Challenger 2 - Challenger 2 Day Ten

The last 24 hours we have hit light winds and completed little miles after what has been a great crossing so far. These light airs allowed crew to relax for the day and enjoy the sunshine and attempt to do some fishing. We did have some Dorado fish around the boat but our best effort to get them on board failed. Crew enjoying some good down time today although feeling the heat in the mid-day sun which has clearly got to one or two as we enjoy good banter between us.

Overnight the winds returned and Challenger 2’s 56 ton body slowing moved in the water towards east, south, west and at times northern direction as helms struggled to keep her on any course in such light winds initially. However, in the early hours we were on the move again at 8-10 knots and almost heading in the right direction. We expect winds to continue to veer and increase later to allow us to correct our course to 245 degree towards St Lucia.

Now with just 1300NM to go and only 5 or 6 more days at sea things seems to be moving fast, what once seemed like a long journey as we slowly knocked of the miles now seems to be moving so quickly that this wonderful journey will soon be over. Now is the time to start to reflect on what the Atlantic Ocean offers each one of us. Every crew member, despite the laughter and banter amongst us all has had a unique and very personal experience in doing this crossing and is about to become one of the small percentage of people in the world to do this trip. For many, this trip is a culmination of a life time’s dream, for others it would have brought some fear, excitement, anxiety and personal challenges which makes this trip even more memorable. The facts are however, that sailing a Tall Ships Challenge boat across the Atlantic is one of the best things you can ever do, the Atlantic is magical and different every day and continues to draw people to dare to cross it. Challenger boats are robust creatures who need guiding and looking after as we cross 2700nm, but in return she looks after you like no other boat. She is our safe haven, our home, our adventure for this short time.

Terry

A couple of messages from John and Bob

Hi Rose, Eloise, Violet , Hudson, Papa has now been 10 days on the boat across the big ocean. We have had dolphins swimming alongside and a big blue fish with yellow fins came by yesterday. I have been taking lots of film to show you when I am back home. Some days I am on the Mother watch where I and some other friends have to look after all the other people on the boat. We make them breakfast, lunch, dinner and also have to keep the boat clean just like your Mum does at home. When I was helming the boat the other night I heard a noise behind me and when we turned round a flying fish had come into the boat. You could ask Daddy to get a picture of one off the internet for you. My big friend Terry helps me to keep the boat on course so that Papa can meet up with Nana in St Lucia. Oh well, have to go now as I have to help sail the boat soon. Love Papa

Bob sends his love to Mum, Ollie, Jess, and everyone else – we are having a great trip can’t wait for the rum in St.Lucia