Today we set off at 8am from Poole to Cowes for a lovely sail. Once we got to Cowes we were greeted by music and food stalls as it was Cowes week. We went for a short wander round the port to find an area to go crabbing but ended up back at the boat regardless. We were also invited on to a navy ship for a tour and had a lovely time being greeted by everyone and enjoying the helicopter display by the navy. We then returned to the boat to go mast climbing and then got the boat ready to sail that night to Portsmouth for our early journey back to Nettlesworth the following morning. We arrived safely back in Gun Wharf Quay’s at 11pm and promptly went for showers and then it was straight to bed.

By Lola & Skye

On Tuesday morning we woke up on chapmans bay after a very peaceful nights sleep. The night watch was sound and the view of the stars was amazing, we then went to Swanage bay were we anchord and went swimming agin. The swimming was very icy and refreshing. We then spent another night in Swanage bay

Today we left Swanage bay quite early so we could get into a marina in Poole, I helmed quite a lot of the way which was exiting and was good experience. Once we were in Poole we got to have showers and then have a look round the town where we got some items ( I brought a fishing rod and some tackle ). We went back out to sea where we tried to go sailing but there was no wind so it didn’t really go to plan. Then 2 other challenger yachts showed up and we all went swimming. After I went fishing and caught a shark which was my first time. It was only a baby but it was still exciting. For dinner Dania cooked us chicken curry which was amazing. Tonight we’re spending another night in anchor in Studland bay.

Kyle

After a rocky night, we left Studland bay under the power of wind only (meaning we had to pull the anchor chain up) and left, slowly, out towards the Isle of Wight. The morning was slow moving but as the day went on the wind picked up and we started to make (relatively) rapid progress. During that time a fender magically made its way into the sea so we ran a man-over-board drill as practise for the unlikely chance someone did end up in the water. Once we docked at Yarmouth the facilities offered by the marina were used by everyone, with the showers being a nice break from the sea and the pier giving Kyle the chance to catch some more fish.

Toby

Following a peaceful night in the marina in Yarmouth, we had our last warm shower of the voyage before we set off sailing towards Osborne bay. We enjoyed sunny weather with a slight bite of cold wind as we managed to sail through the Solent towards our next anchorage point. Martha delivered an interactive lesson on collision regulations and managed to point out a few real life examples as we sailed through the slightly choppy waters. As the evening began to loom, Toby, Chloe and I cooked up a storm of sausages, hand-mashed potatoes and (very) oniony gravy. We concluded the evening relaxing on the deck, watching the sunset. We even managed to see some fireworks!!

Dania

Saturday morning was eventful, as we woke up to a few big waves from massive cruise ships passing by. We scarfed down our breakfast, and got geared up and ready to sail on a lap of the East Solent. It was a windier day, and we battled the tide which was trying to push us away from  our course, however we found ourselves in the perfect conditions for sailing, making it most worthwhile. Once we found ourselves back in Osbourne bay, Martha cooked up the most brilliant Mac and Cheese, showing off her culinary skills. The evening was closed with a lesson on maps and navigation delivered by Martha and Adam. Finally at around 21:45 we set sail to Gunwarf Quays in Portsmouth, with everybody keeping a really good lookout as we sailed through the dark and cold night. One could say it was the most memorable experience of the trip, with everybody enjoying the beautiful views as we got closer and closer to Portsmouth Harbour. A massive thank you from all of us to Adam, Martha and the Tall ships Youth Trust for making this experience possible!

Dania