Day 4 continued...Sunshine and Rain...

 Ahoy me hearties! We are currently moored up at Holy Loch Harbour right next to a real life pirate ship! Some of us are secretly hoping Johnny Depp will step onto our deck at any moment. Wishful thinking, but you never know...

This morning was the first day of our expedition! We had to take over the boat all by ourselves (although we did have our skipper watching over us and helping us out along the way) which we never thought we could do but amazingly we did it very well, we’re all here safe and sound. After yesterday’s slow start we decided getting up at 6.30am this morning instead of 7am would be the best idea, and that we did. We were out sailing by 8.50am - a new record! In addition we were able to sail with all four sails out for most of the day and only used the engine twice for a short while, just to help us out when the wind went a bit funny. Our sailing was helped along by the tasty hot chocolate made by Dawn, a well earned treat.

There was no sea sickness today you’ll be happy to hear, and we were glad of this as well, but it’s still been an interesting day.

After a storming start reaching speeds of 7 knots we actually managed to decrease to 0.9 knots for at least an hour. However we were not disheartened and we all sang a Michael Jackson medley including Man in the Mirror and Earth Song, as well as a little Lionel Richie by Ellie. The slow speed allowed us a little time to get ourselves comfortable on the boat, be able to move around and take in the view, and let us all find our sea legs for the rest of the day.

After our long slow patch of light winds (caused a little by the shadow of the hills) we were back up to more acceptable speeds of about 5 knots. However later on we hit another slow patch due to a drop in the wind; so the kettle was put on and we got out the chocolate biscuits and the mini eggs as well as the awful, but yet hilarious egg related jokes were cracked. Sid, also came aboard to help make our sailing adventure more egg-citable. As you have seen, Sid was helpful in manning many areas of the boat.

By mid day, we had managed to reach our intended location along the route, to be turning the south east corner of Bute (the 7 knots had help make up for the time we lost when the wind died). It was then time for our voluptuous jacket potatoes with various fillings; these were made by Kajol and Claire and they went down really well with all of the crew. After lunch we were all raring to carry on with the journey.

While sailing up the Firth of Clyde, the sun came out and spirits were raised even more. We were then introduced to ‘Jibing’ which triggered many ‘Jiving’ movements by Jess and Paloma. This is similar to tacking but you’re turning away from the wind instead of into it, things happen a little quicker on the boat and it was really exciting. Maddie excelled in the jibing, and became the number one ‘jive bunny’!

The rest of the journey was very pleasant and the singing and good weather continuing. There were a few interesting moments for navigation...all was quiet and serious on the boat, the crew were waiting for instruction, Claire remained calm at the wheel and this is when Humariaa was obviously more importantly occupied and chose to ask ‘Is that a caravan on the horizon?’ Perhaps not the best timing...

The good weather just couldn’t hang on until we had moored up at Holy Loch. As we pulled into the harbour the heavens opened with rain and hail but the crew still soldiered on! We have just had a lovely stir fry whipped up by Maddie and Jess and are now all warm and dry. A definite highlight of the day include Max’s impressions, accompanied with actions....as well as some fantastic sailing.

We are looking forward to tomorrow after probably our most successful day yet!

And, don’t forgot...Sid says you should always clean your teeth before you head to bed to dream of ropes, and sails and the high seas...

Love from Jess and Crew