To begin with, following initial introductions, we were straight into action. Due to the late time of arrival (4pm to be exact) we began with a delicious dinner of pasta with tomato sauce and meatballs before heading straight onto deck to begin our sailing journey and grasp its fundamentals before the difficult week ahead of us. Without hesitation the sails were set and a course was chartered towards our first destination and anchor point for the night – the shore of hill head.

Signed – Alfie Buckmaster

We overcame the anchor-watch overnight splitting ourselves into four pairs and taking turns to stay up. We set sail in the morning and travelled via motor (due to the lack of wind) through the needle channel. On the open ocean we had entered, we learned a number of interesting knots – Reef, Bowline, Round-turn 2 half hitches, figure of 8 and a Rolling Hitch, and afterwards, we took a brisk dip in the sea, overcoming and embracing the chilling temperature. To show appreciation to our local environment, we ventured to the shore for the first time in our voyage and partook in a litter-pick on the beach, finding a cornucopia of assorted rubbish, and removing it from the beach. We analysed the litter to discern their origins and shame the companies and members of public who would deface our glorious ecosystem with their pollution. The geography experts of our cohort were a great ally during our quest, Adam and Kier demonstrating their ample knowledge with flourish and obvious competence. Returning to our vessel, a banquet was prepared, consisting of chilli-con-carne, lentils and beef. Following our meal and again separating into teams of 2, we worked with a partner on our projects to better our understanding of specific nautical topics, and how they impact life on a ship. Finally, we laid our heads to rest to recuperate and prepare for another taxing but promising day ahead.

Signed – Alfie Buckmaster

Another early start began our journey to Weymouth. During the voyage we did a man over board drill were we threw ‘Bob’ – a fender – over the edge. Lunch consisted of Cornish pasties and baked beans which was prepared by the Port Watch. Docking in Weymouth harbour the senior crew members restocked the shelves and cupboards with our future meals, while the rest of the crew familiarised themselves with land and shops. After our two hour stop, the yacht was sailed to find the best point of signal for the football fans to watch the England vs Spain game. The Starboard Watch prepared a dinner of sausages and mash which was significantly complimented. After tidying up for the night the whole crew settled down for the much awaited football match.

Signed – Helen Ricketts

We woke up to a really rainy morning in Weymouth to then lift the anchor to go into portland Harbour. As we arrived in portland Harbour we saw a pretty big  bottle nosed dolphin, we then anchored and the dolphin was scratching its back on the chains like a loofah. As we was at anchor I learnt how to work out the depths of water in secondary ports so that we could anchor safely in swanage.

We then led onto making lunch which was tomato soup and bread, afterlunch we set sail for swanage. We started with rough seas which made me feel sea sick which made fall asleep for a few hours but then a massive wave came crashing onto the boat leaving everyone soaked like the wave in moana. We arrived at swanage Bay to a calm still sea. We anchored and then made dinner which was fajitas and had an early night.