Log Entry No 3 - 2 Sept 08. (Discoverer)

FROM THE CAPTAINS CABIN

Steve fixing the heads.

Once all the maintenance jobs aboard Discoverer had been completed in Alesund, ranging from changing fan belts on the engine to stripping down winches and servicing them, we finally set off on an overnight voyage to Bergen on the Saturday afternoon. The resumed watch system was received with mixed feelings with mother watch proving to be rather difficult with White watch, who seemed to suffer badly from seasickness, even in the relatively flat water of the Fjords.

On arrival in Bergen we moored up against the harbour wall, in the centre of town, with views up the hillside. After putting the boat to bed we were given the chance to explore the local town, with some taking the opportunity to climb the hill for views across the town, other more energetic crew members even took the opportunity to run up the hill in an attempt to work on their fitness. I am told that the top revealed a magnificent lake, with further mountains beyond.

Some of the crew took the opportunity to get a taste of home, visiting the local fast food restaurant. Bergen proved to be a short stop with the wake up call being made at 0500hrs, in order to undertake the long route to Stavanger. The winds for the day sail to Stavanger were strong, unfortunately they were on the nose, and so motor sailing was once again the order of the day. Either through over use, or strong winds our motoring cone snapped, making it necessary to send another volunteer up the mast. Upon arrival in Stavanger the heavens opened, which led to an increased sense of purpose when putting the boat to bed before supper. After the crew were fed the opportunity to sample the local night life proved irresistible to many crew members.

Tuesday allowed the opportunity for more maintenance work aboard before our imminent North Sea crossing. Maintenance consisted of more engine work, electrics, and the retrieval of what was left of the motoring cone from up the mast by Josh. Now maintenance tasks are completed the crew are looking forward to a crew supper ashore before our departure for our North Sea crossing in the morning.

FROM THE FOREDECK

We left Alesund later than expected due to technical difficulties on the boat; then had an overnight sail to Bergen. On arrival in Bergen we had to stow the sails below deck for the night and after that we went out to meet the locals. The following morning reveille was at 0500 hours, in order to give us a full days sailing to Stavanger. However, owing to the wind being on the nose (bow) we motored the whole way. The shipping approaches to Stavanger proved to be the busiest we have so far encountered and needed each watch to be alert for tankers which seemed to approach from all directions.

Air Trooper Jamie De Stains (AAC)