Tuesday 19th April - Birthday Cake and Happy Sailing

Joke of the day....What is the fastest cake in the world???

Scone!!!

A bright morning saw sunshine surround the boat and the picturesque scenery around Carrick Castle, our anchorage for the previous evening. A mischievous goose’s persistent honking served as a sufficient alarm for breakfast. Our appetites have grown and we consumed Pain au chocolate, cereal and toast with various spreads. Breakfast was an exciting start today in particular because of Izzy’s special birthday banner, decorations and ‘ship’ card, made from cereal boxes (It is very impressive! It shows the route we have taken on the front!).

Although the sun was out the wind didn’t pick up until midday so we got the dinghy out and went to explore the seafront along the village of Carrick Castle. Izzy, due to birthday excitement, got a little too close to our favourite goose. Chasing him wasn’t her best idea and resulted in herself, Jenny and Liv running at top speed away from the defiant bird that wasn’t going to back down! For the rest of the crew, a relaxing walk and taking in the view went down nicely. Our endless capacity for food saw us chomping on healthy snacks for once as we polished off melons, grapes, kiwi’s and oranges before we set sail! Just as we lifted the anchor, a lovely breeze began to blow. All sails were hoisted almost immediately after we set off and stayed up for the majority of the journey. The crew’s effort was astounding and we can practically run the boat by ourselves.

Elevenses went down a treat - Felicity’s and Heather’s ship made jam and cream scones with tea….and Heathers joke of the day gave us all a great laugh. All while sailing happily down Loch Long.

Thankfully the wind speed has been better today. Our top speed is now 7.6 knots. This got the crew very excited, willing the dial to increase whilst jamming themselves against the cockpit as the boat heeled.

Tacking was required for our journey today and as the day went on we refined our tacking skills. Izzy and Ruth’s two woman tacking team, following Emma and Heather’s efforts yesterday, has led to an efficient tacking double act: a skill we have aptly named ‘two man tacking’! Everybody was enthusiastic and brimming with energy; taking turns at the helm, tacking, cleaning, hoisting sails and navigating. A top day for all crew members.

While sailing down towards Greenock we saw a huge submarine coming along towards us, with all the crew stood on top. A great thing to see but we were a little disappointed they did not return our friendly waves and smiles. And as we headed down the west coast of the Isle of Bute to our evenings anchorage, we were surrounded by porpoises swimming in the setting sun.

We are now anchored in Callum’s Hole, sat watching the sun set behind the hills and waiting for dinner. Meg and Emma’s fish and chips smell absolutely delightful –the smell is wafting through the hatch! Later on there’s chocolate birthday cake. A great end to an awesome day at sea.

We can’t believe this is our last night aboard Tenacity and we have all thoroughly enjoyed every moment. We’re confident in our sailing abilities, and have come so far in our skills since we first stepped on board, and we have seen so much wonderful scenery and sights. A big thank you to our two amazing instructors: David and Dawn. Now, let’s just hope that the last bit of bog roll lasts until tomorrow! See you all tomorrow!

Love Team Tenacity x

Read more about Sail Training on board Tenacity of Bolton at http://www.tenacityofbolton.org/