Bouncy castle, roller coaster? No, it’s Challenger 2 getting tossed around off Plymouth for hours numerous on what turned into a rather sporty day’s sailing.  

After welcoming our intrepid crew aboard and going through the necessary briefs and introductions necessary to hone a team into a razor-sharp instrument of sailing flair and excellence, it was time to venture out of Mayflower Marina.  

Once the dodging of a German warship had been executed with a deft touch by the “skipper”, Challenger 2 then proceeded to get rather thrown about due to an unfortunate combination of wind over tide, resulting in some minor discomfort and discombobulation among some of the crew, who handled their situation with admirable stoicism. Others however, took to life on the ocean wave like ducks to water and were even happy to take on the preparation of food below decks whilst still at sea, a job that can make even the most experienced sailors go green at the gills. 

Despite their best attempt to murder a watch leader by dropping him over the side, trusting only his own somewhat temperamental bowline skills, a buoy was caught in a slightly murky Salcombe this evening and fajitas were enjoyed by all, thanks to a masterful culinary display by the starboard watch. 

Looking forward to a busy, if less bouncy, day tomorrow, with the plan to be to get to Torquay and hopefully get some more relaxing sailing which will settle any remaining nerves after what was rather a trial by fire today. 

The Crew of Challenger 2 

Waking up the crew of challenger 2 was a struggle this morning, it took their watch leaders a whole 14 minutes to get their feet out of bunks and be ready to start making breakfast. Rory’s watch failed to wake up on time and make breakfast. After the mix of yoghurts and cereal the crew was sent to get their kit on where Emma had a moan about them not putting kit away on the correct hooks. 

On deck Paul’s watch was dominating Rory’s SILLY watch by smashing out the deck prep, after which we left Salcombe and teas, coffees and hot chocolates were handed out to the dehydrated, tired and hard-working crew of challenger 2 (Paul’s watch). As we were doing a main sail hoist, dolphins swam up against the ship causing Paul (skipper) to make us all stop and watch. As personal hit their heads coming up the steps, Ben trying to be funny told them to watch out for their heads after they had hit them. 

As we sailed into Torquay marina, we prepared the boat to come into harbour including dropping the head and main sails and retrieving lines and fenders. Afterwards we wandered into town going into shops to get sweets and drinks while ben organised the watch for cooking and cleaning up afterwards, Paul’s watch were cleaning and got to take showers. As we waited for Rory ‘s watch to finish dinner we wrote this blog. 

Liam and Leon – the SUPERIOR watch – Paul’s watch 

Crew Challenger 2