Log Entry No 3 - 12th June 08. (Discoverer)

FROM THE CAPTAINS CABIN

Colours flying high.

First light revealed a low lying haze covering Bermuda 10 miles off the port bow. As the sun rose, so it burnt off the haze and we worked our way along the south eastern shore. Although we have only been at sea for 6 days, there is always something exciting and rewarding about closing in on land. George Town lies at the North end of the island and is the first port of call for all visiting yachts. The harbour lies through a short but narrow channel known as “Town Cut”. Inside we made our way to lie alongside the Custom’s wharf and complete formal customs clearance. We were delighted to meet Col White the Commanding Office of the Bermuda Regiment. My regiment, The Royal Anglian Regiment, has a long affiliation with The Bermuda Regiment and provide exchange officers and staff to assist in the planning and delivery of their training. There followed a presentation on the quay side before being shown a berth at the local Dinghy and Sports Club, only 5 minutes from the town centre.

Welcome & presentation.

George town is the old capital, and its waterfront and ambience retain the air and appearance of a quintessential Colonial outpost. Settled as a near mid Atlantic oasis and land of plenty following ship wreck, Bermuda lacks only a natural water sources but ingenious catchments of rain water solved that, and is still the primary source of water for the island. Each house has its own underground reservoir and roofs are specifically designed to catch and channel rain water. Bermuda’s historical links with Europe and America have shaped its history and culture. A vital trading outpost it has faced both east and west. Its divided loyalties during the American Revolutionary war were cleverly played so as to ensure it retained links with both protagonists that allowed it to ultimately prosper in the new peace. Its political and diplomatic skills were again tested during the American Civil War as the Confederacy used its unique position to stage blockade runners through the Northern embargo. Today it blends an eclectic mix of primarily British, American, West Indian and other cultures; all of which have left their mark on this unique place.

It didn’t take long to tidy Discoverer and get ourselves through a welcome shower. By midday the crew had dispersed to take in the sights and opportunities afford. In the evening we hosted and enjoyed a meal ashore with Colonel White and the Bermuda Regiment exchange staff. In the spirit of the occasion Colonel White turned the tables on us and pointed out that he too was hosting us and by way of practical demonstration insisted on the wine bill being passed his way. After dinner we all retired to a local hostelry to continue the evening in less formal surroundings! Beer and friendship abounded.

The following morning after breakfast, we attended to the ships chores, including revitalling with fresh rations. This left time for lunch ashore and another few hours to take in the sights. Following a small presentation to the Dinghy and Sports club, we slipped Bermuda at 1630. By last light Bermuda lay 30 miles astern and we were once more at sea under a star lit sky.

Crew socialising.

Our stay had been all too brief but considering the disappointment of our delayed departure from Antigua, we were grateful to have made it at all. We leave with fond memories of an island paradise and firm friendships forged and renewed. So to Colonel White, Major Andy Price, “Bitsy”, Nateka and countless others a warm thank you for your hospitality and support.

For now though Discoverer’s bow points once more northward and fresh adventures beckon as we start to run down the miles to Boston. There is a fresh force 5 wind and we are close hauled with 1 reef in the mainsail, it all seems rather appropriate having just left the original home of the now near universal, and Discoverer’s, Bermudan rig.

Richard Pattison
Expedition Leader

FROM THE CREW QUARTERS - BLUE WATCH:

Looking down on the water front.

In the last week we have sailed from Antigua to Bermuda, which has been challenging as none of us have ever sailed before. As we arrived in Bermuda we were greeted by the Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment and some of his permanent staff from the Royal Anglian Regiment. At first Bermuda only looked like a small country, but up close we were shocked. It was beautiful, as we arrived into the harbour area there were big cruise ships that had just arrived, yachts, small engine boats and even jet skis, it was amazing, a small but gorgeous country.

After we were greeted we had most of the day to ourselves so we went to the beaches to chill out after the journey, it was actually nice to be on land and be still! We got some food, went on the jet skis which were awesome and just chilled out and sunbathed.

Colonial - style.

In the evening we went for dinner with the representatives of the Bermuda Regiment, it was very nice and we were hosted very well and they were very interested in the expedition. After our meal we went to a local pub which was nice as we got to know some of the local sailing community who were also very interested to hear about the expedition. It was nice to meet people that were so interested in what we did and where we came from. They really admired the British army.

In the morning we were up early to get “admin” sorted, like cleaning the galley and cleaning the boat, as well as food shopping and doing some laundry at the local yacht club. We had the rest of the day to ourselves, so we went to a local beach, which was lovely, and hired some jet skis, played volley ball and messed around in the sea-all really good fun! We had to be back at 1600 to prep the boat, receive a quick brief on our passage plan and then set off through the narrow channel out to sea and on to Boston!

FROM RED WATCH - Tom. Liam, Lisa and Dougie