We have left school and departed for the boats.

We are now in the port and are greeted to the two boats we were split into. The staff were very nice and got a tour around the space for the next couple days.

Before dinner, we learned how to use a winch and how to tie various types of knots. Then we set sail and sailed around two hours before we brought up the sails. It was difficult at first as there were lots of new things to learn but eventually, we got used to it and found out that it was actually quite fun.

The bunks were small but were actually really comfortable. After stopping in the port, we worked in groups to make dinner and pack up the sails. For dinner, we had vegetarian pasta with garlic bread. We then split up again in groups of girls and boys, the boys went to the showers first while the girls cleaned up. Afterwards we all joined in for a card game before going to bed at 10:30.

We woke up at 7:30 and got ready for the day. We immediately started off the day by untying the knots from the port we docked on and set sail, departing to stock fuel. It was a laborious process as we had to wait an hour for the diesel. After that we set up the main sail. Everyone had to go in turn since it was so heavy to lift up.

We then had a drill of what to do if someone went overboard for precautions and had a fender as practice. It was an exciting yet scary experience as we had to fish the fender out. Then one of the groups prepared wraps for lunch and discussed about latitude and longitude, including reading maps.

Afterwards we sailed to a port and docked for the night, with fish and chips as dinner. Lastly, we showered and spent the rest of our free time playing cards and writing the blog!

Today was more relaxed than the first two days aboard Challenger 4.

We got up at around the same time and had scrambled eggs and cereal for breakfast. Then we set sail an hour after Challenger 1, the other boat. It was much warmer than before, and we spent a good portion of our time sunbathing at the bow.

We first set up the main sail then repeated the same for the head sail and the other one. It was a tiring yet fun experience as one member pulled up almost the whole head sail along with another member in the snake pit. Afterwards we had hot baguettes for lunch which we styled ourselves. I had ham and tomatoes, but it was burnt in the oven and tasted like smoke and ash, so I ended up having no lunch.

In the afternoon we finally docked but stopped in town for some ice cream. Then we came back to the boat and had a theory lesson on positions of the wind and the boat, which included going back on deck and having a quick quiz on parts of the ship.

Afterwards we spent some time with the people on Challenger 1 and had some form time, which was very nice, considering the fact that the sun was just right and we could lie against the sails.

Lastly, we picked up some pizza and both boats had delicious dinner together (note to self: thank you, Mrs. Gaffney!). And now I’m sitting here, writing the blog, and I can’t wait to sail and race the other boat tomorrow.

Written by: Emily, Diya & Honor​