Today, we boarded about 13:00, we first created a chain to pass the bags from the pontoon, the other boat. To our boat, and down the stairs.

It was quite rough coming out onto the channel but thankfully no one has been sick yet. YET. After we had exited the channel, we slowed down as we weren’t going too far, only to the Isle of Wight. We did a few training exercises including getting to understand how to use winches and for some of us, how to steer the boat.

Once we had got into the port, we had to fight with the fenders to get the ship moored. Finally moored we went downstairs; dinner tonight was prepared by Port watch and was chicken fajitas. We then sat down and played (attempted) uno, the family pack of mini eggs was devoured my Charlie, Sam, and Jonathan.

Today’s blog was written by members of the Port watch, (going to rename hopefully, something shark related). First day was great and can’t wait for tomorrow, we are headed to Weymouth next.

Amelie & Charlie

We started from Cows which is on the Isle of White, then proceeded slightly southwest from the pontoon facing some strong winds and currents on the way.  We had to use the engine power for roughly 3 hours quite a strong power to prevail us through the winds since it was protruding straight into the boat. Then, all the crew started to release the main sail up to give us a lot more ground to gain while also still using the engine but very slightly so we could let the winds carry us towards our destination. Shortly before lunch after we had sailed for about 3 to 4 hours, the crew started to release the sheet just near the bow to gain more ground by giving us another pathway of speed. After we had jacket potatoes for lunch, some of the crew started to have a go at steering the boat through some tough gales of winds while also using the compass to make sure we were heading in the right direction but one person, John, started to accidently turn into France and not the actual direction. Suddenly, we were told that we would be heading straight past a shooting range that the Navy or Army were doing to train with, and we moved out the way so we would not get bombed!!!!!!!!!!!!      Then, once we had arrived at Weymouth, we started to fold the main sheet over and then get ready for dinner!!

By Jonathan

We faced conditions that would have had Admiral Nelson quivering in his boots. The winds were high, the seas were brutal. We were chilled to the bone. The hot chocolate quickly became cold and salty. Every biscuit was sodden, just like our socks.

Strangely enough, we all enjoyed ourselves!

Ava and Kirsten