A few days ago I set out to cross the English channel from St Malo to Portsmouth. Yes, you’ve guessed—it was the Brittany Ferry. It was an odd experience. For a start I was not in charge. It was bad enough not being involved in the decision making, but when we were informed that the decks were dangerous and therefore “out of bounds” because of the bad weather conditions, then I was not even able to see what decisions were being made and that was really bad! So I was cooped up below in my cabin as the boat bumped and lurched and shuddered as it hit each wave. But was it waves?
I don’t know—I was not allowed to see. I felt strangely redundant. I wanted to be where the action was. I wanted to feel the wind and the spray on my face (however cold!!). I wanted to be part of the trip. But in truth I was just a piece of baggage; an item that the crew were paid to get from one side to the other. Not even the great food in the restaurant could console me.
And at that moment I found a new excitement in sailing Morning Star or Dayspring. Even when I am not in charge I am involved. Whether we get to our destination or not depends in part on me, not only in my experience at sailing but also my ability to join in with the others and be the team that helps to get us all to our destination.
And that great feeling you too can have. Get yourself booked onto a trip!
My Last Channel Crossing
February 1st, 2010Parade of Sail
August 25th, 2008The crew change went well and we trust all returning Tall Ships Race participants arrived home safely. The new crew for the Chatham Sprint took part in the final Parade of Sail on Saturday and then continued to sea, arriving in Zeeland mid morning yesterday, after a lumpy passage. Morning Star berthed in Willemstad and the crew had a good meal ashore. They will be sailing the inland waterways until around Thursday when they will set off for England via Vlissingham.
On dry land at last
August 20th, 2008It’s a sunny day in Den Helder, the crew have had showers, cheese supplies have been replenished and all is well with the world. Activities begin this afternoon for Tall Ships crews.
The Morning Star crew have, by a heavy majority vote, agreed to participate in a Salsa workshop tomorrow. Skipper Colin has reluctantly agreed to take part, but on the strict condition that every one of the crew attend the preliminery fitness session – which is at 8.30 tomorrow morning. We shall see.
Approaching Den Helder
August 19th, 2008Just had a call from our Skipper, Colin Rettie, to say that they are all well in spite of lumpy and wet conditions! They are expecting to arrive in Den Helder in the next few hours. They will officially be notified tomorrow about the final race positions. So keep your eyes open.
Yasmine in the office at 15.15 hrs
Morning Star finishes Race B
August 18th, 2008Skipper Colin has just reported (at 4.41pm) that they have crossed the finish line just within the time allowed. They are 3rd in class and 8th overall. Well done crew!
They are now motor sailing (against the wind) to the port at Den Helder. Crew are fine, and enjoying their home made bread, and also looking forward to buying some dutch cheese (having consumed all Morning Star’s cheese stocks).
Nearly there
August 18th, 2008Reports over the weekend indicate various changes of wind and weather involving some challenging sailing conditions. However all the crew are well and looking forward to showers in port. The Tall Ships website indicates that Morning Star is at present a very satisfactory 3rd in class though no longer ahead of Jolie Brise (which has finished).
Light winds, sunshine and dolphins and still holding position.
August 15th, 2008Chris writes this morning, “Wind light but still moving, good day and night; sun out and dolphins jumping round boat; all very well and bread in oven.”
Morning Star has retained 5th place in class this morning still in front of Jolie Brise on handicap but with the lighter winds anything could happen before the finish, though they look well placed towards the front of the class B fleet.
4th in Class
August 14th, 2008We have just had a call from Colin, our Skipper, to say that they have rounded the waypoint near Aberdeen and are heading south for Holland. Morning Star had a cracking sail over night maintaining a constant 9 knot speed leaving them in 4th place in class this morning and 14th position overall, sailing in company with Jolie Brise.
All crew are happy and fine and their stomachs are coping well with the lumpy conditions. The wind is set to become lighter from ahead which will lead to a slowing down of their pace.
Yasmine and Steve back at the ranch Thur 14th Aug at 11.45 am
The first night of racing
August 13th, 2008The position reports at 0700 this morning put Morning Star in 5th position in class and 9th overall an excellent showing. At this stage it is very early days with the race course going all the way over to Scotland before rounding a way point and heading back for the finish line off Den Helder but Colin’s race tactics are obviously paying off at present. Weather conditions are excellent for Morning Star for the next couple of days with F4/5 reaching winds, however this is also what the other boats in B class like as well so the race will be well and truely on as they head towards their second night of racing.
On our way to Start Line!
August 12th, 2008Tues 12 Aug at 12.45 pm Bergen
Colin Rettie, our Skipper for Tall Ships Race B, called from Morning Star to inform us that they are on their way in a parade of sail towards the start line. Race start time 6.30 pm uk time. All well with new crew. The rain has now stopped. Wishing you all the best guys! God Bless.
Yasmine in the office