Written by Lucy’s Watch (Rami, Stanley, Darius, Khadijat and Christabel)

The Journey

We departed Peterborough Station at around 8:50 am, arriving in Portsmouth at around 12:30 pm. We met the crew members, Lucy, Mathea, Sam and Leo, along with the teachers, Mr Smith and Ms Bernard.

The Boat

We boarded the boat and were given a safety briefing by the Skipper (Sam). We got familiar with using the lifejackets and waterproofs and toured the layout of the vessel and our sleeping quarters.

Sailing

We completed the necessary work required to depart the harbour and start sailing. We were taught how to use the winch and how to tack the boat. After a couple of hours, we made it to Cowes on the Isle of Wight and ate dinner.

Something we found fun was doing the Titanic pose at the front of the boat, taking pictures and enjoying the beautiful views.

Written by Leo’s Watch (Harry, Kintija, Austeja, Jack and Izabella)

The Journey

We departed from Cowes at 12:30 and then it started to rain lightly. After we left, we learnt how to tie up all the fenders and mooring lines and put up the mainsail.

We started learning how to tack because we were sailing against the wind and tide. After that, we each learned how to helm with Skipper Sam. We hoisted the Yankee sail and, because of the wind, we started to tip over to one side. The maximum angle we reached was 25°.

Unfortunately, our watch was given the task of pumping our waste tank into the deep green sea. On this boat (Challenger 5), we can choose when and where to pump out our waste, which is better for the environment.

After that, we started putting down the sails, but then we had to wait around for half an hour for a ferry to leave Lymington so that we could enter the port. When we got inside the port, we moored onto the pontoon and then Challenger 4 moored alongside us.

Our Favourite Parts

Jack: Climbing the mast.

Harry: Helming the boat.

Kintija: The food.

Austeja: Cooking the Chinese chicken and noodles.

Izabella: Shopping in Cowes.