Porchlight group on Morning Star

A group from Porchlight Canterbury, funded by the Whirlwind Trust, have just had a great week sailing on Morning Star.

Before the end of the trip the first mate (Alistair) reported: “A fantastic 4 days so far with lots of fun and laughter. No real sea sickness and a boat that hasn’t done less than 6 knots of speed, has made for a great adventure. Even the 5am start this morning didn’t seem to dampen spirits, as I write this the crew is preparing the dinghy for a competent crew rowing session.”

The crew, all aged under 25, are not in full-time education and are homeless and jobless. For some this is compounded by drug and alcohol problems.

Here is what they had to say about their experience:

“Getting away from the hostel for a few days has been great. The team building aspect as been quite a surprise and a really valuable part has been how important it is for each of us to play our part and pull our weight otherwise the boat doesn’t work! It has also given me a new direction on life which is really important for my drug recovery.”

“ A very enjoyable experience; from working hard in blustery weather, working as a team to get the best results from the sails, to quiet moments of self-reflection under the stars. It has been a truly memorable and eye-opening break from the norm. I have walked away with a new understanding of a completely different way of life, and have made new friends who I would otherwise never had the opportunity meet. “

“This trip has been great and although, I’ve been on board before this is the first time I haven’t felt sea-sick which is really good. It has been great meeting lots of new people and having to all work together to get the boat from A to B has been really good fun.”

Tracking Status And Recent Trips - 26th September 2011

So why do we no longer have our yellowbrick tracker?
 
Our satellite tracking device has been sent back to a factory in darkest Brentwood for re-indoctrination and a new set of batteries. We are looking forward to having us back up in time for the late season cruises in October.
 
Recent voyages on Morning Star of Revelation.
 
19th to the 23rd of September saw Morning Star sail from Dover to Chatham via Dunkirk. Skippered by Steve Thompson with Chris O'Brien and Emily serving as mates on the trip.
The crew had a great time both at sea and ashore with some excellent cheese and pastries in Dunkirk and a full on sail for home in big seas and great winds.
 
26th of September, what a special day! The sun shone and the breeze grew to give us a good days sailing.

The crew were young people from the Medway Secure Training Centre. These young people, who are all due for release in the next few weeks, were a delight to sail with.

They worked well together and were always willing to help work the boat and engage with the sailing team and each other to get the most out of the day. Steve is great at working with this type of group, and with Helen and I as mates for this trip, we were all able to contribute to what we hope will develop into a regular presence on board Morning Star.

Best wishes,

Ted North 

Morning Star update - 19th September

Morning Star is currently in Dover, reaching there yesterday from Ramsgate after an exciting Channel crossing on Saturday.

Note the satellite tracking device is still working only intermittently.