Day 6 – Thursday 12th April

Today we woke up in Yarmouth, the sun was out and it looked like it was going to be a good day, starting with bacon and scrambled eggs for breakfast, yum. We then prepped the boat before doing some MOB training on the pontoon and having some ice cream. mmmm.

We pumped up the dinghies and raced challenger 2 in a relay, as we had more people it even up the odds as they are a younger crew,  it was a lot of fun as each time the skipper blew the horn we had to do a 360. After a hard couple of races it was draw!! so we then dried off and had some hot soup and bread whilst we discussed our teams effort.

We set sail from Yarmouth after lunch and Aaron CJ and Biscuit made tea and coffee, whilst the rest of the crew hoisted the sails and went through rules of the road as we sailed around CH2. As there was no wind and rain was upon us we then anchored about 16.00 and had tea chilli con cornea yum yum yum. Some of the crew where even fishing and we catched 4 catfish

After dinner we talked about navigation and where set a route which we had to navigate around in the dark which was very hard as the were so many lights.

After a fun night we are now back on anchor and into a watch system through the night to make sure we are safe in the bay.

Looking forward to a long sleep!!

Day 5 – Wednesday 11th April

Today was a challenging and demanding experience. The day commenced at 7.28 am in which breakfast was prepared and few people went to the showers. After breakfast was declared finished the boat was prepared with stay and Yankee 2 as the head sails. We departed at 9.20 am. The weather was glorious sunshine, until the heavens opened and a hail storm was battering the boat along with its crew members without hesitation. After the hail had gone we practiced a man over board drill with bob (the fender). This we did twice with varying success and speed.

After which we saw a very big ship!! So both ourselves and challenger 2 took chase, with some radio contact we found this ship to be Stravos the tall ship

So after warming up with some charades with challenger two, we approached Stravos and waved hello!!

Then we found a good bit of wind and practiced doing some tacks and gybes in quick secession We then found our way to Yarmouth were we put the boat to sleep and had dinner BANGERS AND MASH!! Followed by more charades

Day 4 – Tuesday 10th April

Started early in Poole this morning with cereal and bacon!! Blue skies, sun ish in the sky and a light breeze (freezing cold) looked like a promising beginning to the day. Started off after challenger 2, overtaking them shortly after and not seeing them for the rest of the day.

Sails shot up, tea and coffee following swiftly. Smooth sailing running downwind, followed by goose-winging a new sight for most of us on that scale. The deck speakers on a bit, of Stereophonics to go with the sun. As the wind picked up  a bit and we started beating around the island- Aaron performed another spectacular dive across the deck almost taking the main sheet with him.

We picked up quite a bit of speed coming around the island hitting 12.8 knotts at one point, whilst on a constant 45 degree angle much to the dislike of a few. As we approached Cowes we had to tack, which was significantly improved from the day before and the earlier gybe. Now in Cowes, with the Yankee and Staysail all safely packed away by crew alone (a fact we are very proud of), fed on the gourmet cuisine provided by chefs extraordinaire Mark and Teresa, we are looking forward to what tomorrow brings.

Day 3 – Monday 9th April

After a good nights sleep we all were woken to the lovely sound of the generator grumbling away, we have been told this is charge the batteries but we have our suspicions its an alarm clock!!!

After a quick breakfast we dressed in full gear before prepping the boat in the damp conditions. Unfortunately one of our watch leaders had to go home as she is ill; we will miss her GET WELL SOON DE.

After we said goodbye to the others on challenger 2 we set out into the high seas, expecting to face seas the size of mountains and see what these boats would do!!! On the way out we all pulled the slightly smaller main up we passed a BIG ship coming in as we went out, as the hard work was done the kettle went on and the chocolate came out J followed by a geography lesson on Old Harry we motored alongside CH2 taking photos of each other. Sprits were high as we set out forPortlandso we were put to test by hoisting the yankee 3 and the newly rigged storm staysail with big white waves crashing over the deck it was such good fun and we got soaked.

Somehow the Crew stayed dry and avoided getting wet, this were told is because of experience as you start at the bow and work back to the dry and the sweets!! But were still happy on the bow with the waves. As this means we get to go off to the hot showers first when we get to port, whilst the crew cook dinner. Fair deal.

After a lunch of hot pasties and hotter showers we settled in out of the rain to watch a movie and enjoy playing cards and singing along to music. Which we made a great video to Queen Boheniam rhapsody with lots of head banging and air guitar going on.

We have now just settled down to a chicken curry and garlic bread, perfect finish to the day, people trying daves insanity source, Eibhlin says its not that bad as the rest of us drink glasses of juice.

Hope its not so wet tomorrow!!!!!

Day 2 – Sunday 8th April

After the good night sleep in the hammocks,   a long day ahead waited! Breakfast was brief and the day was promptly underway.

We had a race in the morning to see who was the best at running the runners, unfortunately the starboard team cheated. We set sail and ended up sideways for a majority of the journey, not the best conditions for making tea, or using the onboard facilities.

Now in Poole and stuffed after spaghetti bolognaise (without the spaghetti) – its either cards… or ANYTHING ELSE

Until tomorrow….

Day 1 – Saturday 7th April

We arrived at one in the afternoon to meet the crew and get settled in. we were given an overview of the week plans and given time to get to know each other before saying goodbye to the fellow challenger yachts as they set sail to Swansea.

Once they had left we went for a guided tour of the docks, enjoying the views of Portsmouth from the water! On returning the boat was prepped as we all got to know how the boat worked and what our job would intale throughout the week.

We were given time to check out the views from the mainland as the fajitas were being prepared on board. After eating and cleaning we all played cards for a stupid amount of time. Some people just can’t play cards…