Log Entry No 2 - 12th May 08. (Discoverer)

FROM THE CAPTAINS CABIN

Discoverer is making good progress north. However whilst we have enjoyed some wonderful sailing, it has to be said that for the purist we are on occasions relying on the “iron topsail to maintain progress against our passage plan.

Dougie, Dean, Holly, Dave.

We have settled into the ship’s routine and with a complete cycle of the 3 day pattern complete every one has experienced all the on board roles of a crewman. Nature has been good to us and the winds have been ideal for introducing novices to shipboard life. Never the less this should not detract from the enthusiasm and speed with which all have taken to their new surroundings and roles. Personally I have never sailed with a crew who have so quickly got to grips with helming a large yacht on the open ocean. It is gratifying to see the confidence of all members of the crew growing, sea sickness is largely behind us and even Gary who suffered more than most has been seen smiling. The fish are back on a diet and last night without hesitation he was nimbly moving around the fore deck working with his watch.

Last view before bed.

The experience of sailing mirrors life in many ways; one of which is that we never stop learning. Simon has more than 100000 sea miles but has been practising his sextant skills. Despite the advent of GPS, this is a vital skill should electronics fail us. And in any case there is something rather special about using the techniques of our forefathers who relying solely on their skill and natures heavenly bodies navigated their way safely across uncharted waters to discover a whole new world. One of the joys of ocean sailing is to cast of the mantel of modern living and free ourselves of the pace of 21st centaury life. So no mobile phones, Take Aways or Sky, instead we talk to each other, cook our own meals and sit under the sky; nature and this journey really are rather wonderful. (even if the older crew members can still grumble about “young peoples music”.

Dean & Dougie hoist the Sail.

Its not only the esthetical that comes into focus. Discoverer is a self contained world, totally self reliant on each other and our on board provisions and skills. In the last log the gear linkage failed (and has since been replaced). This time it was the port heads which developed a crack and needed to be repaired. As I sit in the saloon writing this, John is repairing the fridge door. Now don’t go away with the idea that Discoverer is a floating wreck, she is well founded but it is these jobs, this reliance and this reality that drive our world.

Two washerwomen Gary & David.

Bermuda lies some 350 miles over the horizon and with luck we might make a land fall and landing in the next 48 hours, but never take anything for granted at sea...

Richard Pattison
1st Mate & Expedition leader

FROM THE CREW QUARTERS - RED WATCH:

From setting sail on Thursday we have been on mother watch; cooking and cleaning for the rest of the crew. On the first 24 hours some were finding it quite difficult with the effects of sea sickness. With the first meal the majority of people tended to pick at it but now you can see the change all plates empty and seconds being asked for. On the Friday and Saturday we were on watch, on and off every four hours. There are a plethora of duties which we our required to do including helming, sail changes when needed and general swabbing of the decks.

Shooting the Sun for a fix.

The weather during the day is extremely hot, but as night falls the refreshing breeze is welcomed. As well as the amount of stars due to the lack of artificial light not only do we get beautiful sun rises and sun sets, but also an extraordinary moon which is amazing to see it set and even more stars come out. Over the last two days we have stopped in the afternoon for a dip in the ocean, its quite daunting knowing that the bottom of the ocean beneath our feet is approximately 6km below.

My job has it's highs & lows.

As much fun as we are having on the boat all the tensions are now turning to the stop over in Bermuda, as well as a proper shower and a chance to stretch our legs.

FROM RED WATCH - Jim, Holly, Dave.