Thursday 30 May 2013

Camping on water

We were briefed on our tasks for the rest of the day; we were to go victualling, for those of you who like me, and I guess a few others- here's a new word for the day. 

victualling  present participle of vict·ual (Verb)

Verb
  1. Provide with food or other stores.
  2. Obtain or lay in food or other stores.

So our teams were given instructions, a budget and an observer. The twist being the meal were shopping for, would not being the one we prepared. 

Off into Gosport we dashed, with a time limit and determination. As a team we went for easy, no fuss brekkie. 

Back at the boat within time we started cooking and all took mini starring roles in 'Kitchen Cam' a one off episode of cooking dockside on an old school clipper 68. 

Living on a boat is a bit like camping, basic and wonderful in an ever evolving balancing routine. 

After a dinner served on time - high 5 to the team! We indulged in some sumptuous bake well tart and after dinner games. A hilarious mixture of dance moves and animal impressions. 

And off to our cosy bunks for the night, or so we thought until the what may become a very familiar call, 'all hands on deck' sleep interrupted and into our wet weather gear we climbed  and headed for the deck and the blustery night air. 

Before our first night on a clipper boat. With the glorious thought of a whole days sailing ahead. 



Wednesday 29 May 2013

the spark moment...

The idea of taking to the open seas with a crew is exhilarating, on my own - simply petrifying. Here is where it all began. Years ago I read Claire Francis' book 'Come hell or high water' it sparked a desire to sail the world. I thought I want to do that; but Not on my own. That was over 2 decades ago. It was just a dream, then this year I saw a competition, and thought 'what have I got to loose' not considering that I might win. That's where the 'I'll throw in an application' came from. But then I was lovingly hounded for a day and I am thrilled I was - they were trying to pin me down to tell me I WAS A FINALIST!!!!! I know writing in caps is a bit like you're shouting, but I was - I had to keep checking my e-mails, it didn't sink in. I'd never entered a competition before. 

After a nervous start and winds gusting in the channel of force 7ish, they were a bit gale force - little gusty I was thinking. There were nervous - moments and the awkward 'disco legs', why at those crucial moments in life do my legs take on a life of their own, jiggling, wiggling and generally being a little inconvenient.

Well enough of wiggling legs, we were grouped into competition legs and were introduced to our lovely hosts from Gore-tex Experience Tours and Henri Lloyd.......

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Bursting to write...

So here I am sharing the story of this incredible year with you. I have thrown caution to the wind and after 'throwing' an application in with a 'I've got nothing to loose' thought I won a place on the Clipper 13-14 round the world yacht race. This has been a childhood dream ~to sail the world, and now its beginning to come true. Here I will share the story you're welcome on this wild journey with me, you can be in the comfort of your warm lounge chair, and still taste in the adventure.