Atlantic Challenge 2009

Day 16 - We Race No More... 02/06/09

2009-07-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

1830hrs

Race is over! It was called early due to a severe lack of wind. We relayed our position at 1400hrs and realised that it was going to be very tight between us and Jolie Brise. So we sat until 1515 and you could cut the tension with a knife! Then it was anounced that there was a delay and Harry at Race Control would re-broadcast in 30mins.

30 mins later...

"We have received Belle Poule's position, and this has been forwarded to the Race Director. You can expect positions shortly"

Can you feel the tension?

SHORTLY?! SHORTLY?! shortly on whose clock....

Results didnt come in until 1715! by which point we were all sunburnt and wrestless... at the end of the day we came 2,2. But it was very close between the Jolie Brise (5 hours we later found out) 2nd is still really good, so the bubbly, beer and crisps were brought out. The THREE had gone to sleep... no surprise there.

Finally all emerged... willfully or not is yet to be decided. Then we said a big cheers. Personally I'm feeling a real mix of emotions right now, because I feel annoyed because we have 1045miles to go... and the race is over.

We all went swimming which of course cheered me up. Many are very upset that we are no longer sailing... but at the end of the day thats the way the cookie crumbles.

Swimming in the deep blue sea

Now the motor is on (which incidently sounds like a Black Hawk helicopter) I now cannot wait to get to Bermuda as I already miss the peace and quiet of being under sail, and the motor has only been on for a couple of hours.

On a different note, last nights night watch wasn't as bad as it could have been and we saw the BIGGEST shooting star I have seen. It lit up Jets face and the aft of the boat. Almost as if it was falling in slow motion. Amazing and everything wasnt as bad as it couldve been. However Ben has now become all introverted and quiet due to the race being called.

...later note... It is believed we witnessed the Air France plane crash... very very sad...

Now I am exhausted and sunburnt so I'm going to catch some shut eye before watch at midnight.

Slaap lekker!

Day 15... the day of all days 01/06/09

2009-07-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

1911hrs

"Here is what happened. Today we had a watch meeting, and it was really rather ridiculous!. It's almost as if our watch was jealous of waht watch's problems, and we wanted our very own group meeting. I guess people just like conflict, deep down."

Well that intro was courtesy of Ben... because to be honest I didnt really know where to start.

So shall I start with the positive things?
1) We've crossed halfway!! at 1940hrs last night
2) We were in first place today!
3) We saw pilot whales
4) We are now 1100 miles away from Bermuda
5) We are moving albeit very slowly at 2/3knots
6) It was shower day today
7) It was cleaning day today - whether thats a possitive of not is debateable
8) I've watched Journey to the Centre of the Earth & Interview with a Vampire and bits of Finding Nemo and Kung Fu Panda

So I spose I have to move on the the horrible parts of the day.
1) We had a group meeting
2) What was said at the group meeting
3) Members of my watch... they know who they are

Basically I felt tiny during this stupid meeting which basically turned into a "pick on Jocelyn" session. I just burst into tears, due to the shock of what was said. Thankfully Jet, Nele and Ben have been there for me today because I was a mess. I just couldn't believe what I was hearing all this!

... I have cut out a lot of my original entry as it mentions peoples names...

Now I'm in a state of confusion. We're on a boat miles and miles away from Bermuda and there is no room for ego or arguments. I also can't change my personality in a day. I'll work on my "sarcastic" comments, which I would just classify as banter.

Regards the other issue... what do I do? Not talk? so my "inane nonsense" doesnt annoy a person who is in a state of constant misery anyway? All she does is whinge, much like a little kid on a long car journey saying "are we nearly there yet?" So why should I change myself and ruin MY experience just to solve a little part of a miserable womens problems.

Civility... I can manage that much.

Nele is struggling with the serious lack of harmony... to be fair it is painful.

Watchleader tonight... won't THAT be fun!

Ciao for now!

Day 13: 30.05.09

2009-07-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

1720hrs

8.9 knots! We have wind again, during our watch the wind picked up again after royally dying out during the night watch. We covered 24 miles during out 4 hours and now Bermuda is only 1313 miles away! Its amazing what a little bit of wind can do for the morale of everyone onboard. Hopefully we'll hit halfway by 2000hrs. Nele and I did excersizes and we will continue these every day as sitting stationary the majority of the time isnt helping either of us.

Night watch last night was... interesting again. However Nele videoed some of the brilliant singing that was going on this afternoon and tonight we're going to do a Blair Witch Project style documentary of the night watch. We had rain earlier and are now ticking along at 6 knots ish.

Deep in thought...

Bad news is Etoile retired and I believe others will now follow suit as we have to be in Bermuda in 11 days and we havn't reached halfway. Harry from Race Control on Khruzenshtern asked us our average speed and range on engine and how long it would take us to get to Bermuda. Never a good sign. I just pray they dont call the race. Because in my opinion motoring to Bermuda defeats the purpose of this experience. However Janette told Harry that we will give our decision on Monday so we have at least another 2 days of sailing so PRAY the wind keeps up.

Intense concentration

Some of the crew watched Pirates of the Caribean this afternoon and I believe they're watching Grindhouse now. I just finished my shower so I'm chilling on deck. I cant wait to reach the half way mark. Also Monday marks my longest time at sea. Very exciting! Apart from that Nele and I are working on our Dutch to keep ourselves sane. Anyway I'm gonna go grab a book before dinner...

Ciao for now!

Day 12 : 29.05.09

2009-07-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

1845hrs

Strange to think that I will be back in the UK a month today. Last night at 0045 we were so excited as within 5 mins we went from 2.5 knots to 6 knots. It stayed like this so we trimmed the sail and at 0100 we wrote the log. Within 5 mins the speed dropped off to 2 again. Be the end of the watch we were only going 1.1 knots. Due to this slap in the face, tempers were raging and I very nearly lost it with the youngest member of the crew. So now I have decided to just treat her, like her age rather than an equal. I'd given her that respect, but she hasn't earned it and to avoid further confrontation... which on a trip like this you just don't need, I'm going to stop trying to be overly conversational with her.

The night was stifling hot again, probably 30C down below. I think the heat kept Nele and I asleep as we didn't wake up until 1100! We emerged up on deck to discover the sea flat as a pancake again and drifting gloriously at 1 knot. The brilliant news was we were allowed to go swimming again! But the boat picked up speed within about 45mins (speed as in about 1.2, which is the average speed someone can swim comfortably).

Before general swimming started the immersion suits had to be tested:

They're made of something similar to wet suit material but less permeable. So 4 people (Ben, Andreas, Ashley and Nele) donned this highly attractive garment and proceeded to form a raft & paddle together. They also made a help ring and practised swimming. They were all knackered afterwards, not surprising in this heat. The feet of Ashley's suit filled up with water so she couldn't get up the ladder. HILARIOUS for us... for poor Ashley I feel with 2, 5kg feet she was unimpressed.

We had dolphin fish around the boat & lost 3 lures to them. Now we have wind! finally. The morale was so low today as the weather report say 3 more days of becalmedness. Fingers crossed the wind stays otherwise Bermuda is a far and distant dream!

Ciao for now!

Day 11 28.05.09

2009-07-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

1920hrs

Well since 2000hrs last night we have been becalmed int he middle of the Atlantic. The 'wind' is here slightly now so we're doing... JUST OVER 2 KNOTS... Last night we came up for watch at midnight and the sea was dead calm, with a non-exsistent horizon. Very very strange. The previous watch had only done 3 miles in 4 hours, so we didnt exactly have high hopes. We centred the rudder & tied it in place so there was no need to helm. Then the 4 hours ensued...

At 0100 it was log time (however the actual log hadn't moved since 2000 or earlier) I accidently shone the little white LED torch at the water and discovered this set off the phosphoresence! So that created a good 30 mins of entertainment for everyone. Next came spitting/dragging a rope/pouring tead etc. to create beautiful patterns in the water. It really was stunning and its a memory I will not forget for a very long time. The stars were exquisite and the milky way was a celestial cloud reflected in the satin water (could I get any more poetic? debateable)

We then found the red torch and made shadow puppets on the sail, Nele then took night portraits of everyone. Spaghetti next! I also though quite a few low stars were ships as we couldnt actually tell where the horizon was. Oh and we saw the waning moon set, it was cool to see as the dark side was visible. It turned orange and looked like a dissapearing yacht with its sail lit up. Total mileage? 4

Today...

Well the water was flat... flat, flat, flat! Calmer than it had been in the Bay of Biscay in 2006. After much deliberation (and following ship cleaning as it was indeed Thursday... Cleaning Day!) it was decided that we would be allowed to go swimming at 1400hrs. It was the most fun I think all of us hadd had in ages! However as we had 2, 1.5m Barracuda circling the ship since 1300 we were constantly on the look out... also for Portugese Man O'wars as an encounter with one of those would not be pleasant. But I took loads of photos of people jumping in and under the water using Seamus' water proof camera.

We finally got out of the water at 1530ish. I then played Phase 10... a bizarre day as we didnt move towards Bermuda at all... we just sat. It was a lot like sitting by the swimming pool, playing cards/sunbathing. No one at the helm. 35C in the shade, and a lot of sunburn going on. No epic peelage (touch wood) Almost too hot to eat at 1800UTC... because of course we're going back in time so we're geographically speaking 2 and a half hours behind. I'm sitting here at 2000hrs and the sun is no where near setting. Nele and I are sleeping on deck until nightwatch as its obscenely hot below decks. I'll write if anything amazing happens on night watch...

Ciao for now!

Day 10: 27.05.09

2009-07-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

1715hrs

We made a jacuzzi in the dinghy today! We cleaned out all the junk and filled it up with sea water... 28C in the shade 38-40 in the sun. Definately bikini weather. We had a talk about celestial navigation followed by a dip in the dinghy. This evening is the most refreshed I have felt in ages!

Nele got bad news from a friend yesterday by email, this of course is terrible for her as what can she do about it when she's slap bang in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean! Thankfully she was better today.

Night watches remain surreal, and one of my watchmembers I believe has lost it, as she is now claiming to have blackouts... mmhmmm OFCOURSE! un poco raro?

We have also blown up inflatable Grolsch chairs, which I am currently siting in. Very cool, but almost impossible to balance in with the boat rocking. Concentrating on not falling over backwards!

Ciao for now!

Day 9: 26.05.09

2009-07-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

1745hrs

Well Khruzenshtern have been to our aft pretty much all day we were in first place yesterday but have now slid back to 2nd.

Cracks are beginning to appear in most people's facades now. The watch system on Tecla is split into 3 watcher: Red, White and Blue (The Dutch flag). I'm on Red watch and we're holding together pretty well adn seem to be sorting out our issues as they arise. However white watch yesteday exploded into WW3. Its worrying to think they are 20-30 year olds and are incapable of acting civil. Sitting between them is like an argument between Kindengarteners. I feel bad for Gijs and Loes who lead that watch. The sort of stress required to sort out something like that! You'd think these people would remember they were on a boat. All should know, that on a boat there is barely room for everyone much less petty arguments that people seem to be bringing up!

I'm enjoying just sitting watching the sapphire blue water go by. It really is beautiful out here if not a tad monotonous. The great news for me today was we crossed the 1500 mile mark! So hopefully in a couple of days we'll be half way there! I also hope we gain miles on Jolie Brise!

Current preoccupations? Learning to shuffle cards properly, designing team t-shirts, playing phase 10 & chess and still reading 1984! Give it a couple more days and I'll be writing poetry!! The food is of course still good. concerned about tonights concoction of white fish fillets with Langoustine sauce! But I shall reserve judgement until I have stried it, as I'm sure it will be delicious.

Ciao for now!

24.05.09 - 1 week in!

2009-07-01T09:07:00.000-07:00

BERMUDA DAY!

1625hrs

Well I havn't really know what to write in here, hence the pause since my last entry on Day 3.

Good News: I'm over my seasickness, which is awesome. But the days are so similar it seems a bizarre idea to record their passing. I'm not as scared as I thought I would be. I think instead I'm shocked by the sheer monotiny of such a journey. Thankfully I have a great roomate nele from Kiel. She's on the same watches as me 1200-1600 and 0000-0400. I think together we're managing to stay sane

Others I believe are beginning to fray around the edges. The food is of course still delicious, but some still manage to complain. A strange complaint as I can imagine they would be less than pleased if I passed them a cuppa soup or tine of new potatoes and baby carrots. However I've let that skim over me as I dont think I can get sick of ever changing meals with fresh veg. I had sausages and sauerkraut for lunch, thatll make mom laugh Im sure as the frankfurters were boiled. The sauerkraut was so sour (pardon the pun) as it had literally been heated up straight out of the jar!

There have been whale sighting, way more flying fish, portugese man of wars and sadly our resident swallow died. The weather has been mixed, we've hit 10 knots on a couple of days. But generally we sit at around 6 knots. We're 1700 miles away from Bermuda. So 10/11 days still lie infront of us.

I'm concerned for some members of the crew, they seem to be coping with the voyage worse than others. Some no longer talk to anyone, and miss watch completely. Some when they are on deck gaze endlessly at the horizon as if hoping Bermuda will appear by magic. Others hate watch and have stopped talking. A few have begun to improve, although one of the youngest trainees has an issue with me knowing a little be more about sailing than she does. However at a young age, didnt we all think we knew everything?

I've been reading 1984 on my phone, a brilliant book which I wish I'd started before! Definately a novel to get you thinking! I've found that now we're a week in, I have to find stuff to keep myself busy. Writing here everyday I think would become tiresome to teh reader as day to day nothing really changes here onboard Tecla:

I wake up at 1000, I'm on watch at 1200. I have lunch, tead at 1500, off watch at 1600. Prepare vegetable for dinner, eat at 1800. Read, write or sleep until 0000. Watch at midnight, snack at 0230, off at 0400 and then the whole process begins again.

It is wonderful to be able to shower every other day as it helps you identify just what day you're on. I did laundry today because of all the salt some of my trousers were beginning to stand up by themselves. Its getting cloudy now, so I doubt they'll dry before tonight. Damp cloths: delicious!

Nele and I are gradually attempting a few Dutch words. These range fromm How are you: Hoe gaat het? to you're welcome which I dont honestly know how to spell but it sounds like Ahshehbleeft... i think...

The Blind Date game has begun! I have a 'date' with Belle Poule #17 and Nele with Etoile #6. Other will get theirs over the next few days and then we will all meet at a party on Bermuda.

I'm looking forward to change now. A different course, different weather, some wildlife? 10 days seems like a very long time. But hey its a once in a lifetime experience so I'm treasuring all of it!

Ciao for now!

20.05.09 - Day 3 of the Atlantic Crossing

2009-06-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

Well I am finally well enough to write here so lets back track to Sunday...

17.05.09 was the Parade of Sail. We unberthed at around 11 and then went out away from Tenerife Harbour before doubling back to put up the staysail and mizzen. Not many people were out to watch the parade which was a shame. Finally we put up the mainsail before the 1400 time check, putting us back an hour to UTC before the race start at 1500hrs.

Already many of the crew were feeling unwell, as the swell coming out of sta. cruz was quite impressive. We got the jib up and the maintopsail and we started the race well (however it took us a good half hour+ to get the topsail up... up then down... then up then down... before it was finally set correctly - good practise though).

Watch system began at 1600hrs UTC, I still felt great so went downstairs to chat to Jet to discover we were having some Dutch specialty - mashed potatoes with Endive and meat sauce! It really was delicious. Then Nele and I decided to get some rest before our watch at 0000. I had decided to go on the same watch as Nele 0000-0400 and 1200-1600. Nele Steinbeck left Amsterdam on Tecla and is going all the way to Belfast!!!

Halfway through our sleep the boat gybed and I was suddenly clinging to my bunk 5ft off the ground with no real way of staying in. I clung onto the bed until the watch at 0000. By this point I was a bit of a mess - There was no moon, no point of reference and Tecla's movement in the water was so different to other boats I'd been on. By this point I was seeing people walking around that wern't there and I was crying my eyes out. I think emotionally the distance we were due to travel had got the better of me. At 0230 I had to go down below as I was being ill over the side, shivering and all other silliness.

18.05.09 1200 - 1600 watch wasn't much better. I couldn't eat lunch except for a digestive biscuit and water. The waves (which, tbh were non-exsistant) got the better of me again. I went down below and was very very sick - I hate throwing up and was extremely frightened that I wouldnt be able to stop. After Nele's reassurance I eventually got into bed and slept. Of course I was ill some more but finally got up for 1200-1600 watch on 19.05.09.

Today I am determined to get up for my first nightwatch - otherwise I am officially a sissy, and Jocelyn is NOT a sissy!

So now for a general race update. As of today we are 1st in class and 1st overall!! So exciting as yesterday we were 2, 2 with Spirit of Bermuda in the lead and the first report but us in 4,4 but that was because everyone was bunched up at the start.

Weather? heavy seas the first night then I believe pretty light. Heavy the night of the 19th but since this morning we've had decreasing wind even going backwards for a bit this afternoon. Thats one thing that makes the atlantic ocean seem even more unending.

I think all of us have now begun to realise what a mission this is going to be if we're on day 3 and have a minimum of 14 days left. At least the food have been delicious and it makes a brilliant change to have a wheel.

Wildlife? flying fish, dolphins, sea turtles, a resident swallow, portugese man 'o war and phosphorescence at night. I believe thats all for today...

Ciao for now!

16.05.09 - Boat Change cont.

2009-05-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

1654hrs - Sta Cruz de Tenerife

Where did I leave off? Visiting La Laguna I believe. So yes we got back from La Laguna at about 5 and then went for a long walk around the city. We visited the Biblioteca (library) and the massive park at the top of town which was beautiful with hibiscus and other exotic trees, about 4 huge fountains!

It was so brilliant to see people really using a park: reading by the fountains and children playing everywhere. The weather was stunning and I took loads of photos. I took my camera back to Tecla so I'll add some photos later. Then as it was everyones last night we had dinner on the boat and then went to Rona II. The next day was wash day! Took me all day to complete it all and dry it! I had to move all of my stuff out! We then cleaned the boat and did a food inventory.

Then the new crew arrived which was strange cuz I was kinda out of that circle. The crew party didn't hav any alcohol or food so we didn't go. Went to an Atlantic party which was awesome. Oh I forgot the crew parade was strange as there was only 3 people from jolie brise

I goth booted off jolie brise early Saturday and wrote all my postcards and caught up on my blog. The joined tecla it's awesome great crew and now we're on our way! Just about to un bearth and now there's 2600 miles in front of us!

Chat to you all in 4 weeks!

Ciao for now!

16.05.09 - Boat Change

2009-05-16T01:54:00.000-07:00

0953hrs - Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Due to now being 5 days behind schedule I have to backtrack to make sure I cover everything...

Where did I leave off?

Porta de Arguineguin, getting there at 1 in the morning and putting down anchor. It was lovely, being able to swim off the boat in the morning. We went into town later in the day... far more touristy than I was expecting however the beach was lovely and we all had spanish tapas. Due to Adam's phobia of land he stayed on the boat to fix everything that we had suceeded in breaking.

Ariel in Arguineguin

We left Arguineguin at about 4 to attempt going back to Puerto de Mogán. Having run up the bearth earlier we found out that Rona II had taken the bearth that we were expecting to get. So by the time we got there... seeing as it took us 3 hours to go 1.5miles Fiona insisted that we put on the motor. So we finally got into Puerto de Mogán at about 8ish back in the orginal bearth that hadn't been suitable resulting in us motoring down the coast.

Arriving in Puerto de Mogán

As we needed water we had to stay which was great news! Finally a shower was possible and we all went out for a gorgeous dinner! I have the card in my bag somewhere... but it was lovely sitting outside. I had Pulpa (Octopus) in the Galician Style, which meant lots of salt and paprika, but it was delicious! Then Pasta Marinera, everything was SO fresh. I love it when the whole crew can just chill and chat about the journey, the pluses and minuses and what we'd like to do again.

Night view of Puerto de Mogán Marina

We then decided and exploration was necessary! So as Fiona had been on a job in Gran Canaria (actually in Puerto de Mogán) for 3 months she knew the town better than any of us and recomended that we try and find the ZOO Bar... which aparently had live snakes and the suchlike. So we all had a few beers it really was a riot, with 20 questions going round at once. Finally headed back to the boat at 0130ish. The next morning SHOWER, which was such an amazing feeling having purely been bathing in salt water for a couple of days. But then at 10 o'clock Adam had already got sick of land so we had to move the boat out of the harbour and but her at anchor just outside. The actual reason was that we had been moored up in the Water Taxi's berth which ran from 1000 to 1800. So more swimming ensued at anchor and then Fiona kindly ran a dinghy taxi onto shore.

Jolie Brise at anchor off Puerto de Mogán

I was with Wez and James and we went for an explore around the town. Its beautiful there! All white washed buildings with primary coloured trim and Bougonvelia cascadia over all of the rooves of the houses. Once we got away from the water the temperature shot up! With no breeze the temperature sky rocketed to about 28ish. Wez needed to find and back and James wanted to buy some honey rum which we had had at the restaurant the previous night. By the point it was 2ish and we heading back to the boat.

Puerto de Mogán

The afternoon involved more swimming, some attempting fishing and just generally mellowing in the sun. It was lovely to stop in one place for a day to really get to see it. However we knew we were heading back over to Tenerife in the evening. So at 6 or 7 we got ready to go and headed off. Just as Rona II reached us with a paddleboat and a slide... I think they were quite upset to be rejected after peddaling all that way. We knew the journey over to Tenerife was going to be hard... but I think that was an understatement!

Getting up from Puerto de Mogán to the headland was hard in itself as the direction of the wind meant sailing in the exact direction we wanted to go was impossible. We finally put the motor on as we were literally making to progress over ground. Within about a mile of crossing the headland we could see the white caps in the distance. Having been given a 5 minute warning from Adam we all dashed below to don all of our foulies including lifejackets and get back on deck. Within about 500m the wind went from 12 - 15 knots to 25/26! So Jib 3 went up and we put in Reef 1. I think it was the dampest crossing I've ever been on! All of the crew were lined up on the high side, sitting on the deck with our backs to the wind. Ever 6 or 7 seconds the boat would be covered in water. To start with this was horrible and claustrophobic, because when you are in foulies you real as though you are restricted in your movements. But Adam cooked us all rice and chorizo... already salty! Which promptly turned into even saltier rice soup! This put more humour in the air and soon we were being to enjoy the constant drenching.

Some of us had some pretty epic falls while slipping and sliding around the boat... further adding to the hysterics that were going on. On this crossing helming proved to be difficult as we were sailing as close to the wind as possible which in heavy seas is hard and the boat tends to just bounce up and down on the waves, so you have to bear away from the wind to keep up speed but then keep tweaking back into the wind to stay on course. We went onto the watch system for the last part 3 lots of 2 hour watches. Thankfully we were on first so we could do our two hours and then sleep until we were almost in port. Now we really weren't expecting to get in as early as we did! Due to us working by Adam o'clock we thought it would be 3am... but we were in by 1!

It was such a brilliant feeling to finally arrive in Tenerife. All the other Tall Ships in boat blasted their ships horns and clapped us in. Having been so tired it really was wonderful! Berthing was a bit of an issue but thanks to Christina's brilliant assistance in Spanish we managed to communicated that a ship the size of Jolie Brise was never ever going to fit into a 40ft gap behind Xsar. So instead we ended up behind Spirit of Bermuda and infront of Tecla along the quay. All of us just crashed looking forward to a leasurely start.

War Memorial with view of the Tall Ships

So the 13.05.09 was a chillax day for me. I sorted out my bunk... had an attempted rinse down in the showers and began the hunt for internet. I was thrilled to find that they had sorted out free port WiFi for us, so I spent the majority of the day typing up the rest of the blog which I had written while at sea. I helped clean out the fridge and we scrubbed the deck... generally boaty stuff. I managed to get in contact with the parental unit on Skype which was brilliant, chatted for about and hour and all for FREE! By the evening it was time for the FOOTBALL! Barcelona v. Athelico Bilbao. I went with Sara Ana and Bea and we found a cafe/bar which had a widescreen TV set up outside. We had a bit of Tapas (langoustines on avacado, canarian potatoes and tomato and mozerella salad with olives and bread) and beer and watched the second half of the match. Barcelona of course won 4 - 1 it was a great game to watch and Sara is a brilliant supporter.

Our task was then to find Barry Wez James and Dani who had been out for a while. We finally found them at the bar where they had watched the game. They didnt really want to move on, so it wasnt until we were asked to leave by the owners due to us being the only people there and they'd already shut all the shutters. They then wanted food, so we went up to the only fast food restaurant open and many burgers and plates of chips were consumed... didnt exactly look lovely. We then met Fabiola a friend of Sara's who had sailed on Khruzenshtern for the previous leg, it was amazing to hear the differences between how the cadets lived and how the 'guest sailors' on board were treated... for example guests can shower as often as they want however the cadets only get one shower every 10 days! Regarding food cadets only get porridge and bread whereas guests get 3, 3 course meals a day! After chatting for a while Ana Bea and I heading back to the boat as we were cold and practically falling asleep.

Then on Thursday the 14th Ana Bea and I went up to La Laguna! In the morning we'd had to polish brass and wash all the waterproofs but we managed to leave at about 11ish. We went to the tourist information office and picked up lots of leaflets and maps of Tenerife.

The tourist information office!

We then caught the tram... it put english public transport to shame. The ticket machines worked, the boards showed accurate arrival times and the tram was so clean you could practically eat off the floor! La Laguna was beautiful so different to Sta Cruz. La Laguna is a World Heritage site with countless numbers of 17th Century houses with beautiful plaster and terracota roofs. We got drenched though as there was bizarre horizontal drizzle for a good hour.

One coffee later and we were back on the explore. I would love to go back there to go to all the museums as it looks like there is far more to see. Far more history than I expected to find! I took so many photos!

A few of one of the many courtyards inside to old houses... this was actually the tourist information office!

We then tried a traditional Venezualan Dish called an Arrepas! It was amazing! It was made out of cornflour, very similar to polenta but finely ground. Then it was formed into a crab cake sized patty and deep fried. Then sliced like a pitta bread and I had chicken and avacado filling with the two traditional Canarian sauces one green and mild and one red and spicy which I know is called Mojo!

I have to pause this entry here as I have to go see if I can put my stuff on Tecla. I shall write more later on!

Ciao for now!

11.05.09 - Puerto de Arguineguin

2009-05-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

1105hrs

Well last night was a bit of an epic fail. We arrived in Puerto de Mogan late at 9:30 maybe later. But the berth they had set aside for us was too near the harbour entrance. So the swell was proving a nightmare to moore up. A boat slightly further in didnt want us next to it because of the extra weight... blah blah blah (load of rubbish, but as they were only the crew and not the owners it was fail on their behalf). So the verdict? Keep going down the coast and we'd got within 3 metres of the showers :( So by the time we'd finished faffing it was 11. We motored all the way to Puerto de Arguineguin. By which point most of us were falling asleep all over the boat.

So we are now at anchor off the shore. Had a relatively leisurely start. But last night on the boat was absolutely roasting! and because I finally got a leeboard yesterday I woke up in the middle of the night thinking I was in a box... so of course panicked *rolls eyes* This morning had some brekkie then threw on a bikini and went swimming took some photos of the boat & crew form the water & Adam and Sara took photos of eachother under the keel. They turend out really cool! Now we're all getting ready to go.

We've prepared the HUGE jib top called the Yankee and taken off the sail cover. Plan is to have a sail down to Puerto de Mogan. We ran them up earlier and Rona II had stolen our spot. But I'm sure we'll find a place. I can't wait to have a shower. Better go help I'll write again later.

Ciao for now!

10.05.09 - On the way to Puerto de Mogán

2009-05-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

1820hrs

Well today was awesome! Woke up at 9ish... Fresh bread from the local bakery for breakfast with honey :) This was apparently delivered by the bar owner from last night... Then Wes, Ian, James, Sara and I got changed and headed off under the instructions to climb to the top of this cliff we could see from the boat to take photos of Jolie brise at it's berth in Porta de las Nieves.

So we set off at about 11 and it was ALREADY 24 degrees!! Once we got slightly higher up in the town and around the corner of the cliff there was absolutely no wind. So 24 suddenly felt like 30*... so we found 2 red herrings of paths before we eventually found the one that actually led to where we wanted to go. We found 6 round huts, which we deduced to be some wierd sort of hill hostel as each hut was numbered and there was a seperate hut with toilet and shower. Very strange indeed. When we finally go to the top it really was a gorgeous view. Ariel was photographed at the top, as well as loads of group photos for the ship website

Then we walked down, went back to the boat and got changed for swimming! First time in my green and white striped kaftan and yellow bikini. I looked a little bit like a gone off lighthouse! The beach was strange, all black volcanic rock. So bakingly hot! and surprisingly painful on your feet. Water was refreshing to say the least. Only managed up to my waist... chicken I know, but it was chilly. Beautiful colour of water though. Then when James & Wes were hungry (Sara and I weren't really fussed either way) we went to the Pescaderia where the rest of the crew had already eaten. I had fried calamari and an ensalada mixta. Very nice but pricey for what it was. Epic confusion with the bill but we eventaully sorted it out. Cost me €15 which is a shame.

Then back to the boat again. Everybody (apart from Christine & I) went swimming but off the boat rather than at the beach, and pegged it across to the simming area. Got told off by security (no surprise there!). We then packed up and set sail at 1445. It is now 1745 and we're going to gybe in about 20 mins around the point of Gran Canaria towards Puerto de Mogan. Adam is whipping up tuna pasta for dinner and we've got the spinaker up and the weather is stunning. Have worn factor 50 all day but i still think I've caught too much sun :( Ah well! I'm going to chill for a while.

Ciao for now!

09.05.09 - Porta de los Nieves

2009-05-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

0146 (10.05) OFF WATCH!

We've finished the race! We crossed the line at about 6ish this evening. Tenerife is beautiful. We decided not to go straight into Sta Cruz. Instead we turned east over to Gran Canaria. Epic crossing it took 3 hours with high winds (25+ knots) awesome sailing weather. i sat up on the boom! What an experience it truly was beautiful and I think I was sat in the only dry patch on the boat :) There was plenty of sun and waves and pods and pods of dolphins! They loved playing at the stern of the boat because of the wake we were creating 9.5 knots. James didnt enjoy the crossing, go a tad damp and so decided to reture to bed... no surprise there! Fiona made us a delicious chorizo pasta for dinner.

Then we arrived in Porta de las Nieves at... 9 maybe_ Looking back to Tenerife at dusk was beautiful. We moored iup, and then got changed. I slapped on some mascara for the first time since we left Vigo. Then we rocked up to the local, which we later discovered was a gay bar. We then (after a pint) went to the hamboergueseria ... bascially a spanish kebab shop. I dont think I'll ever have a hamburguesa especial ever again. mistake doesn't even begin to cover it. Hopefully I won't have food poisoning tomorrow.

Then back to the pub. People started to wander off after 12 I left we Sara at 0130. The rest of the guys (Fiona, Ad, Ian, Barry and Wes) heaven knows what they're up to and when they'll be back. Anyway its 2 now and I'm really looking forward to sleeping in a bed that isnt at 30 degrees. So I shall write again en la mañana

Ciao for now!

09.05.09 - Watch 14

2009-05-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

1200 - 1600hrs

Another GORGEOUS day. Making 6 knots towards the finish. We've overtaken Khruzenshtern which is great news! No idea where Tecla is, but we'll hear if they call in their finish ahead of us. Now chilling on the foredeck. I read Alexander for a while. Dani, Bea and Ana are peeling potatoes. We're very much like a pirate ship. Ian and Barry have done their laundry which is dangling from everybit of rigging accessible to the sunshine. Missed an epic fry up this morning, by the sounds of it.But we all know my stomach isnt a big fan of bacon. Its great to see everyone in high spirits as we approach the finish. I should probably move out of the sun otherwise I'll have 3rd degree burns before I even get to Tenerife. Oh I've just found out we're having Spanish Omlette for lunch :) Hopefully that will be yummy. Yet to see more wildlife today. Maybe more sea turtles? I'm determined to get a photo of one. They really are adorable. Barry seems to be struggling a little bit with the helming. But its looks like James is taking over. Bit of a comedy act to be honest by hey it all adds to the fun. I'll write more later...

Ciao for now!

09.05.09 - Watch 13

2009-05-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

0200 - 0500hrs

Came on 180 heading (due south) and generally faffed around with the sails to try and eek the best speed we could of the sails and wind we had. Now goose winging downwind on course for the finish. Should finish this afternoon and be in port for a shower in the late evening! Can't wait to see the volcano on Tenerife.

Ciao for now!

08.05.09 - Watch 12

2009-05-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

1600 - 2000hrs

(1720)

Woke up at 1230 ish. Another gorgeous day. The wind had picked up a bit. I went and chilled on the bowsprit for a little while. AND saw 2 orange sea turtles... which were seriously cute! Then the dunking ensued. We put people in the bowsuns chair and proceeded to dunk them off the end of the bowprit :) Can't wait to go swimming once we've finished the race. On that note; the race finish should be TOMORROW! Also tomorrow should be shower day which means clean hair again! We saw pardella which are apparently some type of seagull which we only knew the Spanish word for

(2003)

Saw a pod of dolphins! They were beautiful. I took lots of photos but then ended up helming for 2 hours while ALL3 of the guys on my watch made beef stew. Credit to them it was good. Beef, carrots, leeks, potatoes, pasta and... DUMPLINGS (in joke with the madre, she'll understand). So now I'm finally off the helm. Very sunburnt, I don't think I'll have any skin left by the time I get to Chaleston. We're blasting along at 9.5 knots and have a really good chance of overtaking Khruzenshtern and Tecla who currently lie in first and second place (however due to the handcap system this doesnt mean we'll win :( which is a shame) Now seeing as my watch members seem to be having a complex due to cooking dinner (which is fair as it is really baking down there) So I better get my act together and do the washing up then hit the hay because I'm on dog watch again tomorrow.

Ciao for now!

08.05.09 - Watch 11

2009-05-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

2009-05-13T06:22:00.000-07:00

2300 - 0200hrs

Well we managed to get all sorted. Waking up at 7:30ish (I got up at 7 in order to squeeze in my last real shower). 2 Safety briefings later... Mom and Caroline came by as they wanted to see Khruzenshtern unbearth before waving goodbye to us. Which made me a little teary. But the parade of sail was beautiful. Khruzenshtern as always made a great spectical. So from 1100-1700 we pansied around. Everyone was on deck tacking and gybing gerinally getting used to the boat's rigging. Then the countdown began...

We managed a pretty good start albeit the jib top was on upside down. Then a bowl of spag bol later and I was in bed as we were on watch at 2300. Rough seas... which made it very hard to steer with the tiller. I'm feeling seasick so I'm going to sign off.

Ciao!

02.05.09 - Everyone's on board

2009-05-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

Day 2 - 2300hrs

Well everyone is now on board. A grand total of 12 - talk about cramped! Adam, Fiona, Ian, James, Wesley, Barry, Christina, Daniel (also from Juan de Langara), Beatriz, Sara, Ana and I. Today was pretty chilled... Wes was SERIOUSLY ill all day... too much alcohol the night before I think, but he blamed it entirely on seasickness even though we are still in port. A general sort out ensued: washed the decks & down below. Wiped out all the veg and fruit cupboards. The toilet was all cleaned out and the water tanks filled up before sunbathing. Definately caught a lot of sun... But I was wearing so much sunscreen it didnt make a whole lot of difference. Mom & Caroline were sposed to have gone to Santiago de Compostela. But when I rang them up at 3ish they were in Vigo so I decided to meet up with them as everyone had wandered off to do their own thing. Vigo is gorgeous! Built into the side of the hill, we climbed up a bit and had a lovely juice/peach ice tea in Constituition Square. Couldnt spend too long as I had to be back at the boat by 5. New Jolie Brise T-Shirts were issued and before we knew it we were off for the Crew Parade...

It was so much fun as were behind Rona II who are reknowned for their singing and general antics. For example, dancing in a conga line or lying on the floor pretending to be crabs or seals. We had Khruzenshtern behind us who are different to say the least. Then back to the boat. We had pizza for dinner which was good. Did a human pyramid with Rona II for some challenge they were doing. Peter von Danzig cam on for a quick visit, shopping was delivered and stowed. Mom and Caroline came onboard to have a quick look around and the whole new crew had a couple of beers. James and Wes have gone out with Rona II again. I´m knackered again so I've tidied up my bunk and everything else in its proximity. So I think Im going to get changed and get some sleep as tomorrow we leave Vigo. The Parage of Sail and Race 1 will begin!

Ciao for now!

01.05.09 - Estoy en España

2009-05-13T02:41:00.000-07:00

Day 1

I am in Spain. It took us 14 hours to get here - a truly epic trip! Left Gatwick at 10:25 - however this followed a good hour and a half check in as the machines were down so unless we had a physical e-Ticket we had to go to another desk to get a number. Then an Air Europa guy took us out of that queue and started ringing up for numbers. A total shenanigans! Following that I had to take my rucksack to a different place, leg it through security and I literally just got to the gate as they were boarding the last few rows... but Mom and Caroline were nowhere to be seen! Slightly worrying I know. They were probably the second to last passengers to get to the gate.

Id managed to get in contact with Fiona the first mate but because of the check in palava I didnt manage to find her until after the 2 hour and 50 mins flight. Then the 4 hour layover in Madrid began...

Jamón Serano & Brie baguettes, pizza, pasta and many cups of coffee later... the FLIGHT was then delayed. So we landed at about 1400 Madrid time and our flight was due to leave at 1745 we didnt take off until just after 1900! So we got our bags and managed to get a taxi to the AC Palacio Universal where Caroline & Mom are staying We then had to wait for Adam to come help with all the bags. Adam Seager being the skipper and Fiona Taylor the first mate. Fiona had to bring a lot of stuff out to the ship such as: a new starter motor :|

Finally we got the ship at 2115, had a cup of tea and a few beers and met Christina from Juan de Lángara who is joining us on this leg. Wes, james and Ian then got back from the crew party at 2330ish. I missed the bus out there at 2100. James White and Wesley Cardew-Smith (19 + 17) from New Zealand and Surrey were turning around and heading out clubbing... bless them. Ian is from Liverpool and got this trip as his 50th birthday present.

I've unpacked but there is literally no storage space. Two little boxes and some bars to stick stuff behind... but I managed to fit pretty much everything in. But I have more clothes and stuff than others because I'm packing for 2 months rather than 2 weeks. So I am currently mellowing in the galley with a delicious glass of Rioja. Ian is reading a book about the history of Jolie Brise. Christina Adam and Fiona have popped out to the bar. Rona II crew are guys for this leg and they seem a laugh. Anyway I'm going to go on a hunt to find a plug to charge my phones.

Ciao for now!

01.05.09 - Send Me On My Way

2009-04-30T23:17:00.000-07:00

Day 1...

I'm on the train on the way to Gatwick! Woke up at 4 this mornin to get packed! Bit nightmarish but I managed to fit everything in a 75l rucksack and a smaller rucksack.

It's going to take all day to get to Vigo because I have a 4 hour layover in Madrid. Not a bad thing it just means a chance to eat spanish food :D

Apart from that just a couple of important points...

07717146158 is my new number while I'm away ( has better battery life)
TEXT me dont ring me because then it costs us both a fortune

Anyway I'm going to sleep on the train i'll update this tomorrow in VIGO!

Ciao for now!

30.04.09 - Tomorrow It Begins!

2009-04-30T02:44:00.000-07:00

24 hours and counting...

Well the day is nigh! It's my last day at Delphi... and the distribution of cakes and cookies has already begun. In 24 hours time my flight will be taking off from London Gatwick and I will be on my way to Madrid! 4 hours and another plane flight later... I will be onboard Jolie Brise in Vigo!

I can't believe how quickly it has come around. It seems only days ago that I booked my spot on Kaliakra, only for her to drop out. Then sorting it all out... and paying for it all!

Last night we (4 of the housemates and some guys from work) went to our local for leaving beverages. It was a lovely night! Even Pip and Claire from Swindon came up to say goodbye!

I'll be sad to leave Delphi, I really like everyone in my department and I've learnt more than I think I can appreciate right now in the 8 months I have been working in Project Management. The chemistry in the house hasnt been as great as it used to be recently, so I'm glad to be having a break. But I'll miss all of them, as they're a new chapter... sailing is just going to be opening another one before the whole new book of University life.

I don't know when I'll next be updating this... perhaps from Madrid during our 4 hour layover... or maybe on Saturday when I'm Vigo. Who knows? That's the fun of a blog!

Ciao for now!

28.04.09 - The Final Days

2009-04-28T03:53:00.000-07:00

3 days left and counting...

Well it's Tuesday now, so two days remain! I finish at Delphi Thursday afternoon!

Currently in a bit of a panic regarding travel insurance... no one seems to be interested in covering anyone in international waters or more than 12 miles from the coast. I'll let you know how that pans out.

Next is the packing situation! I did a trial pack over the weekend; following an epic shop in Chichester. Good news? My rucksack is underweight... However at only 75l it doesn't quite fit 2 months worth of belongings. Plan two?

Well as of a couple of weeks back, my Mom and our next door neighbour Caroline are accompanying me out to Spain. (Bonus being?) Company AND loads of extra luggage space, albeit a weight saving I still need a big enough bad to hold the stuff once we are off the plane - only a minor issue.

Got good news from Sue Stone (Dauntsey's School) that the first mate will be flying out on our flight, Friday morning! Savings on taxi fare :) and a chance to meet her.

Other than that it is now an epic count down at work. Cookies have become a necessity for Thursday and pub night out on Wednesday! Ben is cooking stroganoff for the family which I am very much looking forwards to.

I think Friday will be here before I know it!

Now for the all important links:

To TRACK the ships: http://www.tallshipsraces.com/mapping/

To TEXT me: 07717 146 158 or 07920110906

To EMAIL me: jocelynsmith90@gmail.com

Please FACEBOOK me :)

I'll be writing a diary and then finding Internet cafes and typing it up while in port.

I'll probably write again on Thursday night!

Ciao for now!

15.04.09 - Panic Stations

2009-04-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

15 days left and counting...

Flights are booked! As of Friday I can now get to Spain and back from Charleston!

I finish at Delphi on Thursday the 30th of April. Then after rushing back to Rowlands and putting the finishing touches on my packing I leave Gatwick on the 1st of May at 10:40. Shame I have a 4 hour lay over in Madrid, but I suppose it is a chance for me to brush up on my Spanish. I'll eventually get to Vigo at 18:50, so hopefully be on Jolie Brise by 19:30!

On the way back, I'll leave Europa on the 27th of June and fly up to Philladelphia, it would give me a chance to see Michal Jane, have a proper shower and sleep in a real bed for the first time in 2 months! I'll leave on the night flight back to England on the Sunday evening (the 28th) and land in Heathrow at 06:20... Early.... I know!

To make it worse it is going to be a mad dash to clear the airport, and get back to Stroud. A speedy shower, and quick change later and I will be back at Delphi for the 13:00 departmental meeting....

So overall a manic 2 weeks awaits. I've had my final invoices through for the actual sailing part...
Tecla is paid for in full (all €2633 of it), I have put a £200 deposit on Jolie Brise with the outstanding £500 due asap. Today I thankfully got the invoice from Europa (€1295), which I have to pay asap.

However, just to make things even BETTER... I got a Trojan Virus on my work computer resulting in me having to cancel my online banking just incase it got hacked! Brilliant really, as I now have to re-apply which will take heaven knows how long.

But underlying all this is the sheer excitement of knowing that in 15 days time I'll be onboard Jolie Brise ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime!

Ciao for now!

05.04.09 - The Countdown Begins

2009-04-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

25 days left and counting...

Last Monday (30.03.09) I had the terrible news that SVT Kaliakra had dropped out of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge. For the past week, I have spent most of my time on the phone or sending emails, desperately trying to find a place on another ship.

Brilliant news came on Thursday, that there were places free on Jolie Brise, Tecla and Barque Europa. However the cost had skyrocketed! A few phonecalls later and I had managed to get discounts on several of the legs and applied for a bursary from the John Myatt Trust.

So here's the new line-up:

Jolie Brise 17.1 m Gaff Cutter: Leg 1 - Vigo, Spain to Tenerife, Islas de Canarias

Tecla 27.5m Gaff Ketch: Leg 2 - Tenerife, Islas de Canarias to Hamilton, Bermuda

Europa 44.5m 3 Masted Barque: Leg 3 - Hamilton, Bermuda to Charleston, South Carolina

Next stage is finding the money for the crazy increase in cost!

Then I have to put together an extensive packing list; I never realised packing for 2 months at sea was quite such a challenge! 1 x DofE rucksack 2 x backpack + kit for 2 months = an absolute mission!

I hope to update this blog from each port... I'll be keeping a diary on board, so if I can't upload new posts I'll complete the story upon my return.

I'll post nearer the time to let you know whether the panic has set in!

Ciao for now!