Okay Folks
Greetings from the good ship Pegasus on her first tall ships race. The crew is made up of:
Skipper Diggory Rose
Bosun Amy
Crew Phil, Tom and Vanessa
Lads from the Princes Trust on the end of their Merseyside fire service training course; Matty, Barry, Darryl, Ben and Wayne.
We departed Gosport late afternoon on Sunday 21st June and sailed to Ramsgate overnight. In the face of very strong easterly winds and given the time constraints, we have no option but to motor north using our mainsail for steadying purposes only.
An overnight trip on Mon/Tues was fairly benign but with a breeze stiffening. Sea conditions gradually deteriorating and getting rougher as we push into the North Sea. After a second rough night, We make for Den Helder in the Netherlands for a overnight on Weds. We leave Thursday morning and have a fine cruise out around Texel Island (scene of many Show of Hands gigs). The weather worsens as night draws in.
I'm on Diggorys watch with Tom, Wayne and Ben. Typical alternate watches are 2am-6am. 6am-12am. 12am-6pm. 6pm-10pm. 10pm-2am and sleeping is difficult in rough conditions.
Friday night/ Saturday morning, the night run into the mouth of the Elbe becomes the hairiest trip I've ever had at sea. Several sections of of the 26 mile run in are very rough indeed. Dig has to stay on the helm solidly and displays some superb seamanship. There are no modern aids on this boat, only a tiller which must be manned at all times.
We finally beat our way to the entrance of the Kiel Canal. Peace and calm seas at last. Sunday, we pop out the other end of the canal.
WE'RE IN THE BALTIC!!!!
For more information on The Pegasus see www.islandcutter.co.uk
