Left Gunwharf Quays at 1900 last night with 15 onboard. The destination was Cherbourg which was 75 nautical miles away and took 13 hours. The two watches started their watch pattern at 2100, the first watch, which was 3 hours long, (until 0000) was completed by the starboard watch. They oversaw the helm as we passed the Isle of Wight and left Portsmouth behind us. The first 2 watches were spent under the power of motor-sail. A few members of the crew became seasick, but all recovered. The third watch managed to raise the Yankee 2 sail at around 0400hrs and were able to experience (briefly) their first bit of sailing. At 0600hrs port watch arrived on deck to join the rest of the crew as Challenger one approached Cherbourg. After coming through the west entrance, Challenger one turning into wind and the crew dropped the main sail and the crew prepped the deck for mooring, which included: getting out the fenders and the mooring lines. Once alongside the pontoon the French harbour master gave us a friendly nudge allowing us to tie on. After an adventurous first night, the crew was relieved with a warm breakfast cooked by starboard watch. The mood of the trip to the French customs was damped by the mist which lingered across the harbour. Customs was dull however once all the passports had been checked we were all free to roam around the intriguing town centre of Cherbourg. We had a bite to eat before returning the vessel to catch up on much needed sleep. Dinner was prepared by starboard crew with the help from the skipper. The meal was enjoyed by everyone who are now fuelled for the upcoming busy day of sailing tomorrow.

Today’s small breakfast of cereal started at 08:00. It was proper bangin’. The Cheerios (and the chocolate ones) were class. While one group cleaned up our bowls and spoons the rest of us completed deck prep which was sound. Smooth (non-)sailing from there as we didn’t do much. Some who stank showered, and the others remained stinky by not showering. The cards were dealt and played, books were read, walks were had. Then we sat around some more and eventually realised that we were all onboard so decided to set sail. We departed at 11:00 bound for Alderney. T’was trippy as the boat was heeling at approximately 30 degrees. This was truly exciting except for that one crew member who went for a doozi. Boat deck had a little shower of its own (and so did some people’s legs) as the sea went wishy-washy. The nap had by the one crew member was a solid 6.5/10. Nap time is quality time. It’s important. Quick quizell-dizzel; which crew member(s) are writing this, and are we sleep deprived? Find out at the end! After dressing in our wellingtons, we started tacking. There was bare winching and that. The ropes drained any source of fibre from fueling our fried bodies. The salt was evacuating the sea, and we could feel it, man. Before the fan-dabby-dosey nap, we had some scran. The baguettes were well good. Although cheese was spreading like wildfire across the deck and our oillies. After the treacherous voyage, we arrived in Alderney. It is small here. There is one massive hill some of us climbed. Train tracks were wondered around. Once again, some of us showered, and the others remained stinky. There are lots of historical sights that we plan on visiting tomorrow. Dinner was majestical, it was bromantic, as it was a classic: bangers and mash with caramelised onion gravy. Our goodnight story was a threat of murder to stop us from waking up too early. Answers: Sleepy, Sicky, Strong, and Stylish. Yes. Snoring is a popular bedtime activity.

Knight, Josh, Sophie, Alex

Give Peas a chance!!!!

When we woke up this morning, we had to make scrambled eggs for breakfast. This required us to crack 30 eggs (unsuccessfully) into a bowl and slice and toast all the muffins, however, it worked out well in the end. We left challenger one to take the water taxi into Alderney for the rest of the day. We were tasked with the challenge of discovering historical facts and information about the Island, we rented some bikes with the hope of discovery in the abysmal weather. We visited a hospital bunker, nunnery, coastal defences and WW2 fortresses. During our travels around the island, we became acquainted with a former local resident by the name of Harvey was born on the island in 1970, he now lives on Guernsey and brings his family back every year for Alderney week where they stay at the campsite. Harvey informed us that the different coloured number plates didn’t mean anything, and that the president of Alderney has the numberplate AY 1. Towards the end of our tour of Alderney we were rudely interrupted by the weather and couldn’t continue through the rain to visit the puffins ☹ . However, we handed back our bikes and returned to challenger 1 via the taxi to warm up again. We have just enjoyed a hearty supper of fish, chips and peas (Terry is the peas biggest fan girl) and are very excited to deliver our presentation on what we have learnt about Alderney.

– Starboard Watch – ​

Today’s adventure began at 0630Hrs. We set sail from the port of Braye on the island of Alderney, just north-west of the Cotentin peninsular, bound for Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth at 0645Hrs. Initially setting off in wet and windy weather conditions, this cleared up to reveal clear blue skies, however the wind remained at 10-25Kts (between F4 – F6 on the Beaufort scale). A breakfast consisting of cereal and biscuits was served at 0800Hrs, some of this was spilt over the saloon and the deck, due to the rolling seas, and led to some individual cases of sea sickness.

Rough seas remained throughout the day, causing constant course correction due to waves knocking us off course, resulting in courses between 350° & 050°, these very brief stints but slowing us down overall. Despite this, the helming (piloting the boat) was fun and exhilarating.

Our lunch consisted of jacket potatoes, which had been cooked between 1000-1230hrs by the crew brave enough to go below decks. These were enjoyed upon deck, as to limit time below decks, and help alleviate the symptoms of sea sicknesses. They were served with either Tuna-Mayo or baked beans and cheese. Soon after the Isle of Wight became visible on the horizon, and the necessary challenges of navigating the shipping lanes crossing the English Channel were met.

Approaching the Isle of Wight, we practiced Man Overboard drills. Resulting in our head sails being dropped and all our speed being lost. The sudden turns and stopping helped to wake up some of us.

We then arrived back in Gunwharf Quays for 1800Hrs and had Pasta Bolognese on deck at around 1900Hrs. Afterwards, some dispersed to use land-based facilities, before returning to the boat to help change berths.

It was a great last day of sailing to complete our voyage on Oona (Challenger 1), all of us had an amazing time.​