Hazel Richards, crew 1st leg
We have been travelling for over two weeks now and I declare I have well and true found my sea legs! Having crossed the Atlantic on cruise ships many times, this is the first real sailing experience and I was not sure what to expect…..sometimes that’s a good thing, what you don’t know, you don’t know! I have only had one bout of sea sickness leaving the Bristol Channel and I thank my colleague Gill for her advice on the matter, having sailed in the Clipper race, and to Steve for taking over my 2am to 6am watch duties!
A welcomed stop at Holyhead meant I could enjoy a hot shower and meal with a glass of cloudy cider at the local marina. I have a confession to make, I found the days sailing up the Irish Sea somewhat tedious….nothing but a sea horizon, no ships or birds for three days and to top it, we experienced our worst weather with rolling waves and bitter cold winds. On calmer days, I loved nothing more than to sit on the back corners seats port side (I remember this by saying “I drink my port from my left hand”!) or starboard, feeling the boat rise above the waves, roll, toss and turn. The Hebrides were stunning and we anchored in a little cove to allow the strong winds to pass….the cove had a little pub but it was too far for the boys to swim to shore and there wasn’t a fisherman with a boat in sight!