Log Entry No2 - 27th Feb 08. (Discoverer)

FROM THE CAPTAINS CABIN

For the afterguard the arrival of a new crew is always an interesting time. Not only is there the coming together and moulding of a new team. There is also the additional challenge of this expedition, whose raison d’etre is focused on novices with no sailing experience at all.

Nor does it end there because this leg also combines sailing with exploration other exploratory challenges. So far from being characterised by routine preparation, it actually marks the start of renewal and a vibrancy of expectation for afterguard and crew alike.

Discoverer alongside at Mere harbour where next.

The preparation encompasses a wide range of activities; briefings, training, issuing and checking of equipment, vitaling, yacht preparation and of course team building. The end state is to bring all these components together to ensure that the team is ready to face the challenges of South Georgia.

FROM THE CREWS QUARTERS:

WEDNESDAY 6th:

I met with the other lads at Upavon camp and after briefings and what seemed like loads of paperwork settled into the accommodation. Later on that evening we went to a pub in Upavon which was our first real chance to bond with each other; within a couple of hours it seemed like we had known each other for ages, telling jokes and stories. The following morning was taken up with kit packing and press interviews with Soldier magazine, in the afternoon we did some last minute shopping to pick up a few luxuries for the journey ahead and set off for RAF Brize Norton and our flight to The Falklands. While where waiting in departures we were having a laugh with some card games and a few pretty good card tricks.

Practising capsize drills.

We were on the plane for 16 hours but stopped in Ascension Islands for the aircraft to be refuelled and whatever else the RAF do to it. Later on in the evening we arrived in the Falkland Islands. Our accommodation is basic but it was nice to get everyone in the same room to bond a little more and see which one of us felt they were the daddy.

The next day was a leisurely start, whilst we adjusted to our surroundings. At 10.00am we had a footy match arranged for the ten of us and it was pretty awesome because everyone joined in. After footy we met up with Dick and Shaun outside the main reception where we were taken to the boat to have a look around and to learn more about what life was going to be like for the next couple of weeks. We were also issued with the first of our kit. We had a good time at the bar tonight.

The next two days were spent working on the boat We were all given jobs; mine was cleaning up diesel in the engine room but I also got to drive the land rover which suits me. But the best part was testing our one piece suits and doing capsize drills in the inflatable’s which was really good fun. The following day was even better after a hard mornings graft working on the yacht we were shown more about the inflatable’s and then all 10 of us got to play with the MIBS and explore the local cove Awesome!!! We also tested the wet suits again just to reassure me for the trip ahead, we also had a little swim off the quayside which was pretty cold.

Making good previous damage!!

THURSDAY 14th:

Today we went to a nature reserve for penguins at a place called volunteer point .we were airlifted in and back by Sea King helicopter which was quite exiting and was an excellent opportunity to get some aerial landscape photos. It cost £15 to see the nature reserve and then off we went creating some pretty damn good photos, altogether it was a really fun day which ended up with loads of photos and a good night at the bar! today was a real morale boost for the troops and everyone enjoyed themselves.

FRIDAY 15th AND SATURDAY 16th:

Back to work sorting stores, mainly trying to get stuff on the boat and stuff we didn't need off the boat. I was tasked to clean up more diesel from the engine room as there was still diesel coming from somewhere. I phoned home to let my mum know how I was getting along and she was happy to hear from me but my brother Kieran was very interested and jealous of the journey ahead of me ,after a good talk on the phone I was feeling much better knowing that my family was very supportive. (Mums, Dads, families, girl friends et al, its always good to hear of your support particularly as this will be an adventure and experience of a life time. We have got a graet bunch of soldiers for this trip and we in the expedition leadership will be supporting them too all the way. – Dick Pattison Exped leader).

SUNDAY 17th:

Today we sorted out the food rations for the boat, and there was quite a lot more than I had imagined. There was enough rations on the boat for 16 people to live on for35 days in total. (The equivalent of food for 1 person for 18 months!!! – Dick Pattison) The last two afterguard members arrived today.

Glen and garry show offtheir shirts, smiles and biceps.

MONDAY 18th:

Today was a late state for the lads whilst the headshed discussed progress and had a meeting. It was great to catch up on sleep and admin. I sent a few emails. to my dad who is currently in china teaching pupils at a school .that afternoon we did some sail training on the boat so we could learn a few things so that we could get it right before we set off ,so there are no confusions at sea.

TUESDAY 19th:

Today was final packing so we set off to the port with all our kit we were taking with us and finished packing the boat. I know it depends on the weather but hopefully tomorrow I sail to South Georgia.