Challenger 1 – Haydon Bridge Scouts – XF240330
Students from Haydon Bridge Scouts join us on Challenger 1 for a 5-night voyage. Follow their journey below.
Day 1
Saturday 30 March
Today, we travelled down to Portsmouth to go sailing!
On the way down, the train got stuck outside of Newcastle central station for nearly 2 hours because of a broken rail. We finally arrived in London, we then had to get on the underground which was stressful and very hot! After that, we had to catch another train from London to Portsmouth. We finally made it to the boat and dropped off our bags then went out for something to eat, we got a Frankie and Bennie’s which was delicious! After that we came back to the boat and got ready for bed, we all slept reasonably well, which was surprising to us!
Jessica, Olivia, Pippa
Day 2
Sunday 31 March
We enjoyed putting up the sails and steering the boat. But to start the day we had safety briefing and an early breakfast. We had to wake up at 8. It was very hard to pull the ropes, but it was fun. We put the engine on and set sail. Then we put up the first sail and headed for the isle of wight. Then we got to Yarmouth on tied the boat to the port. We went through a life-jacket brief and waterproof brief.
Evie, Mary and Lennox.
Day 3
Monday 1 April
The day started with yummy bacon baps. After, we all climbed the 29m high mast. We all made it to the top! After that, we set sail and headed to Poole. The first sail we put up the main sail! It was hard work putting it up, but with teamwork, we succeeded. After that, we put up the Yankee sail (the one at the front of the boat). We then started to gain speed without the engine running and had a blast! Whilst sailing along, two of us, were asked to spot lobster pots. This is so that the boat doesn’t run over these and cause damage to Challenger 1! Once outside of Poole, we took the sails down and on the way in we put the boat away. After that we finally arrived at Poole and ate our dinner, we all then headed for a shower and came back to get ready for bed.
Jessica, Olivia, Pippa
Day 5
Wednesday 3 April
We ate croissants for breakfast after waking up at 7. We put the main sail up while we were on the water (it was very choppy). We had tomato soup for lunch with bread and then went back up on deck. We sailed from Poole to Cowes. After tidying up the deck, we then went to the local shops in Cowes. We made tea which was bangers and mash.
Lennox, Evie, Mary, Rupert
