Log Entry No 5 - 19th August 08. (Discoverer)

FROM THE CAPTAINS CABIN

Leg 11 - Crew.

Discoverer lies alongside in Tromso. By the time you read this I expect the crew will be back in the UK reflecting on their experience and I hope that their proud parents and friends will have the opportunity to hear about the experiences at first hand. For the remainder I hope this brief account and my own reflections will be adequate.

Tromso Bridge and Harbour.

As winds subsided Discoverer’s crew attention and eager anticipation turned increasingly to the prospect of lying alongside in Tromso. There remained of course several challenges before our safe arrival. Nick had to complete the entry plan into the network of fjords and islands that make up the North Norwegian coast. Perhaps counter intuitively this is often the most difficult and challenging part of an ocean passage.

Rainbow view from Discoverer.

Below Decks ARTD soldiers were kept busy preparing presentations on their experience of the last few months. Computer time was at a premium and in odd corners of the yacht soldiers could be overheard discussing presentational content and practicing presentational skills. The ability to communicate in this way is a central skill of leadership but one that does not always come naturally. For many it is as challenging as working the foredeck in rough weather. However it is precisely this type of work that develops our soldiers in parallel with the practical leadership training that they have received on board and ashore over the passage. Some even want to come sailing again!!, Although most express a preference for the more typical Caribbean island hopping cruise. (indeed I quite like the idea myself!!)

The sun goes down.

And so the penultimate expedition and my leg close. With hindsight, it is not unusual for soldiers to be dismissive and shrug of an achievement as if the outcome was never in doubt or that it was “easy”. Discoverer’s crew fitted that mould. However nothing that they now dismiss so easily should be interpreted at such face value. Their achievement – collectively and individually – has been enormous. It might be easy to dismiss my views but Andy Scott (log 4) makes the same observation. The truth is that under what is probably their greatest physical and mental pressure to date, these soldiers are achieving and impressing. I honestly believe that they return enriched and better prepared for the future challenges of life. It has been a privilege to sail with them and I hope that proud parents can bask in the reflected achievements of their children (ARTD instructors too can take a pat on the back.)

So as I sign off too, well done and good luck to all, remember “Plus et en vous”. Live it!!

Richard Pattison
Exped leader.