Log Entry No 4 - 15th April 08. (Discoverer)

FROM THE CAPTAINS CABIN

We have had calm, warm and showery weather over the last few days. The wind has rarely exceeded 23 knots and has been mostly at our backs. Helming under these conditions requires a lot of concentration, as the stern of the yacht is picked up by following waves and forced around. Expertise in countering this effect has now been acquired by all the crew.

Crew at the mast.

NAV CHECK

Appetites are high.

Confidence has increased across all areas and different members of the crew are now routinely taking charge of changing and reefing sails. It has been a joy to see leadership qualities coming to the fore and also how well they work for each other when they are not in charge.

Our onboard water maker gave us all the chance to shower a few days ago which was very good for morale. Gray’s cooking has now become legendary and is a major morale booster (photo included) – we are staking a claim to being the best fed leg on this expedition. Even Gray’s chicken fat looked so delicious that Ryan mistook it for juice (yes, he nearly drank it)!

On the wildlife side, in addition to lots of small sea birds, we have seen another whale. Sadly, Albert the albatross, has not been seen for some time.

Thoughts are now turning to Rio, gharish T-shirts and Portuguese phrases. Nobody is worried about a pencil entry on an area of the chart we still have to sail past which reads ‘prone to piracy, do not delete’ – well, I don’t think they are.

THE VIEW FROM THE FOREDECK:

Jim takes control.

Since getting on the boat for the first time back in the Falklands, I think it is safe to say I have thoroughly enjoyed every situation that has arisen, from electric storms and getting thrown around, to hot blazing sun. The broken sleep pattern is quite harrowing but I am getting used to it. When on watch, other people’s stories from their phase 1 training are interesting and often very amusing.

My team (Blue Watch) have really taken to each other and are now working effectively as a team, knowing what needs to be done on most occasions. Andy Stone, the watch leader, has taken a step back and given us the chance to take charge of the group and do the jobs without instruction, which has given us a great sense of achievement.

Discoverer checks their position.

Obviously the main aim of this expedition is to develop our leadership skills in an environment where self-sufficiency and the ability to cope with pressure are important. So far, I think Blue Watch have risen to the occasion and are excelling in this field.

The weather is getting warmer, the sea calmer and sunglasses are in evidence. Rio fever is setting in and people are beginning to plan the things they want to do when they get there - everything’s looking up (who is scared of pirates anyway)!

Atpr Sam Harper 2rgt AAC
Blue Watch