South Coast Exploration Adventure
Nine young people aged 16–25 set sail from Plymouth on the South Coast Exploration Adventure, taking on life aboard the yacht and learning the skills needed to work together as a crew. From their first safety briefing and learning knots and sail handling, to choppy seas, dolphins, rainstorms, cooking challenges and exploring new places, the group experienced plenty of adventure along the way.
With watches working together both on deck and below, the crew got stuck into every part of life at sea, from rigging sails and navigating the coastline to preparing meals and keeping the yacht shipshape. Here’s their journey, told in their own words.
Day 1
Starboard Watch
We arrived at Mayflower Marina in Plymouth at around 1:00pm. After meeting the friendly staff team, we made our way down to the yacht and were introduced to our bunks. We were then given a crucial safety briefing and received our lifejackets and waterproofs, before being given a tour of the yacht.
We were split into two groups called watches, and we attached the sails ready for the morning. After that, we learnt how to use the winches and learnt to tie some stopper knots.
In the evening, we prepared and made Michelin-star bolognese for the crew and explored the marina and surrounding area.
Day 2
We awoke at seven to discover a bountiful collection of cereal on the table. We ate breakfast (cereal) and it was tasty.
After that, we made our way upstairs and there was a nice, refreshing breeze as we rigged the boat. However, as we left Plymouth, it got choppy and everyone felt ill (Ben) and couldn’t walk.
Jacket potatoes were cheffed up for lunch and healed us.
As we continued to sail towards Brixham, we learnt to tack and gybe the boat. As we got close to Brixham, we saw a pod of dolphins by the boat in the sea and took lots of photos. This made everyone happy.
We finally moored at Brixham and got ice cream. We then failed at cooking rice. It was slightly squishy and soupy, but the curry was great.
We then sat on the deck and chatted.
The end.
Day 3
By Port Watch
We had an early start as we woke up at 6am. We got the boat ready before having breakfast by removing the sail covers and rigging the sheets so the yacht was ready to sail.
Once we had set sail, we then put the covers and fenders away in the locker. For breakfast, we had pain au chocolat and a croissant, which were extremely tasty!
Unfortunately, there was not enough wind to only use the sails, so we used the engine. Whilst we were motoring across Lyme Bay towards Portland Bill and Weymouth, where we were to spend the night, we saw a pod of dolphins whilst we ate pleasant pasta and drank hot chocolate made by Mike.
The skipper was teaching us knots and emergency procedures when there was a rainstorm, and we had to rush downstairs to get our foul-weather gear so we didn’t get our clothes wet.
Then the heavens opened and we got drenched, but the sun came out again and began to dry us.
After that, we prepared the yacht for docking by taking the sails down, coiling the ropes and putting the fenders out.
Before heading into Weymouth, we passed the famous landmark of the horseman on the hill. Once inside Weymouth Harbour, the skipper skilfully manoeuvred the yacht into the tight space, while some of us dropped fenders over the side to protect the yacht from hitting the pontoon and other nearby boats.
Once we were in position and the yacht was tied up safely to the cleats, as a team we prepared the covers for each of the sails to prevent damage while out of use.
When we had finished putting on the covers, we tidied up the ropes in the snake pit and made sure to tidy up any trip hazards that were still present.
We then had some free time before dinner and went off to explore the town and the beach.
Then we had fish and chips for dinner, followed by showers and then bed.
