish by day and count stars and play ‘I spy’ by night. Of course if necessary ‘I spy’ can also be played during the day time. Desperate times do call for desperate measures!

Jungle Walk

2010-01-23T09:26:00.001Z

Unfortunately we lost our previous blogger on Union Island, hopefully we'll catch up with him in Isle of Wight. After clearing customs in Union and stocking up on essentials like chewing gum we headed SE to Tobago. Unfortunately the wind was on the nose all night so it was a case of musical beds - thanks to Hugh's galantry we all had a grand nightsa sleep. He did get his own back on his 'graveyard' 2-5am shift with Felicity by tacking back and forth 4 times!

We arrived to beautiful Man of War bay off Charlottesville. A mountainous tropical jungle coming down to white sandy beaches -just what you'd imagine the Caribbean to be. The locals are really friendly in this tiny fishing village. Niall is slowly learning to cope with all this fishiness.

Niall, Noel, Hugh, Fiona & FIonnuala set off on a full on hike in 32C heat up Flagstaff 'Hill" (574m). After getting sidetracked down a few intersting trails got lost in the jungle. Luckily Tarzan (Niall) and Sambuca (Noel) with their extraordinary sense of direction managed to get us into a locals back garden a few hours later. We celebrated our return to safety with lobster and beer for US$20 each.

Meanwhile the sensible ladies chilled out and repaired the bimini for which we'll al be grateful for. Shade is a much sought after commodity which may be difficult to understand back home.

Photos of our adventures in Tobago will be sent on when we arrive in Trinidad. Felicity will be skippering us there tomorrow (hopefully).

For now its back to the pub for some more Carib beers and Noels 2nd dinne

‘TOBAGO CAYS’ HERE WE ARE!

2010-01-21T12:06:00.009Z

Wednesday 20th January 2010. 0800 Local Time: Position 12°38.221’ N 61°21.699’W
50 yards west of Petit Rameau Island. ( Check Google Earth!)
We departed Wallilabou at 0900 and passed by one of the ‘Band’ from last night, out doing a bit of fishing. A lovely day, interspersed with a nice cooling shower just after lunch had us reach down past Bequia and Canouan. The shallow waters to windward keep the ocean swell down somewhat and gave us a very pleasant afternoon sail on towards Mayreau until we picked up the 141° Bearing into Tobago Cays.
We arrived here yesterday afternoon, having to visually guide our way in towards the anchorage along the transit. A shower came through as we did a tour of the Anchorage, coming up through the main channel and having a look into the anchorage between Jamesby and Baradal Islands. It was like looking for a parking space in the Blanchardstown Shopping centre on Christmas Eve! So we bore off around the top of Petit Rameau and tucked ourselves behind it.
5 of the local tee-shirts were purchased from one of the boatboys. [ you will have to wait and see if I got one for you dear] We took to our ease after that.
I believe it has been claimed that not enough pictures of winching, and pulling sheets and tacking and generally the kind of boat work that keeps us warm in Ireland are failing to find there way into the emails. Once the sails are hoisted and set for the day that is it. All crew except the helm return to bunks, to keep out of the sun, unless taking the rays of course.
I will attempt today, during the brief period of activity, to obtain some suitable images for these ‘tyrant’s’ wanting to see floggings and such like and fingers being worked to the bone.... I hate getting to crew to pose for images.... but I will.
I want people to see the effort put in on these trips. Those people who think this is just a jolly have it all wrong. Granted we are treated to beautiful sunsets...
Image: Good Sunset!
Here is one of Fionuala ensuring the dingy is secured and also note she is on the windward rail helping to keep the boat upright!

Images: Babe on foredeck; Hugh checking anchor; Lovely Najad 570; Noel passage planning.

It is also from this forward position that a weather eye is kept for passing yacht. I have to admit that when this Najad 570 passed, we were all drooling.
When we anchor, it is very important, especially if around Coral Reefs, to ensure that the anchor is in the correct position. Therefore it is important that someone dives down to check.
Then the duties of the next day’s ‘skipper’ begin. In the hot and sticky cabin, pouring over charts, and making a pilotage plan.
Image: Noel planning
Remember also that clothes have to be kept clean, and here is an image of ‘Mna na hEireann’ out with their scrubbing boards at well. Notice how happy they are with their work. No need for women’s liberation here!
Image: Mna na hEireann
It is very necessary to restock the vessel at regular intervals. Heaven forbid if we should run out of Coffee!..... Luckily for us, at most anchorages we find people only too willing to assist us with the task.
And to ensure that at all time the vessel is ship shape, a crew member is regularly delegated to swab down the decks.
Image: Swab ya swab
Okay.... I have done my bit, I have tried to show how back breaking and strenuous this sailing is. Let’s get back to today’s plan. Mooch around here until lunch time, mosey over to Union island to clear out with Customs, and then put the vessel on passage making mode to Charlotteville, NE Tobago.

Wednesday 20th January 2010. 1400 Local Time: Union Island
BREAKING NEWS:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, your correspondent has to depart for Europe. This is, unfortunately, my last entry in the blog. I am sure the rest of the crew will be only too happy to have the camera disappear. I have been handsomely bribed to delete the good ones! Har Har
With that, I wish the rest of the crew a safe and pleasant voyage and look forward to reading of their further adventures in paradise.
Slan abhaile do gach duine.

A good night had by all and now off to Tobago Cays

2010-01-19T13:49:00.005Z

Tuesday 18th 0700 local time. Position 13°15’’N 61°16’W Wallilabou Bay.
Last night we happened to find the location of the set of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’. Music was playing and we may have ingratiated ourselves with the local band but perhaps not with the other yachts who decide to moor close to the dock! We have promised to send ‘Supa’, the steel drummer, a CD of Irish music, his repertoire in that area is limited to ‘Danny Boy’ and he can play it in a lot of different keys!.... and very well too.
Let us say that rising is not very high on the crew list this morning.....
Hopefully we will make Tobago Cays today!.

Smart Navigating & Good Rasta Music

2010-01-19T13:02:00.010Z

Saturday 16th 1320 local time. Position 13°16’N 60°06’W
Waiting for the rest to come back on board.
A few further notes on Friday Evening.
After everyone returning at sunset, we cleaned off all camouflage and dressed in our best gear for a night on the town.
Returning to the restaurant we had visited the night before we varied the fish amongst us and enjoyed another good meal. Then on to a Karaoke Bar.... with no one in it and then further on to a Rasta Bar.... more our style. Very friendly people the Barbadians... and love taking our money with a smile!
A peaceful night was had by all. And this morning we moved down to anchor off Speightstown. I was finally able to get my Blog and Images away and we also restocked the boat. Another run a shore for last minute bits and pieces and after lunch we will head back up to Port St Charles and await our clearing out formalities prior to our departure this afternoon.

Sunday 17th 0930 Local Time. On Mooring. 13°51.30’N 61° 04’W Off Soufriere, St Lucia.
Clearing customs in St Charles took until 1600 and then we departed heading 300°M for the SE tip of St Lucia. Running a 3 hour watch system of pairs, had us off the SE Corner at Vieux Fort with the young ladies looking after the ship.
Here is a photo of the pair of them waiting for the sunrise while on watch. (Dad...this is where I was texting you...Fionnuala) SE tip of St Lucia is visible in the background.

By 0730 we had been guided to a Mooring beside the Bat Cave on the N side of the Bay, located just north of the Pitons.
Image: Pitons
Here are the happy pair..... Once all the effort was over. Nice passage Ladies!.

Oh yes.... another amazing event occurred this morning. Those of you who know Niall, know that he has an aversion. Some progress has been made in that area.......

I think this might be a first!..... Gail, what do you reckon!... yum yum!

We were met in mid-bay by a boat boy, Ryan, who guided us to the moorings at the north of the bay, just by the Bat Cave. Now it’s back to duties, clearing in, scrubbing decks, snorkelling, wondering where we might eat lunch! It is also time for Fiona to plan the next passage south to St Vincent. So if I am luck this will get away today and you will be all up to date on our progress.
Monday 18th January 2010 1000 Local. Position 13°50.8’ N 61°04.4’ W
We have just left our mooring in Soufriere Bay, St Lucia about 15 minutes ago. Just passing under the ‘Pitons’
Well we had a nice restful and uneventful day yesterday after we moored up. Niall and Kate headed into town to complete the formalities. It took a while for the rest of the crew to surface as some were still sleeping off their night watches. Breakfast was a ‘whatever whenever’ affair. Niall obtained a pass to snorkel on the reef in the Marine Reserve and after returning from the dock with full fuel containers, 6 adventurers set off to climb the steep hillside above the anchorage to get to the road to Anse Chastanet. This climb would save us the full walk from town and potential halve the distance. Your correspondent, being of a gentlemanly nature, allowing the others to climb ahead, delayed his climb until most of the falling debris, including himself, had settled at the bottom. I can advise that my second attempt became a tree climbing exercise! [ to Wife..... It’s OKAY dear, minor scratches. Crown Jewels ok, all that was hurt was pride... at my age, funny that I should still have any!]
Anse Chastanet
Image: At the Bar
The exploration group! Resting at the little bar and restaurant:
Image: The Beach
The view from the Bar.
A copyrighted publication gives the location a nice write up, and i have to say that it is a nice spot.
H however have a look at some of the restaurant prices for lunch......
Pasta: Catch of the Day.... 18$ US
BAP: Baked Sardines with a Chunky Tomato and Herb Sauce.... 16$ US
Plain Caesar Salad... 12$ US
French Fries... 5$ US ( note.. they come in a metal spiral cone, inside a ‘doilie’!... neat)
NB: Please add..... 10% service charge and 8% government Tax to the above prices.
It is a pity that ‘spear fishing’, using Scuba gear, appears to be permitted in the Marine Reserve, at least for ‘local’ fishermen. Unless of course the ‘locals’ were trying to keep the reef clear of ‘larger’ fish so the little ones can grow. Or perhaps they were just supplying the local restaurant. Funny though, the Fruit on the Bar, had Guatemala stickers on them! Perhaps it was to ensure that snorkelers were not overly frightened by the size of the fish.
Niall and Fiona decided to swim back to the Mooring, a good mile, or so... and returned later with the dingy. When we had partaken of some refreshment... see photo above... we headed back.
As part of the ‘experience’ we attempted to row the distance, slowly dropping people over the side to lighten the load, until only some 300 yards and 20 minutes later, we negotiated a towing deal with one of the water taxis..... We were able to get the dinghy up to 25 Kts.... it was cool! [ we must remember to put fuel in the outboard tonight! ]
If only that was all that happened! The Gas ran out while dinner was on the boil. When the spare gas bottled was attached, despite being full and gas escaping, the system failed to ignite.... It was looking like hard tack pasta, raw meat and tinned tomato sauce for dinner. However as part of ‘the experience’ a ‘fixing’ job started. Luckily all the required spares and tools were on board.

Here is our grinder for the day: Felicity
Image: Felicity

1400 Local: Midday Update: Location somewhere between St Lucia and St Vincent.
Lots of little incidents.... Lost a Warp overboard 1133, MOB drilled called for and Warp retrieved after 4 minutes. It was hardly wet. Noel’s sunglasses went astern also around 1310, but disappeared and no MOB attempted. He got his own back... and climbed a nice wave and set to smashing the glassware down below. I think he has settled again now! Glass has been cleaned up and consigned to about 6500ft of water. I wonder what the fish though of the bits as they drifted down and have they even made it to the bottom yet!.
Monday 18th January 2010. 2100 hrs Local time. Position ‘ Captain Jack Sparra’s’ anchorage.
Anchored in Wallibabou Bay at 1615 this afternoon and cleared customs... had dinner and now are enjoying the steel band and internet access.... time to send the Blog on ....
The internet access is, at best, intermittent. The whole idea of this trip is to cover miles and we don’t hang around much in one spot. In this evening at 4pm and out tomorrow at 8 am. Hardly gives time to gather our thought.
Here are two quick pics covering where we are this evening.
Image: The Anchorage.
Image: Capt Jack’s dock...
Tomorrow we head down to Tobago Cays, and then to Tobago and on to Trinidad by the weekend. Hopefully we will be able to send an update at the weekend, perhaps earlier .

Pictures Galore of Sunshine and Seas

2010-01-18T10:28:00.007Z

Finally, A Full Update @ Fri 15 Jan

2010-01-17T23:06:00.001Z

THE BLOG!.....
Here is the blog of the good ship ‘Tara Maria’ a 46ft Beneateu Oceanis 46 chartered by the West Cork Sailing and Powerboat Centre as a Mile building Yachmaster training voyage, cruise, trip... call it whatever you like!
I believe that there may already be some musings from the ocean depths posted which were hastily sent off when we barely touched ‘terra firma’ for a quick tot of rum on the 13th at St Pierre in Martinique...... But this is the real blog!...
Damn..... ‘Tara’ ...we call her ‘Tara’ we have dropped the ‘Maria’....just leapt a wave... and ‘chef’ nearly dropped all the dishes.
(So to bring us up to today...... it ‘sunset’ 1753 local Caribbean time... 2153 Zulu GMT, UTC or Irish time for all you uninitiated..... 13 January 2010 and we are in the Martinique - St Lucia Channel beating to windward ...destination Barbados.... [ thinks to himself.... Why ..oh Why!]
A little about the author..... though not completing the actual Yachmasters Course I have some sailing experience and I am along for a jolly... so if seems I do little else than type blog posts and complain about the fact we always seem to be going to windward.... please forgive me!
If I appear in any photos... and I hope I do not... I am the old cranky one with his reading glasses over his Sunglasses and I am also likely to be well cover against the sun. I will not be seen partaking of any alcohol or engaged in any joyous youthful activities!....unless someone has retouched images in Photoshop!)
Its Wednesday... but this Epic Journey began on Friday the 8th as each one of us made our different ways to Gatwick Airport amid the Snow of the Century. One by One... we met up and checked in to the Yotel ... if you ever need to stay in Gatwick... it’s worth it! As we were able to check in and get rid of our bags in for the Antigua flight from 4pm the day before we traipsed back and forth from Terminal 1 to 2 with each arrivee such that in the end the British Airways staff... especially the pretty blonde with the pink shiny lipstick... got to know us by name!.... [Though I never got the upgrade to Club Class]
After a good night’s sleep for most, Saturday the 8th began and the apprehension regarding travel continued until finally at 1100am BA2157 a Boeing 777 rolled down runway 08R in Gatwick. The snow all over the South of England look gorgeous and even at Lands Ends there was Snow!
8 hours and 10 minutes later..... After lunch and ‘Afternoon Tea’... [typically British], we came in over the top of Jolly Harbour and into Antigua. Discussions on what to write on the Immigration forms and the heat was tiring us out, but eventually we got through the usual arrival formalities and found ourselves a Taxi. The Boss... or Consultant, Niall, that is, was still not in relax mode... we had still to make it to the Marina and he had to get to Customs to do even more ‘formalities’ so we could start sailing on the morrow. Anyway we arrived at the Marina and met up with Francois, who had delivered Tara to Antigua. Niall completed the ‘formalities’ as we settled in. After that a quick trip to a local supermarket had us stocked up... [no wine or spirits.... what kind of a cruise is this going to be!]
Some people, suffering from IA, (Internet Addiction, for the rest of you) started what has now become the ‘Arrival Wi-Fi Hunt’. It really is funny to see them gather up there bits and pieces and stand on the stern to be guided into the dinghy. Once ashore they start to run this way and that, to find a place they can call home! I was expecting it would be Hot Showers and proper Lavatorial Facilities that would be first on people’s minds! Nope some of this lot have IA really really bad!
Anyway the first night continued and next morning it would appear that I had caused all the crew a sleepless night. Only trying to be courteous to Francois when he arrived back at about midnight, I had engaged him in ‘gentle’ conversation.... for what I believed to be a short period of time. Granted his knowledge of the Rum’s of the Caribbean, for which I would suspect he has some experience, was immense and perhaps it did take a while for me to obtain all the relevant information. Anyway... as a result of my lapse in concentration I have been banished to sleep on deck!
Sunday the 10th we had intended leaving early but one of the 3 ‘separate officials’ Niall had to visit to clear out of Antigua was delayed an hour and a half, however it allowed the time to acquaint ourselves with a resident of the Marina from our own pleasant land, and known to a member of the crew.
Finally after all the fuss and bother, we left. As you can see from the photos, the relief on Niall’s face was quite noticeable. Never mind the fact that the Marina entrance quite shallow! But soon we were on our way South. True to expectations the wind appeared right where it should for any self respecting Irish sailor... on the nose! And we started our ‘tug of war’ with the Caribbean Winds.
‘Tara’ is well capable and though perhaps not totally comfortable for upwind work. She is a safe and well found vessel. All the gear is well up to standard and she even has an ‘Autopilot’.
So what did we do.. Well for 6 or so hours... or was it 8 we sailed to windward to reach Deshaies on the Island of Guadaloupe... First swims were had by all and finally after dinner all retired to an early night as we were reminded that this was not a ‘jolly’! [ I am not joking! ]
Monday 11th Deshaies to Prince Rupert Bay, NW Dominica
The photographs cannot properly convey the beauty of the islands. Most are green and get enough rain to keep them so. Others have Volcanoes, such as Monserrat , which even from a distance of 30 miles looks pretty amazing. But today we half motored/ half sailed down the West and sheltered side of Dominica, until we cleared out into the channel and found the ‘SE’rly’ breeze and once again found ourselves doing all to keep up on the Rhumb line. I wonder did the mistakenly add the odd letter and the term Rhumb line might come from something of an alcoholical nature. Not that sheltered guarantees light winds, on the odd occasion a strong gust of wind can blow down off the mountains giving us an exciting sail and a welcomed cooling affect.
We found a trolling line in one of the lockers and as Noel has received instructions on how to fish he was designated as official fisherman. Quickly showing his skill he caught a Mackerel type fish which was quickly prepared and sent down to the freezer department.
Later we were to have it for dinner. Chef claims that it was the first fish he had cooked since college other than the odd Salmon Steak. Perhaps his aversion to fresh fish may be on the wane.
Tuesday12th Prince Rupert Bay to St Pierre, NW Martinique
Still getting into the swing of things, we upped anchor and headed out down along the coast. Once again the wind shadow causes us to do an early bit of motoring but soon we were flying along and we were joined by our first pod of Dolphins which stayed with us for a few minutes.
Again the Channel crossing gave us the proper sail of the day.
The pattern here seems to be....
As you approach the end of the Island the wind strengthens and start to head us due to been forced around any high land at the ends. Once out into the Channel proper the wind settles back to its normal direction and drops a Force. I have not come to grips with the tidal effects here yet and the current situation is not plotted as at home but a general set to the NW with it being a little stronger in the Channels. This tends to push us to the west of our required track if not monitored. The wind tends to increase again as we approach the island until dying off again once a few miles down the lee side of the island.
Generally we are seeing 20-25 Kts Apparent Wind in the channels, however, so far we have had a SE’rly on all passages. We are making a good 6 to 7 knots through the water, so the true wind is in the 15 to 20 Knot range.
Once again, according with the similar pattern of previous days, we anchored in St Pierre shortly before sunset giving all the time for a swim. When watered and fed and under the cover of darkness, we went ashore to see what was what. A few ‘scoops’ in a friendly looking hostelry completed our foray and we returned to ‘Tara’ for another night at anchor.
13th Januart 2010 St Pierre, Martinique
Went ashore and completed the checking ‘in and out’ formalities in anticipation of our departure later today for Barbados. There is a small Internet Cafe in St Pierre, which provides computer facilities and acts as the customs office. A quick browse of the Internet and weather and we returned to Tara for a early afternoon departure.
Hugh has completed all the planning for this leg and at 1300 local we headed out and down the leeward side of Martinique, and after a choppy ride around the SW trip hardened up to head out through the channel and on to the SE. As evening fell the lights of Martinique to the North and St Lucia to the South gave us some comfort and as of 6pm we went onto our watch system. Other crews retired to their bunks in anticipation of the calls to duty later in the evening.
14 January 2010 0900 Local / 1300 UTC / Position 13°16’N 60°06’W
After a quick Salt water wash on the foredeck, the ‘Consultant’ found some ‘fresh water’ courtesy of overnight squalls hidden in the stack pack.... the rinse did him good and made him human again and all of a sudden this sailing to windward has ceased. On went the engine and in came the Geny and we have finally given into this never ending SE wind. Amazing how a bit of fresh water can affect some people! Anyway it will be a while yet.... maybe another 6 hours straight into the wind and waves to make to port.
We ran a four hour watch system last night, our first night sail since we arrived here. Most of the watches are back in there bunks. I think it’s probably in anticipation of tonight’s onshore activities rather than any fatigue from last night’s effort.
15 January 2010 0900 Local / 1300 UTC / Position 13°15’N 59°39’W At anchor off Speightstown Barbados
We arrived at Port St Charles around 1430 local time yesterday and it took a while to clear through customs. Not that it was too long a set of formalities. Just that the Barbadian way is to let time pass and that they did. While Niall went off to complete the formalities we water and fuelled ‘Tara’.
Our younger members of the crew are very capable and their abilities stand out such that one was offered a job here at the Fuel Dock in the Marina. We quickly consider the idea and decided against it, but on leaving while ‘Tara’ was attempting to pirouette herself around to Starboard in the narrow channel the aforesaid crew member attempted to slip quietly off the stern and head back to start a new life.
As Niall had only explained to us the onerous responsibilities placed on him, regarding our behaviour while in Barbados, a successful attempt was completed to recover said crew member. Many jeers and shouts came from on looking vessels waiting to enter the Marina. I am sure they were directed toward the crew members failed bid for freedom.
Motoring a mile or so south we sent a few divers over the side to find a location for our hook. We are permitted to anchor along the coast, but we must ensure that we only anchor in sand, to protect the coral reef system which extends along the coastline. Once snubbed it was all hands over the side and we snorkelled amid the wildlife until sunset... another beautiful sunset! [That should make them envious of us....]
We felt that Chef should be given a night off and so ensuring everyone was correctly attired the first ferry run to the pier was completed. During the loading of Dingy for the second run a large, what may have been a Cruise Ship, passed astern of the dinghy causing a huge wash. Well you can understand what happened. The second ferry run needed to be delayed while the ‘Galloping Granny’ [she insists I refer to her as this, so that interested parties should know of her exploits ] recomposed herself and took the opportunity to change her attire, of course as ladies are off known to do.
Climbing astride the Pier was no easy matter as a random swell pattern causes a good amount of surf.
Fortunately the first landing party had come into close contact with the enemy and had engaged in a short battle successfully capturing two. After using our normal interrogation techniques they guided us deep into their own territory. We found a store of their fish which we quickly consumed along with some local beverages and then carried out a further reconnoitre in anticipation of tomorrow’s full blown attack. It is amazing what end’s people will go to avoid detection when on patrol. ‘Galloping Granny’ was even operating without footwear padding gently through the undergrowth and along the beach as we checked out further possible targets. Once again our captured guides came up trumps and despite the size of the Toads, which were as large as the Kettle on ‘Tara’ we again ‘dug in’. Luckily for us a local store of beverage was found and to ensure the enemy were discombobulated we disposed of the beverages in an ‘ecological’ manner. The prisoners provided us with some local entertainment.
While recovering onto Tara once again we had an exciting time with the surf, and as the younger members continued to discuss the short foray, your correspondent retired quietly to his bunk.
All have slept well and to sit here in the cabin as they go through all the morning operations of preparing themselves for the day is fun. The boat has a bit of a roll with the swell and they wander from bunk to head, to bunk to cockpit in various states mental included. It takes a while to get going.
Plans are being made to go ‘underground’, as Barbados has a Cave System close by. Others are planning to see if they can obtain any local materials and knick knack’s which may be of use to us.
Your correspondent will attempt to get this message through. I have just been advised that earlier attempts to get photographs through WCS HQ failed. So it looks like I will be spending a bit of time reloading and resizing images to send back.
Saturday 16th January 2010 0800 Local / 1200 UTC. Position 13°16’N 60°06’W
This is the report on yesterday’s skirmishes let it be said that all our Celtic Raiding party returned safely to the comfort of ‘Tara’ and all is well. Fionnula is sitting at the chart table working on her passage plan to St Lucia, which will be a night sail this evening and which she will Skipper.
Yesterday a group of 5 (the younger 5) headed out in a Taxi around the island to visit a few sights. Caves in the North of the Island, Zip lining in Jack ‘n the Box Gully and finishing it off with a trip to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. Only the males of the team completed the daring, tree top to tree top zips... 7 in all, at heights of at least 120 feet... or was 1200 ft. [fools had to pay $85US a head.... for the privilege, and seemed to think it was a bit expensive] After recovering the ‘maidens’ the finished the day off with a visit to the ‘impressive’ Barbados Wildlife Reserve. All felt this was the high point of the daytrip. On another note..... To those intending to take a taxi for a day.... agree on a price in advance... ‘Nuff said.
The elder 3, repaired to Speightstown for some cultural activities. Lunch was a refined affair under the canopy of coconut trees by the beach in ’Cassareep Cafe on the Beach’. The food was really nice, and the chocolate cake was the high point.... Aaah to be able to put on a few calories as you get older!
A

Turquoise Seas, Phospherence & Rum

2010-01-13T22:59:00.001Z

Wed, Jan 13, 3.02pm Irish Time 11.02am Caribbean time - Niall MacAllister,

Hey there

Well we made it to the Caribbean, glorious sunshine heat like you could not believe. We finally cleared customs and immigration in antigua and departed to guadalupe. The sail was one of the best I've ever had warm wind sunshine turquoise sea screaming past white sandy beaches, relishing in the spray that hits your face. when we got to Guadalupe it was dark but that didn't stop us ting into our togs and jumping overboard in to luke warm very salty water with the phospherence illuliminating all around us. We were like school children allowed to play in the pool.

Up early next morning to sail to Dominica and again another magnificent sail to a very hauntingly beautiful island where we managed to arrive in daylight and get some snorkling in. Then on to the beach to wander along the coconut trees. That night we dinghied ashore and took in the local rum which went down a storm.

Fionnuala was lucky enough to see a turtle when in for an evening dip - Hugh got himself or suited and booted with snorkle mask and flippers to venture out and discover the underwater world - but didn't see a thing, better luck next time Hugh.
Next day up early again and on to martinique where the wind got up to 25 knots so we were screaming along and made record time and enabled us to go ashore and wander around the village and do internet stuff.

On to Barbados this afternoon and over to Aengus for some crew blogging ---

I believe it has become my responsibility to keep a blog of this 'fast action' trip around the caribean... First let me say... our feet have not hit the ground since the Snow...
Sorry to have left you all with the cleaning up. That is, if is still not snowing. Actually all of us here in the sun don't give a fiddler's if it is!

Just to let you all know.... we are fine, including the child! (who's in bed by 8pm)

The yacht isn't too bad. Slam's a lot and could do with a new set of sails.... and Apart from having to rebuild the two 'heads'... but I promise more on that in a later posting

Of course, no names will ever be mentioned here on the blog, but those who know us will know what is what...

We are about to leave St. Pierre in Martinique for Barbados. Why, don't ask me.... something to do with Mile building.... why paper can't take ink and we can't hang on here I don't know.
I found the local 'House of Ill repute' last night... and the local Rum and the Salsa Lesson thrown are definitely worth hanging around for.

I will do me best as we 'beat' to windward later today and tonight compose some more of this blog.... but for the moment... enjoy the pictures.
Aengus O'Fearghail

NB
Unfortunately, I am updating this blog with "dial up" and download time for Aengus's photos was 2 1/2 hours (is Eircom or the government listening? - we need broadband in Adrigole - fast!). I will go to a wifi spot tomorrow and download the lovely piccies. Gail

Too Hot to Sleep!!

2010-01-11T20:41:00.003Z

Well, as we all freeze our toes here, the gang are finding it too hot to sleep out in sunning Antigua. They all arrived safe and sound to sunshine and aqua blue seas. No pictures or stories yet as they have been busy stocking up the food supplies and have headed on off on the first leg of their big adventure. If they are running to schedule they should be arriving in Guadaloupe this evening. THey are 4 hours behind us, so as we consider turning on our heated blankets they are enjoying the cooler evening sunshine.
Hope to get some piccies as soon as they get broad band. If any followers out there receive piccies by mobile from any crew, please do send them to westcorksailing@gmail.com and I will put them up on this blog.
Keep following their travels.

Studying Hard

2009-12-16T11:04:00.004Z

Night

And Day

Heads in Their Books

2009-12-15T20:07:00.002Z

The steam is coming out of their ears down in the lecture room this past 2 weeks.
Congratulations to everyone passing their Meteorology exam today.
Only 2 more days to go - last exam on Thursday afternoon - then lots of nail biting and tea drinking as Niall marks their final papers.

Boats put to Bed for the Winter

2009-12-02T10:46:00.004Z

The gang hauled out the last of the keelboats yesterday and laid them to rest in the yard for the winter months. Today they are sailing to Rossbryn in lovely blue skies and light winds. Jessy will be lifted this afternoon and tucked up safely in Rossbryn Boatyard untill everyones return from the Caribbean for more irish sailing in February. So the rest of the week is consentrating on engine servicing, boat decommisioning and a brush up on the theory in preperation for 2 weeks of Yachtmaster Theory training and final theory exam. So no more brawn and lots of brain is now needed.

More pictures from the Cork City to Bere Island 17 hour Sail

2009-11-26T15:26:00.005Z

Don't let them tell you it was all rough and tough last week - looks like some plain sailing & snoozing went on to me!!

Pictures from the adventurers.

2009-11-26T13:56:00.004Z

Dessy's Bar - Bere Island, a much welcome resting point last week!

Hugh was in real need of that pint!!

All home safe and sound

2009-11-25T14:46:00.004Z

Jessy is tied up in Glengarriff and everyone is back safe and sound - in badly need of a hot shower. It was great to see you all come back home.
Here are some piccies of their hard work this week.

Sailing through the Rising Waters of Cork City

2009-11-20T13:36:00.002Z

They spent last night tied up on the quay wall in Cork City - no swell and reasonably sheltered. But the rain kept on coming and as we all know there were terrible floods. So as the flood gates were opened at 2am the crew were treated to 8 knots of river flow, causing Jessy to clank around a bit. Regardless of some sleep deprevation they had to make the most of this marvelous day - cos there is big bad weather coming for the weekend. So they slipped their lines at 7am and headed out Cork. The swell isn't too bad and all are well and fit on board - no sea sickness at all - well done gang. They plan to motor sail all day and into the night, eta 2am in Lawrence Cove Marina. Here are a few piccies of the gang while navigating into Cork - it is hard to tell who some of them are!!

Wet & Windy

2009-11-18T11:10:00.002Z

Everyone enjoyed a hot shower and peaceful nights sleep in Kinsale last night. So with batteries recharged they are heading out into a messy sea to visit Crosshaven and spend the night tied up nice and cosy at the Royal Cork Yacht Club. They really are making the most of the loveliest marinas and yacht clubs. We are keeping a close eye on the weather, which is not being at all kind this week. They are pounding through a nasty swell off Oysterhaven as I type. Hope to get some piccies on tomorrow.

Keelboat and cruising training

2009-11-16T15:27:00.010Z

You can click on these piccies and see them bigger for more detail of smiling faces

Pictures are by Niall and Felicity

Off to sea in wild winds

2009-11-16T14:38:00.002Z

The wind picked up this morning as the gang were loading their food and sleeping bags on board. Hugh was in charge of food so wasn't given much chance to organise himself, just as he got to the pontoon Jessy sailed away - nothing personal Hugh, she was being battered by north westerlies and was taking the pontoon north west with her. Niall shouted across the beating rain for him to take cover indoors while they motored around waiting for the gusts to go. Sure enough 10 minutes later the med moored and Hugh gracefully stepped on board. Even Gail got wet today coiling up the hose - a wet Gail is rare occation!! They are off on a 10 day cruise along our lovely coastine, which will be fantastic skills and character building (not that any of our clients need any character building!!). I'll keep you posted on their progress on this blog - todays destination is Crookhaven or Baltimore if their bellies can handle the swell out there. I will post some piccies tomorrow of the gang over the past week - even a little sunshine creeping in to the shots!

New Arrival - Windy Conditions

2009-11-06T11:06:00.004Z

Welcome Aboard Fionnuala, who joined the course this week and has got stuck into some amazing dinghy sailing in gale force winds. We have taken shelter in the lecture room each day too and started the exciting job of passage planning for the Caribbean trip. I will post the current porposed route on the next update. Yesterday was a brilliant day for some exciting dinghy sailing and everyone did really well - Noel and Hugh are getting quite competitive when racing now - so we have to keep an eye out for any rule breaking!!

2009-11-04T20:07:00.003Z

Last week was on board Jessy in some fantastic force 5-6 winds, nothing too hairy but enough to get a great thrill. With a couple of days in thick fog, the crew had a chance to do some blind nav rather earlier on than expected in their training schedule - well done gang.

New Sailors Head for the Water

2009-10-22T18:49:00.002+01:00

"Welcome Aboard" Fiona, Felicity, Hugh and Noel. All are getting stuck into this years Commercial Yachtmaster training course. We are now coming to the end of week two and they are skippering the keelboats in some pretty gusty winds. Today was the first navigational exercise and everyone found their way to Bere Island and back in lovely winds. Sorry we don't have any piccies, so picture this - blue skies with the occational fluff of cloud cruising by, good steady force 4 winds travelling across Bantry Bay from Sheeps Head to Beara and the keelboat gunnels slice through the swell as they honk along healing over in the gusts. The beaming faces of excitement and delight were crowned by an amazing rainbow on the horizon - amazing. Next week they will be stepping on board Jessy for some live aboard cruising and the first step in the cruising training scheme - Competent Crew - looking at their sailing performance today, they look to have a brilliant week of sailing ahead of them. This course combines the gritty skill building sailing of this beautiful West Cork coastline with the amazing waters of the Caribbean. Just as the winter sailing starts to get under their skin they will be heading out to Antigua in January for some serious mile building and brilliant sailing on board a lovely 46 footer - lucky bunch!

Keelboat Sailing in Bantry Bay Thursday 19 Feb - A lovely Days Sail

2009-02-20T11:49:00.007Z

Sat 22 Nov, 19:28 News - West is Best

2008-11-24T10:24:00.001Z

49 54 n
004 44.4444W
1810z

Since our last blog we eventually arrived in Plymouth after a long drag across the channel from Alderney. It was a long beat. Tiring and wet… and not in a good way. I cannot write who was on the helm because they want their identity protected… however, they did manage to tack through over 180 degrees… without noticing and happily trot away South… Alice who was watch leading, neglected to notice this wee mistake… resulting in the distance to Plymouth Breakwater increasing from 14.9nm to 23.6nm… Skills!

A careful and diligent pilotage plan saw us into Plymouth Yacht Haven safely. A highly efficient boat close down followed… everyone pitched in and it was done in record time. Everyone took to their pits (at around 0600) and had a few hours’ kip. 1030 was the objective wake up time. It was difficult! But we got to shower so that was the motivation. A good few hours was dedicated to the yacht getting some jobs done; before a few hours down time to relax and catch up with sleep.

Today started well, few jobs finished off, lunch was had and dinner cooked, before we set off to sea. After leaving we wrote a masterpiece of a song… details to follow once it has been tamed for public consumption. Currently we are playing a game of dodge the trawler; which we are winning! Just finished packing the kite… hoping to send it before the voyage is over.

The plan is as follows… we are going left. Having weighed up our options and utilising our new found weather knowledge we all agreed that [heading] west was best. We are just going to sail and have some fun in the big big water. We will turn back in time to make it home.

The song… (Can you guess the tune?)

Hello Pain, my old friend
You’ve come to screw with me again
My sleeping bag was sooooo warm and comfy
Now I’m out here in the cold North Sea [ed!]
And the wind chill factor would cut you to the fecking bone
So; we moan
This is an ode to Pain…

More to follow if you are good.

Captain’s Log

All is well aboard TGS Challenger II. Trotting off west for a few days blast, before a big ole wind shift and a flight back towards Ireland. Expecting a mixed bag of weather over coming days… a running theme of Baltic cold seems to be the case with the Northerly breeze set that we are currently experiencing… and of course that it is winter.

More exciting news to follow… watch this space.

Sunshine Sailing

2008-11-21T10:44:00.003Z

Log to Date

2008-11-21T09:48:00.000Z

C o r k - t o - C o r k 2 0 0 8
Dates Voyage Details MWF Days Distance nm Night Hours WL Nav GPS Trip
From To
09 Nov 11 Nov Cork to Kinsale. 1st MOB Drill! Night entry and berthing Kinsale. 5 2 38 6 n/a n/a 38
12 Nov 12 Nov Kinsale to Kinsale. Work-Up Sail. Headsail Change. Points of sail. Night entry 3 1 25 3 n/a n/a 63
13 Nov 14 Nov Kinsale to Falmouth. Poled Out Headsail. Tide calc Lizard. 5 2 222 9 Dazz Groinee Nelly 285
15 Nov 17 Nov Falmouth to Poole Bar 1. Poled Out Headsail. Reduced Visability. Zero notice nav change to GWQ. Tide Portland. 5 2 152 12 Phil Alice Phil (Alice) 437
17 Nov 17 Nov Poole Bar 1 to GWQ, Portsmouth. Reduced Vis Needles Channel. Solent Shipping Traffic. 3 1 33 0 Phil Alice Phil (Alice) 470
18 Nov 19 Nov GWQ to Cherbourg. Headsail change at night. TSS with traffic at night. Numerous Gybes. Night Entry Cherbourg 5 1 97 9 Kate Jen Kate (Jen) 567
19 Nov 19 Nov Cherbourg to Weymouth. Dawn departure. Night pilotage arrival. TSS. Cross Channel Tide Calculation. Reefing. 6 1 98 5 Tony Tony Jack 665
19 Nov 20 Nov Weymouth to Alderney. Night Depature. Stonkin' Downwind Blast & TSS.Harden Up Reef in breeze. 11.6knts Fets 7 1 56 6 Danny Grainne Danny Grainne 721
20 Nov 21 Nov Alderney to Plymouth. TSS. Start Point Tide. Reefing. H/s Change. Trawler avoidance close quarters. FDU Fun Storm Stay. Tack on 'I'. 7 1 146 12 Alice Peter Alice Peter 867

News from a Busy Crew - Thu 20 Nov, 21:00

2008-11-21T09:41:00.001Z

Date: 20 Nov. 08

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.

News from Alice (Alex), Sun 18:00

2008-11-17T11:22:00.001Z

16 NOV

On our trip down from Kinsale was well navigated by Neil and Darren, but all Darren’s good work was to be undone shortly before Foulmouth. Darren’s vey minor indiscretion was standing on the soon to be leeward side, behind the mast as we were gibing with his life jacket on in an interesting and incorrect way. It was looked on very dimly by the skipper which meant press ups were imminent. He was lucky to only get 15 down hill press-ups as even after being warned he could not figure out what he was doing wrong. With the press-up account now open all be warned more are likely to be on their way.

Once we had landed in Foulmouth the cleanup operation was underway. The following day with some we started getting the boat ready for the next leg of the trip and decisions needed to be made as to where we should go. Our skipper, in his infinite wisdom gave us the responsibility of deciding where to go, as he did not want to be bullied by the girls, Coward!!!! We were given the choice of sailing to Lisbon and back to Cork with just a short stop to refuel and resupply, or a series of shorter trips along the north of France and maybe Belgium. By blind ballot it was decided to stay with the shorter trips so we head off to Poole before making a short trip south. But short as it was, our stay in Foulmouth was not without incident.

We spent the first evening rafted to a 15 million pound boat and thankfully managed to avoid dinging it on the way in, no thanks to Neil who thought that he might be able to be afford the boat if we put a large scratch down its hull (luckily the helm has a little more sense, but not much).

After the clean up was completed a few found their to watch Ireland getting thumped by the All Blacks (please note that this bog s written by a foreigner). The sensible crew members found their way back to the boat via several fast-food joints, but some crew members who shall remain nameless decided to take in some of the local sights. So after bouncing around town for a while they found themselves in a dodgy nightclub and eyeing up the local talent. At this point someone suggested commandeering a German Submarine (u-Boat) which had been moored up near us for the most of the day. Luckily none of them were capable of figuring out how to get across the bridge to the U-boat so instead they decided to revert to Plan A and start a mutiny onboard our yacht (yet another failure).

With an early start this morning, most of the crew were out on deck getting ready to make way accept for one who was late to raise his head from the pillow. A warning was issued and said person is now the dogs body for the day. As I write this the dogs body is doing press-ups for stuffing up a sail raise and I feel it could be a long day for Neil, with no rest bite.

We are presently discussing naked Wednesday’s which unsurprisingly was a suggestion by the girls. The skipper has finally agreed to one of our suggestions without reluctance and naked Wednesday could be passed as a proposition in the next couple of hours.

Alice

Sunday 17:55

2008-11-17T11:19:00.001Z

The guys currently dragging the #1 up through companionway steps. About to change from #2. Currently poled out with Full Main and Stay. Throw in the need to gybe shortly and you have a group of busy happy troops! Phil and Alice taking care of the nav. Doing a really good job.

Following the debrief on arrival Falmouth with Nelly’s passage planning and pilotage from Peter and Darren there was a request as to whether they would all have the opportunity to navigate and pilot. I explained that with plans to do a longer leg this would not likely be possible. After further discussion the option was presented to the group as to whether they would prefer a shorter number of longer legs or a larger number of shorter passages with pilotage back-to-back. They took a closed ballot and decided as a team they would prefer the shorter passages option.

The plan for the moment is: to Poole for a touch and go, then through the Solent turning South to Cherbourg (in one-side of the breakwater and out the other) and from there onwards and upwards.

Alice in the midst of writing his own version of War and Peace – you may need to increase your internet server space to create room for it to be published!

Arrived in Falmouth - Friday 14th @ 21:00

2008-11-16T16:40:00.002Z

Just made Falmouth.

Troops coming along.

Making a cunning plan for tomorrow.

Some tasty dins prepped by Daz and Jacques. Nav here successfully completed by Nelly. He was somewhat relieved to see the lights of Anthonys head flash as predicted.

Till the morrow with the warmest of wishes from all on board.

TGS Challenger II and Her Crew

First News from Challenger 2

2008-11-14T15:12:00.001Z

Challenger 2 Location

49 46N
006 25W
1017Z

Hello Gail, Niall, Rory, Oisin, Kuba, Simon, Brambles, Daisy & Barney!

Apologies for the delay. We’ve been working like dogs since you left us with this sadistic tyrant (Adam)!!!

So, we’ll start at the very beginning and bring you up to speed on what’s been happening. In order to do so, there are a few terms you will need to know – Adamisms.

He is constantly harping on about this thing that starts with a ‘C’ and rhymes with dommunication. Needless to say, the crew are flummoxed. Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

Arms like fire
PLF – Pull like fire
JAFSS – Just another fecking sunset
JAFSR – Just another fecking sunrise
JAFD – Just another fecking dolphin
Man–up – stop being a big girls blouse
Open your angry box – get cross – this may help you to man-up
Hairdresser – the wrong way to turn the winch
CF (Charlie foxtrot) – apply for definition if required

Now for the banter:

Day 1:
Jen’s thieving tendencies are realised for the first time. Poor Kate woke up after an awful nights sleep without any pillow, complains to Jen about this, at which point, Jen (kindly) offers to give her one of her 2 pillows! Much laughter ensues! Kate promises to get her back.

Also discovered on this day, Alex snores like a dying whale. Everyone plans on seeking revenge!

We have a surprise poet onboard – Neil.

“Keep an eye on the clouds; but keep your head out of them!”

Status update on Jack – still awake!

Day 3:

Left Cork – very excited. Heading for Kinsale. Loving the boat – sails much heavier than expected. Will never complain about furling jib on Jessy again!

We ALMOST made it to Kinsale before smoke started gushing out the back. Having just dropped the sails, there was a slight rush to get the main back up and the engine switched off. Never before has such a measured and calm response been witnessed on the high seas, as that by the current crew on Challenger 2, as Captain & Mate crumbled under the pressure!!! We swiftly dropped the anchor and Daniel got stuck in fixing the engine. Always good to have a fully qualified diesel mechanic onboard – thanks Daniel! The crew on deck set about picking up transits to ensure the anchor was set. Luckily, three of us took separate transits as Jacks was soon found to be a shooting star! So, with the engine back in working order, we raised the anchor and headed on for Kinsale. At this stage, there was a slight tide issue and we found ourselves giving the ground a gentle momentary gentle love-nudge! But the tide returned in no time and once again, we set off and made it in to Kinsale shortly after 11pm.

Mutiny attempted….. failed.

Day 4

MOB much harder on this boat.

Mutiny attempted….. Failed.

Day 5

Sailing to Falmouth (pronounced Foulmouth) an ancient historic reference to the potty mouthed folk of the Southwest!! We woke up early Thursday morning and did some jobs on the boat before setting off. Prior to departure BDBT (BirthDay Boy Tones) was sent aloft to reattach bungee to the staysail halyard blocks. The beaming smiles from above were hard not to miss and highly infectious. Photos to follow…

We left at 1330 with Darren doing pilotage out of Kinsale. He dabbled with death (and nearly got it from Ads) as he swerved several times attempting to dash our vessel into the rocks!

Once out of Kinsale, we hoisted the sails and knocked off the engine. When this is done, the shaft must be jammed off to stop it turning (the shaft-break). While this doesn’t appear to be hugely complicated, it was grossly misunderstood by Arnie who thought he was being asked to do something with the “shark-break” which he believed protects the boat from sharks. We laughed.

Nelly Furtado, AKA Twinkle-tits (Neil) took over as navigator shortly after.

We did 3 hour shifts that night which was great fun. The headsail change took the 2300 – 0200 crew (Ginger) from 2300 – 0200!! Obviously, quite a bit of gruelling work involved! The main was reefed by the other watch - the sharks.

Our Captain has admitted that we didn’t suck entirely, but there’s AMPLE room for improvement!

After a long night, the gingers were looking forward to a few hours kip… But this was not to be. As we write this, we are running low on sleep, but not on enthusiasm! All in all, very challenging but spirits are high and there are smiles all-around.

Mutiny about to be attempted….. Failure expected.

Signed off by The Crew & Adam the skipper of Challenger 2

Crew head off in Challenger 2

2008-11-10T10:55:00.009Z

The crew all boarded Challenger 2 along the quay side in Cork City. "Excited", "Nervous", "Ready to go" were some of the comments made as they embarked yesterday afternoon. This morning they will head out for their first sail to get used to her and learn how to sail such a large vessel. The skipper, Adam Tuffnell, said "I am really looking forward to this trip, as we have enough time for everyone to become a well formed crew and to get the know the boat really well."
Here are a few images of some the crew on board.

New Arrivals for the 2008 - 2009 Commercial Yachtmaster Course

2008-09-16T07:29:00.002+01:00

The new trainees arrived yesterday and we had a super day on the water, with light breezes and sunshine - perfect. The atmosphere is wonderful and it is smiles all round. We have a super gang on the course this year and we will be posting a profile on each trainee over the next couple of weeks. The phone is still buzzing with enquiries for joining the Commercial Yachtmaster course, so we are planning to set up a second course, starting October / November time. Get in touch if you are interested in finding out about the new course dates and schedule.

100% PASS

2008-04-11T14:22:00.002+01:00

Everyone of this years Commercial Yachtmaster trainees passed their final assessment and are now qualificed Yachtmasters. Congratulations.

6 New customers have booked in to the 2008 / 2009 course so far.

If you are looking at payment options, one of our trainees has managed to get a student loan and won't have to start paying it back untill he is earning - a brilliant option.

Tall Ships are excited about us chartering one of their 72 foot Challengers, but not nearly as excited as our trainees are about sailing her - she is a really super addition to the training experience building.

I will keep you posted on new cllients booking on and activities a the centre over the summer, so keep an eye on us here.

All the best

Gail