BLOG 18 True to form the Belfast crew brought good humour and a great sense of fun to the ship, and moreover they had a good work ethic and were keen to learn. They quickly fitted into the ships routine, notwithstanding the usual tidiness and noise issues. Fortunately the weather remained calm in the early days of the voyage and the incidents of sea sickness were minimal, it did however become noticeably cooler and fog was ever present as we sailed across the Gr...

BLOG 17 What I had failed to mention when we left Charleston was that my role on the ship changed. No longer on the punishing three watch system, I became a 'dodgy' day worker having been asked to take responsibility for the bar (yes we have a bar on board!!), some galley duties, stores and administration. I guess the Captain Captain recognised that my organisational skills would be of more benefit to the smooth running of the ship....... or more likely that I c...

We left Charleston for Boston in the blazing sunshine with the usual wellwishers in tow but made preparations for stormy weather ahead. Safety lines would be required and crew began affixing ropes about the ship. I was working by the port gangway when I heard a sickening thud from the direction of the foredeck, followed by a short silence, and then shrill screams and cries requesting help. My stomach turned over as I initially thought that somebody had fallen out...

BLOG 14 Charleston met our expectations in terms of the weather, hot and very humid, indeed to the point of being oppressive. Temperaturdes touching 100 degrees with 80% humidity made our visit somewhat uncomfortable, walking to the shops was aerobically challenging and imbibing serious quantities of water was an absolute necessity.Nonetheless we knew that the weather would deterioate as we sailed further North so we made best of the sunshine and the warmth on o...

Our departure from Bermuda was quite spectacular, not only did the Parade of Sail look hugely impressive, but also the Flotilla that followed us out to the start line, a pot pouri of motor cruisers, yachts, Jet Skis, and basically anything else which would float.. Sirens and horns were blaring as the boats weaved in and out of each other jostling for the best positions, all overladen with Bermudians waving and cheering, eager to wish us all Bon Voyage. It reminde...