As you’ll read, over the weekend the crew of Challenger 2 got into the routines of ocean sailing and also writing a ship’s log of their adventure from Portsmouth to the Canaries – the first leg of our Atlantic Adventures. Below is their summary from the past four days, due to limited bandwidth from the ship photos will be updated at the end of the voyage.
Day 1 – Getting to Know the Crew and the Boat
Everybody arrived at Challenger 2 in Portsmouth at around 1300 on Wednesday afternoon to begin our voyage.
We were greeted with a friendly welcome and spent some time getting to know our other crew members, watch leaders, mate and skipper. We then headed off to Cowes and spent the evening there.
It wasn’t too much of an early start the next day before setting off to Cascais – 0800. Before we left Cowes, we also witnessed a MOB (Man Overboard) drill demonstration by Challenger 1.
For the first leg of our journey we’ve had quite light winds and calms seas. We split into our watches that afternoon with the port watch being on first, we managed to see a few dolphins on our first night watch!
Day 2 – Great Food, We’re Really in the Atlantic, But Where’s The Wind?
No wind yet so still motor sailing. Long John Silver had a parrot, our skipper Neil has a couple of stow away starlings instead. Not sure the bird crap on his shoulder goes with the epaulets.
Lots of dolphins overnight. No wind yet. Food has been good as expected with a couple of chefs on board. Still no wind. Big clean this morning. Still no wind. If this keeps up I would not like to pay the fuel bill.
We have just crossed the continental shelf so are now sailing in over 4000 meters of water with nearest land over 120nm away! Looking forward to a shower when we are off watch later…
Breaking news latest weather forecast just in via sat phone promises some wind Ealey Sunday morning right through until Monday afternoon, not sure if I will sleep with the boat quite. Lunch is now being prepared, a veritable feast in the form of a buffet with special boat salad (whatever that is )
Day 3 – Absolute Showers and Naps
Another good day on the good ship Challenger 2, despite the lack of wind spirts are high, crew are happy, food is good and its getting warmer all the time. Still over cast but brightness is on the horizon, wind is forecast and we have bangers and mash for dinner.
All is good with the boat, crew starting to look forward to off watch shower timer with afternoon naps.
Day 4 – Feel the Force of the Wind
Today has been a good day for Challenger 2 as the engine has finally been silenced. Now powered at last by wind with the Yankee poled out and the main in full swing we seem to be making good progress with a speed of nine knots.
Starboard watch were glad of a shower today which proved an effort in itself with the boat rolling from side to side but on a plus side it’s not every day you get to say you have had a shower in the Atlantic Ocean.
Port watch were also grateful for some sweeter smelling shipmates. Now been at sea for five days and the boat appears to be running really well with everybody now used to the daily routine aboard.
Wind has now picked up to a force six which has increased the excitement levels amongst the crew as sailing has now become more exhilarating and challenging which is of course why we are here. Now lets see what the night brings ( Hopefully lots of tea )
Neil, Skipper and crew of Challenger 2
Want Your Own Atlantic Adventure?
Ocean sailing is what all sailors are hankering after and if you haven’t yet tried it then these Atlantic Adventures have something for every level of sailor.
The second leg is of this trilogy is the ARC Rally 2017 and all berths are taken, however there is still space on the return leg from Antigua to Portsmouth, starting January 4th and last about 30 days.
Quite a voyage and definitely one for the bucket list. You can find our more details here: Antigua to Portsmouth Adventure
