John Whiteley, crew first part of 1st leg.
Received the customary text ‘you up for a sail mate?’ Bristol / Lerwick – just a few days. Must be truly short of crew to ask me, I thought. Any roads up – nothing ventured – blah blah.
On the train to Bristol I wondered how cold it is going to be and should I have brought more gear for warmth. I started to hum a life on the ocean waves is just the life for me – but it didn’t really work
Made the boat just before departure and was asked to helm down/out the Bristol channel. First test, I thought, mess this up and you’re on the plank. The rain and mist didn’t lighten the occasion. On the way round Wales a few snags occurred and an overnight in Holyhead was ordered.
Began to remember a few nautical terms and as familiarity with the other unknown crew depended the flavour of this new adventure heightened. Good set of fellow swashbucklers and a damn good cook. The press-ganged skipper is cool – calm and the techy is a wizard. Good stuff.
Dolphins gambol merrily to port – starboard and all manner of seabird swoop and yelp around our ship. As the sea swell increases with white horses riding the crest…the boat – crew settle confidently into routines. Happy days! ‘A life on the ocean waves’ seems quite pertinent now
As the Shetlands come into view a small wave of sadness washes over me in realisation that this short sojourn is closing. Thanks for the chance – mate.
(Written in a swell!!)