Dearest gentle reader, I write to inform you of the recent events of our dashing adventures. We arrived at the beautiful array of yachts, capturing a look at our new home for the week, and captain birds eye with his elegant beard, along with our highly commended, wonderful, experienced leaders  (other than our teachers).

A long awaited tour was given by our fabulous Amz, showing us the ins and outs of the boats and any safety measures.

Next, we were fitted into our outfits; a jacket, trousers, and of course a life jacket. We set off! Excitement bubbling inside us and a refreshing breeze on our rosy cheeks. With great enthusiasm, we assisted Giles at the bow and a couple of daring individuals attempted the role of helming at the stern.

As we entered the port, a loud noise rang in our ears, twas the Harbour Master ringing! Clove hitches tied, fenders positioned at the ready, we arrived at our destination, Cowes, on the Isle of White. Greeted by the warm smiles of our fellow peers, although a strong stench ruined the atmosphere. Fajitas are ready!!!

Summoned to the saloon, a fragrant gush of air hit us and we sat, beginning our meal. Briefed on what tomorrow would bring us, we headed off to bed. 22:00 in our bunks – might as well be hammocks! Quiet time and we dreamt about what adventure would await us the following morning.

Yours faithfully, Lady Whistledown.

Dearest gentle reader, good morning!!!

We were awakened at 06:30 by the terribly positive attitude of a fellow crew mate.

The red team was on breakfast duty and made a somewhat unusual version of porridge ( slop), even after this setback, we still thrived and moved on to our next job.

Hoisting the sails and we were ready to go.

We took part in a learning session, practicing a man overboard drill.

Dearest gentle reader, it has come to my attention that many of you are unaware of the endeavours of what is soon to be 10 body bags.

Twas the break of dawn when my fellow apprentices and I were abruptly awakened by a ringing in our ears, alas 06:00, whom but the mad would rise at this unruly hour.

A treacherous abundance of ice-cold rain hit us as we emerged from thine hatch as if we were a butterfly departing from our homes.

Kit on, we readied the deck and prepared for cast off, Sophia was helming, with Elise winching, Khush coiling ropes, and our knowledgeable crew taking their positions. “Slip thine bow” was projected from the stern and off we sailed, with a warm sense of hope and excitement filling our hearts, and our newfound skills soon to be put to thine test.

Thus, was an eventful day, yet some found it challenging changing their trousers while remaining standing, and ended up in ill health. With our sister ship in our eye line, we readied for mooring, though in this process a fender detached itself from our motherly grasp, like a child heading off to school.  Boat hook readied, it was saved from the claws of death and returned to safety.

Home, if not only for one night, it would be our solace and our paradise in our dreams. Bathrooms filled with youngsters like a flock of sheep with one aim… hygiene. Twas 16 hundred hours when we entered the saviour’s haven, the lifeboat station. Tours given and off we went, back to the boat, dinner prep beginning soon.

Chicken curry served up and a warm feeling in our bellies, the horrendous weather banging on our windows was not a worry, for now… TOMORROW CANCELED!!!

A sigh of relief for some and a cry of pain for others, informed of the timeline for this day after today we imagined to our farthest limits what could occur and clambered into bed. Goodnight all, we said.

Yours faithfully, for now, Lady Whistledown.