Day 6

On Day 6 we set sail from Troon to Greenock. Everyone was pretty much knackered from our long sail the night before when we sailed through the night. Stephen D and Stephen Mc volunteered for all the HARD sweating, Well done lads

It was another good day sailing, everyone enjoyed themselves and had a good time in the warm sun. The day went pretty slow considering the wind speed was sitting between 1 and 4 knots so we weren’t really going very far.

Colin and Stephen Mc’s Challenge carried on and it ended up 2-1 to Stephen Mc with loads of push ups and Tricep dips. For lunch yesterday we had Chilli Pasta and Garlic bread cooked by the skipper, the left over’s in the pot were eating by Bryan and Stephen Mc who had 3 bowls, you can tell it was rather good!

We had to toe the other boat from the middle of the sea all the way to Greenock, we were originally sailing for Largs, the place Tery wouldn’t shut up about because of there *AMAZING* showers, (Daniel, Stephen Mc, and Stephen D had showers in Troon which were amazing.) Tery was almost crying when he found out we weren’t docking at Largs .

When we docked at Greenock we took a stoat up town to the shops. For tea we had beef stew witch starboard made and port done the dishes, should have been the other way about because starboard can’t cook but anyway. We had a big chat later on in the night, everyone sat down and talked about the whole week, what they personally feel they have achieved and what they want to do when they get home. Must say though, the 3 Stephens on board are definitely the best at doing everything. From the whole cru.

By Stephen McNab & Stephen Donavan!

Day 5

We got up and a few of us went for a walk around Cambletown, not a lot to see but Tery and Colin found a cracking little bake shop, with the smell of bacon butties with them the rest soon followed.  We set off for Arran and had a smooth start and had lunch out in the open sea, the banter was good and everyone was on good spirits and the jokes soon came flooding, with skipper and Colin trying to outdo the other with jokes.  It must be said that poor Skipper didn’t stand a chance with the high class of Jokes from the very handsome Colin.

After lunch the wind picked up and we hosted the sails and took off like a little speed demon! Steve Mc, was convinced we were going capsize and struggle to hold on! He disappeared for a moment but re-emerged with fresh trousers!  Dillion was reunited with his brush after his fellow mates tied it to the mast!  The harder the wind blow the harder Dillion brushes! (That’s one strong brush!)

After a brilliant sail and a lot of laughs we picked up speed and pushed the boat to the max! Great day!

Daniel made an amazing effort and managed to put the stay sail up by himself, he’s a little hero!

We anchored in a natural harbour for the night but due to high winds we moved across to Troon. This involved a night voyage, which all the guys have been wanting to do all week, cold but really exciting. Tery was at the helm for a while and all the guys reckoned that it was the straightest the boat has been all week! We arrived in Troon at midnight and went to bed! Great day, great night!

Tery & The very brave and handsome Colin

Day 4

We got up at 6:30 am; the port side did breakfast because of Dylon putting up the cereal for breakfast, after eating we then got on deck to prep to get the boat ready to set sail.

The morning was rough some people where still tired on deck after we got the sail’s up about 2:30 or 3:00 pm the sun came out and we all cheered up and Steve “the skipper” put on some Scottish song like “ evil Scotsman “ and “ 500 mile”  which  cheer everyone up.

We then stared to bring the sail down and bring the fenders out ready to dock on the pontoon and after we got tea ready and we had chicken curry and to add that Steven blocked one of the toilets, we all went for a walk and came back for a game of cards and then we all when to bed.

Matt 

Day 3

We slept till 8:00 , the port side set up breakfast cereal for the morning’s breakfast, after eating until we could eat no more, we then got on to deck to start the morning preparations to got the boat ready to set sail. We all took sea sickness tablets to not be sick on the way from Strangford Lough to Bangor, and for once it actually worked, for all titanic fans , Matthews quote of the day was “I am Kate Winslet”.

For lunchtime, the skipper Steve cooked all the sausages for the hot dogs that were amazing. We got into Bangor, Northern Ireland around 5pm, we all showered and got cleanly dressed. We then had tea which was made by the best chefs on the boat on the port side. It was chilli. It wasn’t that spicy but could feel your throat tingle.

We all went for a walk round Bangor and even popped into the local supermarket which was ASDA to stock up on sweets and cakes. We all then had birthday cake because it was Douglas’s birthday on day 2. we all then went to bed and slept,

Dylon 

Day 2

We got up at 6 and got the boat ready for sail. Then we left the docks and set sail for Bangor bay. We then hosted the sails after we got out of the channel. Then it got really wavy and some of us were sick they then went to sleep. We got to Strangford loch which is around the corner from Bangor bay and anchored the boat and got dinner about ten and then Beth gave us instructions of what to do for anchor watch.

We all then got different shifts which we were paired up and had to take watch for an hour and a half.

Day 1

When we arrived the staff was very friendly and welcoming. We got told what every thing does and what they were called.

We got our stuff sorted out and had lunch and then we had some free time to get to know the staff and the other people that were taking part. We then put the front two sails on the lines ready for tomorrow then we had dinner and had free time then went to bed ready for tomorrow.

Day 5

We are all happy to be going home to see family and friends but are also sad that we have to leave this brilliant experience that we have all had thanks to the watch leader Phil and the first mate Linzi and obv course the skipper Neil for making our time out at sea a good one.

Would recommend to anyone thinking of doing the tall ship challenge to stop thinking bout it and do it as you will love it as we have over and out!

David king 

Day 4

Day four on tall ships, we started at seven to leave for eight,  after us all have a good night sleep we all are in a good mood, so we started off by putting the sails  up and sorting the deck to set off.

While we were putting up the halyard it got stuck on the spreader, so had trouble getting off, it took longer than normal, but we got there in the end.

Then we got the foresails up. Throughout the day the winds and sea were good, sailing was calm and relaxed. A few of us even play a few games on paper e.g. hangman. At one point Del got a scare for a baby bird. It landed on his head and he jump about to get it off, but overall it was a good day sailing in the sun.

Amber

Day 3

Today I woke up at 6 am to do anchor watch for an hour with Amber. We had to sign an anchor watch form when we woke up in which we had to write the lat/long for where the boat is and put the time we looked at it down. I found it different and not what I was expecting. It was something new to learn about how to keep a boat where it is.

We had to alter the positions of the running backstays which I enjoy helping to do. I also had a go at steering the boat which I found harder to do than driving a car because the waves kept taking me off course and I found it harder to keep the set course given to me.

We also did a Man over board drill in which I helped get the forward yankee sail down and then sit on it to make sure it didn’t go anywhere.

At the end of the sail I helped to put the main sail away on the boom and to tidy away the two other forward sails that we had used today.

We had a trip ashore at the end to get a break and some food before coming back for my first shower since we got on the boat.

Overall since I have been away it has been an amazing experience and I recommend it to other people who have not the experience of doing this or people who have the opportunity.

David Bryan

Day 2

We set sail from Liverpool yesterday hoping to sail our way to Bangor but due to people being sea sick and only 5 people were left on deck. Me, Nadia and Chris were the only people left on deck from Perth.

We had to port at Portaferry and I have never experienced anything like it in my life! The Irish Sea is absolutely Moik! I learned how to steer the ship, which I thought was rather easy. The ship was constantly on its side due to Gail force winds and rain. We eventually got to portaferry at 9 at night where we anchored and had tea. We all had to take turns at night watch; me and del were on 2-3am watch. It was absolutely Baltic!

Lisa Macfarlane.

Day 1

The day has come to go on the tall ships sailing crew with 11 young people from around Perth Y.M.C.A Princes Trust Team.

Was an early start for all the young people that was going which had to be at the train station for 4:45 in the morning where we had to meet Pete as he took us to Glasgow. First train was at 5:16 from Perth to Glasgow Queen Street where we meet Douglas Briton who took over from Franny McGrath. Douglas then took us to Glasgow Central when we walk to get the next train at 7:10 then was on that train till 9:45 to Preston with was a long journey. Next train after that was 9:59 from Preston to Ormskirk with only took half a hour till all the young people moved onto the next train at 10:35 till 11:05 where we all reached Liverpool but we all had to get off at Moorfields as Liverpool Central Station is getting all refurbished.

We all went for lunch to subway then got a Taxi to the Langton cruise terminal where we meet such lovely tall ship crew members with is Lindsay, Neil, Phil, Where they Staring of with showing us all that we had to do which was put up the sails and going over the boat instructions with where we can all stay safe with everyone. Lindsay and Phil made lovely Chicken and potatoes with Veg. Neil help serve tea. Neil also went over the map to where we are crews to with is Ireland. Lovely crew gave us all a tall ship t-shirt.

I personally thing it’s a good experience for me to no more about the ship and all the hard work that needs to be done with the boat. Second day is moving on to Bangor in Ireland..

Nadia Christie

Day One

Rebekah Williams

Weatherhead School

On the first day we arrived at Mosslands for 7am. We had a four hour journey upto Cardiff where we got on the Stavros. When we got there we were put into our watches. I was put into Blue watch.

Once we boarded the boat and were shown our rooms, we started training with our watches. With our watches we learnt about the ropes, how to drive the boat and safety drills.

In the evening we were allowed off the boat and into Cardiff for a last look around and to buy or get anything before we set sail.

Day Two

Christian Watts

Mosslands

On the second day we moved from our starting port in Cardiff to the second port. We sailed/motored out from the main port of Cardiff, underneath the bridge to the docking area.

While this was going on at the front of the boat, we were sorting the ropes out for the second docking point. But before we reached this we had to circle around and find the right angle to get under the bridge – this was made more difficult by the strong winds.

When we had reached the second port, the ropes were thrown over to be tied up and tightened, so we could remain in the same place overnight, before sailing across the Irish Sea.

 Day Three

Lewis Redfern

On the third day we woke up on rough waves and more than half of the watch felt sick. Our shift was 12am to 4pm and only five of us were able to do the watch. As we were doing our watch, people were being sick, but I was fine.

On that day the breakfast, lunch and dinner was good and filling. Near the end of the day everywhere smelt of sick and more than half of the people on the boat were ill and couldn’t do anything.

We also had to put the sales up with a less amount of people, and then down with more people than what we had.

Overall day three was a great experience of what life is like on rough seas.

Day 2

A late finish from John F, Pete and Steve meant we were still on for a good days sailing on Tuesday. Until the gearbox decided to play up again that is!  After  getting decks ready, putting boat to bed, getting the decks ready and moving Tall Ships Cat in case we had to swap boat we were finally able to head out on the boat that the team deserve – a real ocean racing yacht!

I have to say that the team coped very maturely with the changes of plan, and disappointment and frustration they must have been feeling. They should be proud of the way they worked together and are a credit to their centre.

We sailed forYarmouthafter lunch arriving in time for showers ashore before dinner of fajiitas. Not sure what Wednesday will bring us weather wise – forecasts are starting to show more wind particularly in the gusts. I was hoping to take the crew round the bottom of the island, but maybe the weather Gods have other ideas.

Right enough waffle from the skipper, over to the crew.

John – Skipper

Day 1

Today we arrived about one o’clock, we got on the boat while it was tipping down with rain. We got to meet the Skipper and crew and the Skipper spoke to us about the yacht and the trip. Then we sorted out our bunks which are actually quite lovely.

The teams were sorted out and we went around the yacht learning what things are, like how to use the loo properly. It was still raining! So we all got foul weather gear on and then we went up and got the yacht ready to leave.

We left Portsmouth, heading forIsle of Wight, it was a bit bumpy leaving and then the engine stopped!! So we had to put the sail up quickly and we came back toPortsmouth, it took a while and everyone was in a good mood apart from the wet rain. We sailed back onto the Pontoon with lots of people watching and they clapped when we got in. Showers and dinner, thanks to the watch leaders. A good day had by all.

Day 5 

Alongside in Douglas

Aaron Ridout: ” Half a day looking round Douglas was very nice, found Alexandros restaurant for lunch in excellent company with John, Pipa and Pedro. And a chocolate shop for souvenirs. Architecture and sculptures around the town were worth a closer look.”

Day 4 

Dun Laoghaire to Douglas

Up at 7, sausages in the oven and kettle on while the deck is prepped with Yankee 2 and Staysail. Cleared of the harbour and sails up, one reef  in the main, staysail and Yankee 2, doing 9 knots plus and some if it occasionally in the right direction

Challenger 3 astern of us, just close enough to wonder why Coastguard Helicopter Echo Mike Sierra was playing near us. And the answer? I called them up after hearing them abort a hi-line exercise with a big ship and asked if they would like to play with us instead. After a direction finding exercise to find us, they closed on our stern.

The team soon found out why I had emphasised the noise while running through the High Line drill briefing – 6 tonnes or so of helicopter makes an impressive racket when 5 metres astern below mast height!! The helicopter held station with us for twenty minutes or getting used to the back winding off the sails, then called it a day, sadly too windy to lower the winchman down for a traininz\z\q2g exercise – never mind on the bright side we did get to keep our cherry Bakewells that were readied to pass to the helo crew – sort of an offering to the Rescue Gods, us being fresh out of virgins on board!

1200 now, and around 40 miles to Chicken Rock, reckon this lot will be less impressed than our last crew who got to see the polar bear at The Needles on our first leg.

ETA Douglas around 2000, any bets on how many crew will succumb? Still, if they’re happy when vomit clap your hands Beat the ETA with nearly an hour to spare, sails away and dinner not far off being ready!

Pippa:  ”So happy to say the Irish Sea has exceeded my expectations; wild seas, strong winds, lots of sunshine (yes sunshine) and a crew of slightly eccentric characters.   We’re slowly adding appropriate nicknames as we go………. The boats are just amazing and we don’t feel like a cork in a bottle, far from.   With the steady and reassuring directions from our 3 leaders, we are all conquering the High Seas and I for 1 haven’t had this much exhilarating fun in a long time……  Only disappointed that we only have one more sail ahead of us, but plenty of laughs, smiling and healing over to come ”

Peter:  ”What a day! Average heal of 30 degrees. Average 10 knots in 25 knot wind. Ray got us up to 12 Knots and even faster tomorrow when we head down wind forLiverpool. Can sailing get any better than this? It’s the best I’ve ever had for sure.  We are all getting on well. What a laugh we’re having.”

Adam:  ”Wow its been an amazing trip so far! My first experience of sailing and I am loving every minute. Yesterday I got a bit seasick however today I managed to stay well and enjoy riding the waves. I managed to cook a lunch with Ray of hot ham and cheese baguettes while the boat was rocking at angles of 45 degrees – great fun! Dinner was a lot easier where I finished of cooking the skippers pre-prepared chicken and turning it into a rather nice Sweet and sour stir-fry, loved by everyone, even if I do say so myself. The week has been exciting although with so much information to remember its hard to keep track of what line goes to which sail or the difference between a fender and a Tack haha. Seriously with the vast amount of experience on board and the array of personalities we have as a team it makes it all the more enjoyable. You never feel stupid for making a mistake or having to ask for the hundredth time… which is the mainsail line you want me to take in? well last sail tomorrow but I will take a lot home with me and one day hope to back again – maybe even helping others experience what I have done!”

Aaron Ridout:  ”Another fantasic days sailing. Alas the pseudonym is sticking, but only one autograph has been requested so far, and lots of questions about that oaf Jezzer! The rest of the crew are gaining their own reputations, some with pictures to prove it. The days sailing was another first for me, sailing most of the way on a reach at 30degrees, I’ve never had two legs the wrong length before! Again the staff were excellent and really got every one to expand their knowledge, involvement and have fun. Lunch & Dinner were absolutely on the mark, 10/10.  The visit by the Irish Garda rescue helicopter for a training exercise was an added bonus, many thanks to John for organising it and providing us with a very clear picture of what to do and expect, and the forethought to have some cakes ready to be ‘rescued’ as a thank you to the garda, but alas they went home empty handed because the wind was too strong for just an exercise. Between us we have probably hundreds of stills and several minutes of video. So we’ll need a good photo share facility to share each others pictures. Tying up inDouglaswas a struggle at low tide on the commercial side of the port, all solid concrete and industrial sized bollards to more up to. Challenger 1 then had to raft up along side, so they had the easier job of it. Even though we obviously had to make do with the landing we were given, the staff had us all prepared for almost anything, which really filled us all with confidence at their leadership abilities, giving clear instructions in uncertain circumstances. It’s a long walk to the yacht club for showers and bar facilities, but worth the walk round the pretty harbour area. Once again thanks to all the staff and crew for such a wonderful day.”

Day 3

Alongside in Dun Laoghaire

A couple of hours of cleaning the boat and selves then most of the crew ventured ashore. None resisted the Guinness, though we all managed to resist the Leprachaun musem – unlike at least one of the crew of Challenger 1!

Can recommend the Clarendon Bar for food, had great steak there, but not for its ambience – much better craic in theTempleBar area. Everybody back on board before midnight in readiness for the next days adventures.

Guess who?

Day 2

Milford Haven to Dun Laoghaire

Lots of breeze during the night, but eased slightly by the time we locked out at half seven, with Yankee 3 and Staysail prepped on deck ready to go. Main up with two reefs in before clearing the Sound and then headsails up to beat our way out between the islands, before bearing away.

Flew up the St George’s Channel into the Irish Sea with boat speeds of 11 to 12 knots. Temporarily lost 3 or 4 crew due to sea sickness, with most making a guest appearance for lunch. 3^rd Reef in for a while absolutely  flying along – just like the spray.

Winds eased as we neared the Irish Coast with us shaking out 3^rd Reef. Challenger 3 steering herself for 20 minutes or so under Yankee 3, Staysail and 2 Reefs – doing 10.5 to 12 knots and mostly in the right direction.

Level with Wicklow Head  at 2000 and the wind easing a little just as we start smelling the Guinness. Shook out all Reefs to keep up the boat speed. All crew have made at least a partial recovery now, with most refuelling on fresh filled pasta and garlic bread. Twenty miles or so to run and speed over the ground of over 10 knots

Aaron Ridout: Wow! I have never been on one tack for sooo long, the difference from being a dingy sailor, these Challengers are fantastic! Challenger 3 tunefully hums along at over 10 knots with a lovely clear high-C note, it’s a joyful & playful note that rises and falls with the wind and sea.

The spray over the deck was also great fun because you could feel the raw power through your seat. At the Helm the view along such a long sleek vessel was wonderful. Steering such an awesome ship took hard concentration, but once you got the rhythm it became a great way to overcome any queasiness.

To experience a Force 7 on a vessel that can handle it was a real privilege. Seeing the waves above head height was awe inspiring. The crew, old hands and new, are a great bunch to be sharing a grand day out from Wales to Ireland – thanks be.

Peter Barnes: I second everything Aaron has said. There were a few waves over the deck – surprisingly few considering I took the helm for a while and have never been out in more than a 5 before – and that was in Stavros (another story). So, 14 knots tops, 12 hours on the go with wet dinghy sailing boots and salt spray everywhere.

A few moments off to go below and see where we were. Good food coming up the hatch (and going over the side) at regular intervals….. What makes this special are the people, all helpful, kind and open, the Irish sea to stretch us all and the Challengers. What a great combo. Fun!

Day 1

Swansea to Milford Haven

An early lock out for us, swiftly followed by bacon butties once the main was up. Light winds at the start saw us using the “iron topsail” for a while. Gentle tacking practice as we crossed Camarthen Bay, then change to Yankee 3 before gybing into Milford Haven sound.

Plenty of time to get the boat put to bed before locking in to the marina – but what did the crew think of their first day with us…….? John – The Mate

No comment so far after the Skipper and Mate went in search of the Reverend James – not that they were worried about the next days forecast at all!