Log Entry No 2 - 28th Aug 08. (Discoverer)

FROM THE CAPTAINS CABIN

Leg 12 Crew at local Museum.

HENNINGSVAER proved to be an idyllic location for the yacht’s brief stay on the island of LODINGEN. HENNINGSVAER is a small fishing village set amongst mountains, with most of the houses grouped around the harbour. Callum and Scott took the opportunity to catch some fish from the jetty with the aim being to use the catch to haul in larger fish the following day. DISCOVERER slipped her lines at 0600hrs on the Monday in order to move to a seclude bay for breakfast and this was reached by 0720hrs.

After breakfast, we headed for SOLVAER, another recommended town to visit. We also took the opportunity to visit Lofoten War Memorial Museum dedicated to remembering the German occupation of Norway and the area of Lofoten in particular. The museum is the result of the curator, Mr William Hakvaag’s hard work and years of searching for suitable memorabilia, which includes cartoons drawn by Hitler and equipment used by both the Axis and Allied powers. The visit culminated with a group photograph and the presentation of a Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre burgee to the museum curator.

Sponsors flags flying high.

Tuesday saw our departure on a 3 day voyage to ALESUND, approx 560 nautical miles south of SOLVAER. For a few of the crew the sailing meant 3 days of throwing up but all maintained their resolve and determination to keep the boat surging through the waves. The weather proved mixed with long periods of sunshine interspersed with heavy rain and strong winds so the crew had the fun of doing sail changes while waves came over their necks.

ALESUND proved to be an excellent stop and allowed the skipper and other JSASTC staff with help from Dave time to sort out the engine and a dodgy winch. Chris was also winched up to the top of mast to do some routine checks and maintenance. Following morning admin, the crew went to the ALESUND museum to learn about the town’s history and focus in on the German occupation of the region during WW2.

WO2 Jarvis

FROM THE FOREDECK

Chris and Scott on watch.

HENNINGSVAER was an opportunity to get some running in after a long period on the boat so Steve and I went for a long run round the mountain that overlooks the village. The scenery was stunning and I was fortunate enough to see the sunset over the mountains from the top of a large rock. It was a nice surprise from the ships permanent staff to take us to a secluded fjord for breakfast.

Before this expedition the only view I had of Norway was of arctic training and I was gob smacked at how stunning the scenery is. If I hadn’t come on this trip I probably would have never have seen just how beautiful a country Norway is.

I found the museum at SVOLVAER very interesting and insightful. The curator’s collection which he had been collecting for thirty-five years and was very proud of was very impressive.

The three day trip to ALESUND was both enjoyable and challenging at the same time. The need for basic skills and teamwork for everyone to gel together was imperative for the yacht to run smoothly. Despite people throwing up we were still able to maintain a sense of humour.

ALESUND is the nicest place we have seen so far as it is both modern and historic and has stunning views. On Friday we climbed 418 steps to the top of a mountain from where we could see the entire fjord and islands in the area and over an ice cream could really appreciate just how nice a country Norway is.

Private Pete Murphy (MERCIAN)

Crew fix broken winches.

HENNINGSVAER was a great place to visit; I left the boat and headed in to the surrounding hills. I spent about two hours climbing and walking the fantastic hillsides and took some great photo’s.

In SVOLVAER we visited the local military museum, which the curator had built up himself. The collective was impressive and the curator had great enthusiasm for his museum; this was another opportunity to get some more great pictures and learn some local history. The rest of the town was picturesque in line with the rest of what we have seen in Norway.

The three days sailing to ALESUND was an experience and although I was ill for the majority of it, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The teamwork system on the boat was put to the test as we got into the shift work and ship routine. We worked hard and well together and got to our destination in one piece.

Private Richard Nash (RLC)