Spread across the UK, we all faced our first challenge before even stepping aboard: getting to the harbour area in the depths of Scotland. We all took different journeys to get here.

I personally took a flight from Gatwick; my first flight fully alone, which luckily went smoothly. I arrived in the area early and decided to visit an open-water pool, where I went for a very lovely swim in the fresh seawater. I was very happy to discover it was heated seawater. I had a lovely time but then rushed back to the marina after realising I had got the timings wrong.

I had a different experience; I drove with my dad from just south of Bath and camped in an area nearby. The scenery was beautiful, and I’m very glad I did this as it gave me a chill morning.

We asked the crew to describe their first impressions of the boat in one word – solid, unassuming, cosy, bigger than expected and cool.

We spent most of our time on the boat today getting safety briefings, cooking our first meal, pasta bolognese, and getting to know each other. It has been a long and tiring day, but overall, a good day. Very excited to get to go sailing tomorrow.

By Laura and Hugo

The crew of Challenger 1 woke up breezy for the first day of their adventure in Scotland. They slipped the lines efficiently by 10:30 to be greeted by dolphins! This was an amazing surprise for the crew, even being the first time seeing them in the wild for a few. Many videos were taken to ensure this special memory could remain.

As we embarked further, a lone seal watched as we sailed past under the staysail and main. Post-biscuit snack, the crew learnt some important lessons on Mayday safety and what is actually classed as an imminent and grave danger to a sailing yacht.

Continuing after some hot refuelling of a classic tomato pasta, Challenger 1 Yankee 2 sail was raised, putting us at a 30° angle. Although we learnt that a flat boat is a fast boat, it was still exhilarating for the yacht’s crew to experience sitting over the high side.

The boys in blue were out testing their new autonomous boats, which was an awesome sight.

After a hard day’s labour, we then settled the sails and laid them to rest for the day until we reached our new marina for the night. After a well-deserved curry for our supper and a shower, our competitive sides arrived just before bed.

10/10 day (would recommend).

By Enid & Ryan

Today we had an early start, waking up to It’s a Beautiful Day by Freddie Mercury blasting through the speakers. It was, in fact, a very rainy day.

Once we dragged ourselves out of bed, we prepped the deck and set off early. Although it was quite rainy, the wind was very refreshing, and there was also a thick fog above the hills which looked a bit spooooky.

We then later saw porpoises in the distance and a potential otter, although we were too far to see properly. The rain was quite strong, so we took shifts rotating our groups above and below deck.

When above deck, we had chances to steer/helm the boat, and we didn’t let the rain dim our spirits. When below deck, and a little chilly, we decided in our group to watch some Pirates of the Caribbean, since we found it quite fitting.

We also played and learnt new card games and were playing poker using Cheerios and Rice Krispies as chips, although some of us couldn’t put their cereal where their mouth was, so there was a lot of folding.

We finally arrived in Campbeltown and set about tidying the boat up. We had an hour of free time to explore Campbeltown before coming back to the boat to prepare dinner.

We had fish and chips, and it was very yummy.

By Ella and Gabi

Welcome to Day Four, how time flies.

Bright and early again, we slipped the lines to dance after being fuelled by pastries, full continental vibe, despite the typical Scottish weather which continued to huff and puff the whole time.

While the crew slacked off to dance, the sails were unpacked and the boat was awoken. Shortly after departing, the sails quickly filled and the boat started to heel, making dancing difficult for the crew.

During our passage, a rainbow came out, bringing hope to the crew for brighter skies, which in the end never came except for a slight patch of blue in the middle of the voyage which very quickly dissipated into thick grey fog, cloud and rain.

The scenery which was promised never materialised, which was disappointing.

As we closed our destination, we sighted Challenger 2 heading in the opposite direction. Mate Paul took back the helm, and we did a flyby with the crew of Challenger 2, a far inferior crew, must I say, because we are hard to beat. Like, I mean, come on.

With most of us sat on the bow, morale was high, with singing random songs such as The Falkland Island Song or random English football chants, making TikToks and making random references. The crew really came together.

It was not long before we were folding up the sails and tying on the fenders as Paul drove us into the marina just before the wind really picked up.

Due to the weather, we spent the afternoon learning for our Competent Crew certificate before it was time for showers and dinner, a banging affair of bangers & mash.

What an eventful day! The crew is moving again at the crack of dawn (07:30). Pancakes are warming up to fuel the crew for the unknowing’s of the day ahead.

It began with some free time for the boat by taking a peaceful stroll into the town of Tarbert. On the way, some of the crew played on trampolines in a park area. There were beautiful castle ruins to explore with perfect views overlooking.

On return to the yacht via the sweet shops, mast climbing was on the horizon. The crew flew up the mast with great confidence, which was amazing to see.

Lines were then slipped; a jacket potato was eaten (compliments to the hard-working chief), and morale remained high.

Laughter filled the boat all day until a nasty fall. One of the crew injured themselves moving along the boat – yikes. They were swiftly assisted by another member of the crew and the skipper.

The boat kept pushing on. While the injured soldier was resting, the morale improved slowly back to laughter. Phew.

The incredible Kyles of Bute were motored through, which was a very special end to our day. 10/10.

On return to Greenock, Challenger 1 was greeted by 9 of the Coastguard’s royal cavalry, while two ambulances arrived a while later. All the while, on the opposite side of the dock, a BBC series called Rebus was being filmed.

Upon meeting a member of the filming crew, we discovered that they were in the middle of a stunt scene, which was awesome to watch while the emergency services worked their magic.

A lovely supper was devoured quickly, and the boat returned to calm.

The word of the day was a unanimous eventful, but still blissful overall – but I suppose some more than others.

By Ryan & Enid