Magical Dolphins & Cheeky Birds: Day 2 Biscay ’19
1,548 views | November 1st, 2019
A magical dolphins sighting greets the crew of Challenger 2 this morning, before some cheeky stowaways are spotted.
Cheeky Birds & Magical Dolphins
For a long time this morning was had shoals of dolphins swimming alongside and jumping out of the water, truly magical scenes and now memories that will never be forgotten.
We are currently sailing across the English Channel; what an amazing sight to see the sea all around us. I took the Helm for a while this morning. Challenger 2 is a pleasure to handle, a beautiful sturdy, stream lined vessel.
Some very little birds came flying to us a few times, I think they may be chaffinches, they rested on the boat or on the arms of the crew. Cheeky little chaps that could only make you smile, wanting a rest and a ride that we were willing to provide.
What it’s like to Arrive on Day One
I arrived at Gunwarf Quays Marina, Portsmouth, in plenty of time and spotted Challenger 2 straight away. I, along with everyone else, was given a very warm welcome by the Skipper Terry, Mate Lindsay, Watch Leaders Lee and Steve. They took the time to answer all our questions and made us feel at home. 16 people in total on the boat, but it doesn’t feel like that many as there is plenty of room for us all.
It wasn’t long before we had been given all the safety talks, kitted out appropriately and were underway – departing by 15.30. We first crossed though the Solent under motor and then came our opportunity to work (with this bunch of complete strangers) together as a team to get the first sail up, great fun and really exciting.
The Night Watch
Terry divided us into two watches, so we can take turns to do everything and get some sleep. It was dark and cold, but the protection gear did its stuff and we managed though the night with 20 knot winds, gusting to 30, and a moderate sea state. My cosy bunk was the most welcome sight at the end of my watch and I slept really well.
Some of us suffered a bit with sea sickness, but we were supported with the best advice as to how to manage this and as of writing this blog everyone is nearly recovered and getting into the swing of things.
For Martin and Caroline
Obviously we have no signal here out at sea, so I’d like to take this opportunity to tell my soul mate Martin that I love you and I can’t wait to do an adventure like this with you one day, you would so much enjoy this Martin. Skipper said I could include that if I included that he loves his partner Caroline very much as well J
Roll on day 3
Cathy
Location @ noon 1 Nov
Skipper’s Log
Date : 01/11/19
Time : 12:00 UT
Position :47.26.130 N 005.44.1800 W
Position : Biscay
Destination : Las Palmas
ETA : 14th November 2019
DTF : 1250nm
Fuel : 3 full, 1 in use
Water : 3 full, 1 in use
Gas : 4 full, 1 in use,
Notes and comments:
A long wet day for the past 24hrs. Been sailing and then motor sailing with variable winds veering SW to west, all basically in the direction I want to go. Still pushing to reach northern Spain, Finisterre, in time for next heavy weather due in. My ETA for Finisterre is early hours on the 3rd November.
Crew holding up well if not a bit damp but spirits remain high. All are eating well and enjoyed the skippers spaghetti bolognese last night. Generally I think people will be glad to cross Biscay and make for Portugal on Tuesday. Helming is slowly improving with only a couple of 180 degree swings now and helm changes are getting better, some crew are naturally doing better than others but its tough condition for them all. Most are now sleeping well.
Halloween came and went, a few spiders and creepy crawlies were spotted along with the skipper wearing a unicorn mask with glow stick! Most thought it was an improvement.
Skipper Terry get’s into the spirit of Haloween
More blogs about this Atlantic Adventure can be read here: Portsmouth to Gran Canaria
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Posted by: First Class Sailing
