Home of the tall ship Morning Star of Revelation and the training yacht Dayspring
For the Homeward Bound leg we are exprimenting with a new blog, which we hope can be updated directly from Morning Star. Please visit the new blog and bookmark it for future reference.
Morning Star has now arrived in Antwerp, after a very long wait for the lock - finally docked at 16.30 on Saturday. Fireworks were impressive last night. Crew parade today. Stats: distance run from La Coruña - 1022 miles, course - towards the showers!!
Tim has just called the office from the boat and reports that they are now sailing past Dunkirk. They plan to sail to Breskens (50 miles away from Antwerp) where they will drop anchor for a while for a rest before negotiating their way into the port of Antwerp in daylight. ETA is still on for tomorrow lunchtime. Rachel, the bearer of the blackberries and other fresh supplies, is a colleague of Tim's whose parents own a farm on Guernsey.
Morning Star has been motor-sailing up the English Channel and is just passing Calais. Last night's dinner of Corned beef hash was supplemented with organic Guernsey carrots. Guernsey blackberries were also used in the crumble for pudding. After 8 days at sea, some fresh food has made all the difference. Thanks to Rachel for the fresh produce. [Editor's note: We're not sure who Rachel is but anyone who can produce fresh blackberries sounds like a real star!] Morning Star is expected to arrive in Antwerp on Saturday morning. Stats: Pos - 50° 59'N 01° 40'E Speed - 7kts Course - 050° dodging ferries! Anyone remember frogger?
Morning Star has made her way into the English Channel via the Race of Alderney (SoG over 10 knots!) ETA in Antwerp lunchtime on Saturday. Stats: Pos - 50° 05'N 00° 30'W Speed - 6kts Course - 050°. Main tops'l being hoisted... Slowly!
Morning Star had a brief but well-deserved stop in Guernsey last night where the crew had dinner, showers and stocked up with fresh supplies. They are now sailing off the French coast near Cherbourg en route to Antwerp, their final destination. They plan to be there by Saturday in time for everyone to join in the final crew activities, festivities and firework display. Tim (the skipper) hopes to be back in time for him to change out of his oilies and into his smart DJ for the Captain's final dinner!
Morning Star is making good progress to Guernsey. We should arrive in time for dinner. The Trust chairman will be pleased to note that we have rounded Ushant with a full compliment of masts. A huge wave has just soaked Will, who was standing in the companionway. Poor Will. Will is now getting changed. Stats: Pos - 49° 13'N 03° 30'W Speed - 8kts Course - 070°.
Having finished Race 2, Morning Star is now making her way to St. Peter Port, Guernsey. Stats: Position - 47° 42'N 05° 07'W. Speed - 8kts. Course - 358°. Bread in oven! Crew spirits high at the prospect of land!
Provisional race results just in from Morning Star: 6th in class, 37th overall.
Race ended at 0630 this morning. Morning Star currently awaiting results and their position. They still have over 500 nm to go until they are due to reach Antwerp in less than a week. Crew are happy that they have finished the race. They might pop into the Channel Islands for water on their way home. Richard has been crowned expert bread maker. The pigeon stayed until the evening. Morning Star now under power and making good progress. Saw a huge pod (?) of dolphins last night and this morning. Crew all well.
Morning Star has a new mascot to replace the flies. We were joined by a pigeon in the night which has sat on the boat for 12 hours. It is enjoying bread, water and the occasional stroke! One of the watches has given it the name Laura, in honour of the skipper's wife, which Tim believes to be a compliment. Sailing good but into a headwind! Only managing 50nm north per day. This is too slow and we will need to make a difficult decision about using the motor today if there is no wind change, particularly to ensure we make our flights home.
Morning Star is now making good progress. We saw a whale spouting water in the distance this morning; tried to keep up with it but failed. Will has devised a 'performance related rations' system to motivate the watches. Skipper not convinced of its value, but we have gained two places! We have two flies that have been on the boat with us since La Coruna. Skipper thinks they could be mascots. Lewis, who has been suffering with severe sea sickness since the beginning of the trip, has now made a full recovery. Boat sailing well.
All routines are now established and the crew are getting used to the watch system. Progress slow in F2-3. The bad start to the race is a shame but we are trying hard to remain positive. First real 'at sea' meal from galley was chilli and was fantastic. Even if the race is bad news, the food is top notch. Skipper less tired too!
Morning Star is now racing. Wind strength F7-8 overnight and most crew were seasick. Some are feeling better this morning. Race position 9th in class and 46th overall. We have some work to do!
The crew enjoyed football and fireworks last night. Morning Star was ambushed by water bombs from ships John Laing and Lord Rank but are now heading to the start line. The Parade of Sail is now complete and the crew are looking forward to the race!
The new crew and leadership team flew out to La Coruña late last night and arrived on Morning Star at 04:00 this morning. They are settling themselves in and having a leisurely day in La Coruña today before the second race of the series gets underway tomorrow afternoon.
Morning Star arrived safely in La Coruña at midnight Sunday. They spent a very rough 24 hours sailing against a F6. A major clean up of the boat is now in hand. All the crew are looking forward to showers.
Morning Star made better progress last night. About 220 miles to go until we reach La Coruña but still a long way against the wind so we are currently motor-sailing. All crew are well and still many good productions coming from the galley.
Made very slow progress overnight sailing against a F7 northerly wind. Now motoring in light winds
Morning Star is back underway again having left Sesimbra this afternoon. Joel bought out the local fruit market so no fear of scurvy during the next leg. Strong headwinds are expected so please pray for our progress. At present we have a F4 north westerly and we are going to windward at 5 knots. A good time ashore was had by all but it's good to be back at sea again.
Morning Star is now alongside Sesimbra harbour. We leave 12:00 on Wednesday.
Sailing north but making slow progress in a north westerly wind. Heading for Sesimbra (20miles south of Lisbon) where we hope to spend the evening. Making sure the Morning Star Bakery continues to produce plenty of bread, Matt is on breadmaking duty today. Oli and Ross produced a noodle surprise for lunch.
Another visit from the dolphins caused much excitement among us all. Passed Cape St Vicente in the night. It's been windy for a time so tops'ls were down but we're back to sailing with all the sails up again. There was also thick fog for a time this morning. We've got approximately 24 hours to go until we get to Lisbon and a possible anchorage. There's been yet more bread making today amidst changing the sails.
Making slow progress towards Cape St Vincent. Oli made us some excellent rock cakes today. Last night we were near other Tall Ships but currently on our own enjoying the sunshine.
Left Cadiz at 1000 in a very crowded Parade of Sail. Now heading north, currently 13miles off Cadiz. Once again, the crew are putting their baking skills into practice. Jeremy has made bread and we celebrated Matt's birthday today with a cake baked by Jo and Becky.
Had a good stay in Cadiz. Half the crew had lunch in a Spanish restaurant today whilst others went to the beach. We eventually managed to get our laundry done yesterday but with only three machines for the whole fleet there was quite a queue.
Morning Star is now alongside in Cádiz having arrived in thick fog. Once again the new chart plotter and radar are proving to be extremely useful. The crew are deciding which of the organised activities for the crews they'll join in, such as running, swimming, and guided tours. We suspect they'll probably head for the showers and launderette first.
Leaving Lagos soon and heading for Cádiz for an overnight passage. Very little wind at present but a northerly F4-5 is forecast. There has been much swimming around the boat and off the beach yesterday. Had a good barbeque last night to end the day. Richard (who is on board for all three legs of the race) is doing well as a watch leader.
Currently anchored off Lagos beach with boats Lord Rank and Jolie Brise; various other boats expected to join us. The plan is to meet up with the crews for a beach barbeque later. There was some seasickness on passage over here but everyone now has their sea legs and are happy.
The new crew have arrived safely and settled in well. Morning Star is back at sea again, 10miles south of Lisbon currently doing 8-9 knots downwind. A rendezvous and barbeque with several other boats is planned for tomorrow. Sea state choppy but all are doing well.
The crew are all currently ashore on a sightseeing tour. The girls have sourced some good shops so all happy shopping. Atkins Travel agents have been in contact and all seems ok for next group. Mate is working on food shopping and laundry ready for Tall Ships B - Cruise In Company. Steve attended the Captains' Dinner last night whilst the rest of the crew went to a party on Rona 2 after having an Italian meal ashore. When late-finishing Golden Vanity finally arrived in port last night, Joel welcomed the crew with a supply of chocolate flakes, as they had almost run out of supplies.
Morning Star of Revelation has successfully completed the 2006 Tall Ships race 1, crossing the finish line at 15:27 on Wednesday 19th. Congratulations are in order as she achieved 3rd place in class and 7th place in the overall fleet. Well done Morning Star!! Contact was made with the boat by phone this morning, all are well and currently taking much needed showers ashore.
Wind has been fluky, as a result we have had some close racing with Pogoria and Ocean Scout. This looks set to continue to the finish line. Lots of sunbathing and baking going on. Dan's getting more domesticated by the day! He was even baking hot cross buns earlier. Jen and Kirsty cooked gorgeous pizza for lunch. We're just about run out of fresh fruit and salad now, but have plenty of eggs and potatoes, the plan is to make crepes this evening in celebration of passing the final waypoint!
Unhappy to have droped from the 3rd place we have held for two days. Have been sailing alongside Pegoria for last hour with contact by voice and VHF. Hope to improve our position but is unlikely in F2 head wind. Finally took mizzen staysail down this afternoon after five days! Crew looking forward to showers ashore. Creating artistic bread rolls. Had some interesting naan bread yesterday.
Ran out of wind on Saturday evening but are trying to keep moving to protect our position. Visits by more dolphins. Crew are working well together. Breadmaking going well. Sounds like Danny's kneading is going better than his fishing! Expected finish more likely to be Tuesday or Wednesday at present rate. (According to race information, Morning Star is currently 4th in her class and 7th overall).
Morning Star is making good progress up fleet and across Biscay. All well on board. Some extreme cooking in a bad cross swell last night managed to produce Corn Beef Hash and Bread pudding. More bread in oven now. Expect to finish race on Mon if pace continues.
Morning Star had an excellent overnight sail. Passed Waypoint 2 in mid Biscay at 06:00. Lots of visits by dolphins in the bright moonlight. Now sailing a steady 6-8 knots downwind in standard Biscay chop for the last 24 hours. Joel's watch (Jennifer, Richard and Kirstie) are breadmaking today so lots of fresh bread for lunch. Sunbathing on deck will have to be disturbed by a gybe some time this evening.
Morning Star has gained a place and is now 4th in class. Overall she is now in 18th place having moved up from 35th! Excited about passing Waypoint 1 at 01:00. Currently experiencing fantastic ocean sailing downwind into the Bay of Biscay with Mizzen Staysail set (large extra sail that is set between Main and Mizzen masts). On course for next Waypoint as long as the wind remains. Will's watch is cleaning the boat. Scottish Jen is keeping watch amused with impromptu quiz. Crew will be making fresh bread soon as ready made is coming to an end.
Race position received 05:00 this morning: We are 5th in Class and 35th in the overall fleet of 61 vessels. Crew in good spirits. Danny is fishing for lunch but no bites as yet. Winds have been very light since early morning.
All the crew are doing well despite a slow foggy night in the Channel. They're now sailing at a speed of 5 knots in sunshine. Visit the Tall Ships website and track Morning Star's progress in the race.
Morning Star crossed the line off Torbay today for the start of race 1. Thick fog so currently sailing on instruments as visibility is under 100m. Beating in force 3. All well, Steve (Skipper).
Morning Star has arrived at St Malo dock, with a fishing trawler in tow! Free fish for supper! Ideal crew bonding exercise underway to prepare (gut) and cook the fish. A Birthday cake was served for Kirsty McVicar mid channel. Lack of wind for the crossing so had to motor sail most of way. Plan to depart early Sun for next channel crossing.
All crew arrived safe and sound to join the boat in Plymouth this morning. We will shortly be leaving Plymouth heading for St Malo in France. Good forecast for SW 4-5 winds. ETA: St Malo Thursday evening. (BBC website)
Bookmark this page now (add to favourites) and check back here regularly to follow the progress of Morning Star. For more general information on the Tall Ships Race, including results and mapping, see the official website.
NEW! See Morning Star's latest position on Google Maps. (As at 20/8/06) Or download the latest track for Google Earth. (NB. Install GE first)
Photo gallery online at the official website with photos of the fleet and events in each of the ports visited.
See the official Lisbon website.
Read last year's race log.
