OYT: Trip 09 of 2024 - Day 2

Wednesday 24^th April 2024

0000 hrs

Lat: 50° 45.70'N Long: 001° 17.67'W

0730 hrs

Awake and quietly left the boat to check out the showers. Oh dear, another marina who's architect has no idea what a sailor needs from an amenity block. I want somewhere that I can undress with ease, can hang up my kit, can sit, has a screen that keeps my kit dry and don't need to press a wee button to keep the supply of warmish water running.

Despite not being the greatest showers on the planet the place was busy – even with muzak playing insistently. Showered and shaved I returned back to the boat for breakfast.

0954 hrs

Cast off from the pontoon heading for Weymouth, Dorset. On leaving the river Medina we turned to the west, raised the sails and motor sailed down the western Solent in light winds.

1500 hrs

Just off St Albans Ledge, an interesting standing wave on the ledge, the wind filled in and we were able to turn off the engine and properly sail. Man overboard under sail followed in quite quiet conditions.

The ranges were pretty active and the sound of the guns could clearly be heared.

1815 hrs

Lat: 50° 45.70'N Long: 001° 17.67'W

Arrived Weymouth. My second visit to this wee town, must try and get back and explore it one day.

The crew departed for a walk round town and to the beach. Where one or two got rather wet.

2200 hrs

The day's work done I finally was able to have a shower.

All times are UTC.

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The Numbers for Prolific:

	Underway	Distance NM	Avg SOG knots	Max SOG knots	Night Hours
Day:	6h 21m	50.00	7.90	10.00	0h 00m
Trip:	9h 06m	60.50	3.80	10.00	0h 00m
Year:	31h 26m	140.00	3.84	12.00	0h 00m

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Crew: Constantinos, Lauren, Glyn, Katie, Willoughby, Vince, Sandy and the school crew.

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Sunrise: 0425 hrs Sunset: 1950 hrs

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Weather: Forecast valid from: 01:00 (UTC+1) on Wed 24 Apr 2024 until 01:00 (UTC+1) on Thu 25 Apr 2024

Wight, Portland, Plymouth

Variable 2 to 4 in Portland, elsewhere north or northwest 3 to 5, becoming variable 2 to 4. Smooth or slight, occasionally moderate. Showers. Good, occasionally moderate.

© Met Office Synoptic Chart 24/04/2024

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OYT: Trip 09 of 2024 - Day 1

Tuesday 23^rd April 2024

0000 hrs

Lat: 50° 53.71'N Long: 001° 23.50'W

I had driven up to Southampton the previous day to assist on one of Prolific’s maintenance days. After doing several tasks the Sea Staff went out for dinner and a couple of pints at one of the places in Ocean Village.

1300 hrs

The group from Greig City Academy, who run the boat Scaramouch, from north London school joined the boat.

1515 hrs

Cast off from the pontoon heading for Cowes. We had left the pontoon with enough tide to get out of the berth and then slowly motored down the Itchen and Southampton Water giving the usual winch drills.

Before entering Cowes we watched, Triana, one of the Golden Globe Race 2023 competitors complete their round the world adventure. While not a fan of these 'back to the golden age of sailing' events it was interesting to watch a lone sailing boat surrounded by lots of excited people in ribs.

1800 hrs

Lat: 50° 45.70'N Long: 001° 17.67'W

Alongside at Cowes Yacht Haven, a new venue to me as we usually come alongside at Sheppards when in Cowes.

All times are UTC.

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The Numbers for Prolific:

	Underway	Distance NM	Avg SOG knots	Max SOG knots	Night Hours
Day:	2h 45m	10.50	3.80	5.00	0h 00m
Trip:	2h 45m	10.50	3.80	5.00	0h 00m
Year:	22h 20m	81.50	3.65	12.00	0h 00m

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Crew: Constantinos, Lauren, Glyn, Katie, Willoughby, Vince, Sandy and the school crew.

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Sunrise: 0425 hrs Sunset: 1950 hrs

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Weather: Forecast valid from: 01:00 (UTC+1) on Tue 23 Apr 2024 until 01:00 (UTC+1) on Wed 24 Apr 2024

Wight, Portland, Plymouth

North or northeast, backing northwest for a time, 3 to 5. Slight or moderate in Plymouth, but elsewhere smooth or slight. Occasional rain. Good, occasionally moderate.

© Met Office Synoptic Chart 23/04/2024

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OYT Shakedown - Day 2

Saturday 23^rd March 2024

0000 hrs

Lat: 50° 45.62'N Long: 001° 17.60'W

0900 hrs

Slipped our lines at Sheppards and headed up river to the fuel barge that opened at 1000 hrs. On going up river I spotted a boat that I last saw in Scarborough back in 2021, and latter dropped them a message saying I had spotted them.

1000 hrs

Alongside the fuel barge Josh and Rooby tended the refuelling while the rest of the crew had a 'happy hour', boat cleaning.

1130 hrs

Fuelling complete. Thankfully, I was not paying, but wondered if they give Nectar Points.

As we entered the Solent we could see some very dark angry squalls to the west of us and waited until they had passed before raising the mizzen and the staysail.

In a matter of half an hour the day had changed from a pleasant spring morning to a cold and very wet day, but the squall soon passed and we got to work putting the boat through he paces making sure that she good for the start of the season.

After several hours of sailing to windward and lots of tacks it was decided to call into Lymington, not one of the usual ports of call on the Solent, for the night.

Prolific tacking in the Solent

1530 hrs

We dropped the anchor to the east of the channel into Lymington to wait for the tide. Sitting in 40 knots of wind with the rain lashing the boat watching it from 'the shed' was quite comfortable, in an open boat things would have been very wet.

1630 hrs

The weather had cleared and the anchor lifted before we followed the ferry into Lymington. Andrew being a member of Royal Lymington Yacht Club had arranged for us to tie up to their pontoon for the night.

1730 hrs

Lat: 50° 45.26'N Long: 001° 31.67'W

After a couple of practice parks, which attracted quite a large audience, we tied up alongside and Andrew left for his own boat. House rules state that you must fly a club pennant when alongside.

After supper we piled into the bar and enjoyed a few beers - I enjoyed the atmosphere in the club to the hurly burley of the pub in Cowes the previous evening. Several club members came over and asked about the boat and the charity.

Sounds like Prolific holds the record for the largest boat to come alongside.

All times are UTC.

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The Numbers for Prolific:

	Underway	Distance NM	Avg SOG knots	Max SOG knots	Night Hours
Day:	6h 00m	23.25	3.87	10.00	0h 00m
Trip:	12h 45m	57.85	4.53	12.00	0h 00m
Year:	12h 45m	57.85	4.53	12.00	0h 00m

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Crew: Constantinos (Skipper), James B, Josh, Andrew W, Tom K, Robert J, Sara A, Rooby, Juliette D and Sandy.

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Sunrise: 0602 hrs Sunset: 1824 hrs

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Weather: Forecast valid from: 00:00 (UTC) on Sat 23 Mar 2024 until 00:00 (UTC) on Sun 24 Mar 2024.

Wight, Portland, Plymouth

West or northwest 5 to 7. Moderate or rough, becoming rough or very rough in west and south Plymouth. Squally showers. Good, occasionally moderate.

© Met Office Synoptic Chart 23/03/2024

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OYT Shakedown - Day 1

Friday 22^nd March 2024

0000 hrs

Lat: 50° 53.71'N Long: 001° 23.50'W

There had been a call for volunteers for a Sea Staff only trip on Prolific before the start of the season to give the new skipper and first mate some practice parking the boat and to check out the rigging as both masts had been out over the winter. I thought it would be good to go along as it gave me some time on the boat before my first trip of the season.

I drove up on the day before and met up with most of the Sea Staff onboard the boat. Prolific was not on her usual mooring as all of the pontoons on the south side of Ocean Village were out of the water for dredging and I found her on the north side of the hotel.

0800 hrs

The remaining sea staff arrived and twenty minutes later the two riggers from Allspars turned up with their kit.

0930 hrs

Slipped the mooring at Ocean Village and headed out. By the time we joined Southampton Water the staysail, main and mizzen had all been hoisted for the riggers to complete their checks. Very quickly the jib followed, I've never seen all of the sails up so promptly.

We scuttled down Southampton water with the riggers looking intently at the rigging, feeling it with their hands and tightening it with massive spanners. Then much to my surprise climbed the rigging on the way back up Southampton water with 25 knots of apparent wind. Glad I don't do that for a living!

Rigger at work

1215 hrs

With the riggers work completed we dropped the sails and returned to Ocean Village. Dropped them off for their next job and had lunch.

1330 hrs

Lunch finished we set off again, but this time purely under engine for some 'pontoon bashing' at Trinity Landing in Cowes.

The next few hours were spent parking Prolific to the landing and much to my surprise I was invited to park the boat! With the Staff Skipper beside me I carefully manoeuvred the boat next to the pontoon and successfully brought her alongside without scratching the paintwork or bashing the pontoon.

Prolific alongside Trinity Landing, Cowes.

Prolific setting up for another park.

1730 hrs

Lat: 50° 45.62'N Long: 001° 17.60'W

Tied up along side at Sheppards Marina in Cowes.

Just after we tied up alongside Willoughby, one of the OYT Sea Staff, popped in to say hello.

Following supper we ajourned to The Anchor Inn to quench our thurst. A rather busy pub full of yachties.

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The Numbers for Prolific:

	Underway	Distance NM	Avg SOG knots	Max SOG knots	Night Hours
Day:	6h 45m	34.60	5.12	12.00	0h 00m
Trip:	6h 45m	34.60	5.12	12.00	0h 00m
Year:	6h 45m	34.60	5.12	12.00	0h 00m

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Crew: Constantinos (Skipper), James B, Josh, Andrew W, Tom K, Robert J, Sara A, Rooby, Juliette D and Sandy.

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Sunrise: 0604 hrs Sunset: 1822 hrs

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Weather: Forecast valid from: 00:00 (UTC) on Fri 22 Mar 2024 until 00:00 (UTC) on Sat 23 Mar 2024.

Dover, Wight, Portland, Plymouth

Southwest veering northwest 4 to 6. Slight or moderate, occasionally rough in Plymouth. Occasional rain or drizzle. Moderate or good, occasionally poor.

© Met Office Synoptic Chart 22/03/2024

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OYT Training Weekend - Day 2

Sunday 11^th February 2024

0930 hrs

Accident and Incident Avoidance and Management for Watchleaders and Bosuns
I was looking forward to this talk with great interest, but the talk was clearly mis-titled. The speaker had lots to say about things in general where I was looking for a more detailed look at issues with Prolific and the trust’s safety management system.

1400 hrs

Chart corrections, Life rafts and lifejackets, and a Safeguarding update
An afternoon made up of three sections, chart corrections and the new electronic way that the Hydrographic Office sends out chart updates.

A session on checking and packing lifejackets, and the demonstration of inflating a liferaft from Ocean Safety. It is always fun to see a liferaft inflate.

The final session was on Safeguarding and the changes that have happened over the last year.

2100 hrs

Arrived back in Devon. Drove the coast road, heavy traffic.

All times are UTC.

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Sunrise: 0725 hrs Sunset: 1731 hrs

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Weather: The shipping forecast issued by the Met Office, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, at 23:30 (UTC) on Sat 10 Feb 2024 for the period 00:00 (UTC) on Sun 11 Feb 2024 to 00:00 (UTC) on Mon 12 Feb 2024 .

Dover, Wight

Cyclonic becoming west, 3 to 5, occasionally 6 in Wight. Slight or moderate, occasionally smooth in north Dover and rough in west Wight. Showers. Good, occasionally moderate

© Met Office Synoptic Chart 11/02/2024

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OYT Training Weekend - Day 1

Saturday 10^th February 2024

0500 hrs

Jumped in the car for the early morning drive to Gosport and the annual OYT training weekend. Always a good time to catch up with Sea Staff and get up to date with things. Thankfully, my First Aid at Sea was still in date so that was not my top proprity.

0830 hrs

Arrived at Gosport Cruising Club to sign in and start the day then spotted one of the Navy's aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08)

HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) at Portsmouth

0930 hrs

Introduction to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

One of many talks I have attended on the subject, but with particular emphasis on Refugees. Fascinating to hear somebody talk with real life experience and not what you read in the press.

1400 hrs

Mental Wellbeing

A mental health talk with a difference, how to look after yourself rather than what to look out for in others.

1900 hrs

Mark, the CEO, gave his summary of last year. His always a very engaging speaker and a joy to listen to.

Most people stayed for dinner and drinks at the bar where we caught up with each other's news, swapped stories and looked forward to the new sailing season.

All times are UTC.

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Sunrise: 0736 hrs Sunset: 1721 hrs

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Weather: The shipping forecast issued by the Met Office, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, at 23:30 (UTC) on Fri 9 Feb 2024 for the period 00:00 (UTC) on Sat 10 Feb 2024 to 00:00 (UTC) on Sun 11 Feb 2024 .

Wight, Portland, Plymouth

Southwest 4 to 6, becoming cyclonic 5 to 7 later, occasionally gale 8 later in Plymouth. Moderate or rough, but slight or moderate in Wight, becoming very rough or high later in Plymouth. Showers. Good, occasionally moderate.

© Met Office Synoptic Chart 10/02/2024

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OYT MACS Trip Day 7: Brixham

Tuesday 8^th August 2023

0700 hrs

Everybody woke and had breakfast. Then a 'super happy hour', a really deep boat clean.

1000 hrs

The voyage wrap up talk and certificates handed out to all of the crew.

1100 hrs

The crew depart and the Sea Staff start Prolific's weekly and monthly checks. The new members of Sea Staff start to arrive and the current ones pack and get ready for departure.

1300 hrs

With the boat safely handed over to the new skipper and crew Andy B suggested we all head into Brixham for coffee and a cake. We found The Chart Room, this is a delightful Cunard themed coffee shop, turns out the owner used to be a steward on ocean going liners.

1430 hrs

Back on Prolific and we collect our kit and had a farwell hug before heading back home.

An amazing trip that left me very humble given the lack of vision that many of the crew had.

All times are UTC.

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OYT MACS Trip Day 6: Fowey - Brixham

Monday 7^th August 2023

0700 hrs

We were getting well practiced at getting up early.

Cast off from the mooring and motored up river to turn Prolific, giving a good view of the commercial docks. On our return down river a Mexican Wave was performed for Rhona II.

0900 hrs

Out at sea and the sails hoisted, the plan was to take Prolific past Berry Head, over Tor Bay and into Anstey’s Cove. Dinner in the cove then back to Brixham after sunset.

1300 hrs

Crossing Tor Bay and enjoying being in waters that I have sailed before in both Aphrodite and my old boat.

1800 hrs

I was given the helm to get the boat anchored - this could be interesting as I've never helmed at slow speed in an anchorage at slow speed with other boats about – no pressure!

With Prolific safely at anchor we eat supper and chill out for a while waiting for sun set.

2000 hrs

Just as the sun set with the last of the light we raised the anchor and motored across the bay back to Brixham then tied up Prolific in the dark.

2230 hrs

Lights out and sleep before the crew leave in the morning.

All times are UTC.

---

The Numbers:

	Underway	Distance	Avg SOG	Max SOG	Night Hours
Day:	14h 15m	71	4.90	7.00	2h 00m
Trip:	33h 55m	187	5.66	9.00	2h 00m

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Crew: Andy Brown (Skipper), Lauren, Josh, Glyn, Robert L, Jack O, Sandy Garrity and MACS crew.

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Sunrise: 0452 hrs Sunset: 1955 hrs

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Weather: Issued by the Met Office, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, at 00:15 (UTC+1) on Mon 7 Aug 2023

The shipping forecast issued by the Met Office, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, at 00:15 (UTC+1) on Mon 7 Aug 2023 for the period 01:00 (UTC+1) on Mon 7 Aug 2023 to 01:00 (UTC+1) on Tue 8 Aug 2023.

Dover, Wight, Portland, Plymouth

West or northwest 3 to 5, occasionally 6 in Dover. Slight, occasionally moderate. Fair. Good

© Met Office Synoptic Chart 07/08/2023

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OYT MACS Trip Day 5: Falmouth - Fowey

Sunday 6^th August 2023

After yesterdays blow everybody woke up to a bright sunny day.

0800 hrs

After a quick cup of tea we slipped our lines from the pontoon and moved over to the fuel pontoon to load up with fuel.

Fuelling Prolific took over an hour, a breakfast of warm croissants and coffee was served on deck as we enjoyed the sunshine.

I as extremely surprised at one boat owner who got rather upset at the length of time we took to fuel up and can only think that the skipper had a tight timescale to reach a tide gate, but to be so unpleasant is beyond words especially as we had a number of young people onboard.

0950 hrs

With over a tonne of fuel added to the tanks we cast off and started the passage east to Fowey.

1015 hrs

Just off St Anthony Lighthouse we headed into wind and raised the mizzen, main, staysail and jib.

A cracking day at sea, the wind from behind the beam, sun in the sky and occasional visits by dolphins, always a delight to see.

The skipper announced he would like to see the mizzen staysail hoisted. Its not a sail I've seen hoisted so left it to the first mate and the staff engineer to sort out the hoist.

Ten minutes of noisy, flapping sail it set and another ½ knot was added to the speed. Hard work but it did look good.

As we arrived at the entrance to Fowey we dropped the sails as there were several yachts, RIBS and small motor cruisers buzzing about so we slowly motored in and looked for one of the large buoys.

1430 hrs

Launched the dinghy and attached to one of the big buoys at Fowey.

Once Prolific was rigged for a night at anchor it was time for some shore leave. The dinghy was again lowered and the crew scrambled down the netting to be run ashore.

I was allocated the first run and waited at the small pier until we all assembled before we made our way to Readymoney Cove where some of the more adventurous crew changed into swimsuits and went for a dip. I had conveniently forgotten my swimming shorts and it was not the sort of beach you would skinny dip.

Following the swim ice creams were purchased and enjoyed as we walked back to be transported back to the boat and dinner.

The dinghy drew alongside with a slight swell and as one of the crew misplaced her step she grabbed me, my life flashed in front of me as I could see that unless very careful I would be having an unplanned swim. Thankfully, I managed to remain on the pier, but left some skin there for all time.

All times are UTC.

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The Numbers:

	Underway	Distance	Avg SOG	Max SOG	Night Hours
Day:	4h 25m	24	4.00	8.00	0h 00m
Trip:	19h 40m	116	5.95	9.00	0h 00m

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Crew: Andy Brown (Skipper), Lauren, Josh, Glyn, Robert L, Jack O, Hannah B, Sandy and MACS crew.

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Sunrise: 0453 hrs Sunset: 2001 hrs

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Weather: Forecast valid from: 01:00 (UTC+1) on Sun 6 Aug 2023 until 01:00 (UTC+1) on Mon 7 Aug 2023

Issued by the Met Office, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, at 00:15 (UTC+1) on Sun 6 Aug 2023

Plymouth

Northwest 4 or 5, occasionally 6 at first and 3 later. Rough, becoming slight or moderate. Showers. Good.

© Met Office Synoptic Chart 06/08/2023

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OYT MACS Trip Day 4: Storm Antoni

Saturday 5^th August 2023

With a F9 in the forecast everybody was quite pleased to be staying in Falmouth, especially after the experience of the passage from Brixham to Plymouth!

The morning was spent cleaning, cooking and doing some sailing theory, as many of the crew were working towards their RYA Competent Crew certification.

We were extremely lucky that somebody who had sailed with OYT South before was serving on RFA Argus tied up at the docks and we were invited onboard for a tour of this 100 bed hospital ship.

RFA Argus from Falmouth Docks

The visit was extremely poignant as my late father served with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and his first trip docked at Falmouth.

All times are UTC.

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	Underway	Distance	Avg SOG	Max SOG	Night Hours
Day:	0h 00m	0	0.00	0.00	0h 00m
Trip:	15h 15m	92	6.03	9.00	0h 00m

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Crew: Andy Brown (Skipper), Lauren, Josh, Glyn, Robert L, Jack O, Hannah B, Sandy and MACS crew.

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Sunrise: 0453 hrs Sunset: 2001 hrs

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Weather: Forecast valid from: 01:00 (UTC+1) on Sat 5 Aug 2023 until 01:00 (UTC+1) on Sun 6 Aug 2023.

Issued by the Met Office, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, at 00:15 (UTC+1) on Sat 5 Aug 2023.

Wight, Portland, Plymouth

Southwest 4 increasing 5 to 7, then veering west or northwest 6 to gale 8, occasionally severe gale 9 except in Wight. Slight or moderate becoming rough, then becoming very rough for a time in Portland and Plymouth. Rain or showers. Good, occasionally poor

© Met Office Synoptic Chart 05/08/2023

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OYT MACS Trip Day 3: Cawsands Bay - Falmouth

Friday 4^th August 2023

An early departure had been agreed and everybody was up and eating breakfast when there was a knock on the hull, we had visitors from Rona II. The skipper and two of the crew. The two skippers caught up with their news in the shed and the two crew members had a tour of Prolific and appear keen to get involved with hoisting the mizzen. Their skipper hurrying them off to the dinghy, I wonder if he was worried about losing crew as the were impressed with the size of Prolific, especially the accommodation.

While still at anchor I lead a mizzen hoist, one slight issue the downhaul did not flow freely through the cleat, but that was quickly sorted out.

0830 hrs

With the anchor weighed we were underway. While still in Cawsands and sheltered we hoisted the main before motor sailing round Penlee Point and Rame Head.

The passage to Falmouth, which I had previously taken several times, went without incident. The Sea Staff and crew settled into their watches and Prolific efficiently, which always a delight to see happen. With good winds we kept a good speed over the ground.

One quick lesson was learnt, not to say dolphins when you were doing something that needed attention as all work stopped and all eyes would be looking for would be looking for them.

1500 hrs

After passing a large cruise ship anchored in the bay we started a series of tacks to enter Falmouth Harbour. The skipper took us to the west of Black Rock and several sailing boats came in close to take pictures of us.

To our surprise, or rather dismay, one sailing boat under power overtook us on the port side about five metres off before crossing our bow! Had we put a tack in at that point goodness knows what would have happened.

Sails were quickly and efficiently dropped and we motored to Port Pendennis where we tied up alongside on B pontoon.

It was almost a year to the day that I had last berthed here after the trip from Faro in August 2022.

The skipper was paying close attention to the depth of water and trundled off to the marina office and came back with their detailed chart. Asked for the lead line and he and the second mate took a series of soundings round the boat, before consulting the chart again. It had become apparent that we would be sat on the bottom at low water and after consultation with the marina we moved to A pontoon.

The skipper then gathered the sea staff to look at the chart in detail and comment on it. A fascinating 20 minutes looking at their chart and being asked some challenging questions about it.

The forecast for the following day was not good, NW F9 and the decision was taken to stay in Falmouth for two nights.

All times are UTC.

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	Underway	Distance	Avg SOG	Max SOG	Night Hours
Day:	7h 15m	52	5.50	9.00	0h 0m
Trip:	15h 15m	92	6.03	9.00	0h 0m

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Crew: Andy Brown (Skipper), Lauren, Josh, Glyn, Robert L, Jack O, Hannah B, Sandy and MACS crew.

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Sunrise: 0448 hrs Sunset: 2000 hrs

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Weather: Forecast valid from: 01:00 (UTC+1) on Fri 4 Aug 2023 until 01:00 (UTC+1) on Sat 5 Aug 2023

Issued by the Met Office, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, at 00:15 (UTC+1) on Fri 4 Aug 2023

Plymouth

Northwest, backing southwest later, 4 to 6. Moderate or rough becoming slight or moderate. Showers. Good, occasionally moderate

© Met Office Synoptic Chart 04/08/2023

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OYT MACS Trip Day 2: Brixham - Cawsands Bay

Thursday 3^rd August 2023

We agreed an early start and after breakfast got up on deck to slip lines. I was wondering where the promised sailing conditions, bright sunshine and a steady F4 from the SW, had gone as we had heavy rain overnight and visibility was poor.

0840 hrs
Lines slipped from the pontoon and we were off. A few fishing boats maneuvering in the harbour and a Dutch sailing boat departing just before us.

Just out of the harbour the fishing boats roared past us and the Dutch boat was hoisting sails. We then started with winch drills – teaching or reminding everybody to make sure hands did not get jammed and that pinkies not thumbs should be towards the winch!

0940 hrs
Winch training completed we hoisted sails just south of Berry Head and settled into our watches in a good sailing breeze.

1100 hrs
Time for the Man Overboard drill, I hear there is a move afoot to get this changed to 'Person In the Water', Bob was flung into Start Bay and we swung into action, the crew pointing and Sea Staff getting ready to hoist the Bosun overboard to collect Bob.

1130 hrs
Passing inshore of the Skerries Bank we had a close look at Start Point lighthouse and the overfalls gave us a taste of what was to come.

Interestingly, the skipper asked if I would monitor the passage through the narrow channel between Start Point and the bank on the chart.

1200 hrs
As we were now to the west of Start Point the seas had built and the forecast was correct we were experiencing rough seas. An afternoon of passing sick buckets around started as the ride was uncomfortable.

1400 hrs
A 90° course change as we turned to head for Plymouth passing the Eddystone Lighthouse and several fishing boats trawling on our way into harbour.

1630 hrs
Tucked up at anchor in Cawsands Bay in the company of five other sail training vessels: Olga, Johanna Lucretia, Pegasus and Rona II.

Several people went ashore in the dinghy and Josh and Hannah decided to swim back to the boat (madness)!

A cracking day sailing even though many were seasick.

All times are UTC.

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	Underway	Distance	Avg SOG	Max SOG	Night Hours
Day:	8h 00m	52	6.50	9.00	0h 0m
Trip:	8h 00m	52	6.50	9.00	0h 0m

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Crew: Andy Brown (Skipper), Lauren, Josh, Glyn, Robert L, Jack O, Hannah B, Sandy and MACS crew.

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Sunrise: 0445 hrs Sunset: 2003 hrs

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Weather: Forecast valid from: 01:00 (UTC+1) on Thu 3 Aug 2023 until 01:00 (UTC+1) on Fri 4 Aug 2023

Issued by the Met Office, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, at 00:15 (UTC+1) on Thu 3 Aug 2023

Portland, Plymouth

West 6 to gale 8, veering northwest 4 to 6. Rough or very rough, becoming moderate or rough. Showers. Moderate or good

© Met Office Synoptic Chart 03/08/2023

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OYT MACS Trip Day 1 - Brixham

Wednesday 2^ndAugust 2023

0800 hrs

After breakfast we start the long list of tasks before the crew arrived. The usual long list of daily and weekly checks followed by 'the deck walk', where we go through all the systems and refresh our memories on how the boat works and what has changed since we were last onboard.

1100 hrs

The Sainsbury’s van arrived at the marina office with the weekly food delivery, by this time the sky had opened and Torbay was doing its best to be a Scottish summer, with waterproof jackets, shorts and sandals we unloaded the van, moved the food into bags, loaded the trolleys, moved everything to the boat, loaded the bags onto the boat and finally stowed everything in the food lockers, freezer and fridges.

Following all that time for a mug of tea and a quick lunch.

1300 hrs

The crew started to arrive as they were joining from all over the UK arrived at the varying times between 1300 and 1500.

After everybody arrived we sat round the table, introduced ourselves and tried to remember names, something I always struggle with! Most of the crew had sailed together in the past and they were at a distinct advantage.

Following the introductions there is a whirlwind of safety, galley and heads briefings. I was allocated the 'fun event' of handing out waterproofs. Just to finish things off we had a 'dry run' Man Over Board and a evacuation drill. The latter so that everybody could get out to the deck quickly.

Looking at the forecast it was agreed that we would not depart until the morning.

All times are UTC.

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Crew: Andy Brown (Skipper), Lauren, Josh, Glyn, Robert L, Jack O, Hannah B, Sandy and MACS crew.

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Sunrise: 0445 hrs Sunset: 2003 hrs

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Weather: Forecast valid from: 01:00 (UTC+1) on Wed 2 Aug 2023 until 01:00 (UTC+1) on Thu 3 Aug 2023

Issued by the Met Office, on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, at 00:15 (UTC+1) on Wed 2 Aug 2023

Portland, Plymouth, Biscay

West or southwest 5 to 7, increasing gale 8 or severe gale 9 for a time. Moderate or rough, becoming rough or very rough in Portland and very rough or high elsewhere. Rain or thundery showers. Good, occasionally poor

© Met Office Synoptic Chart 02/08/2023

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OYT MACS Trip - Pre Voyage

Tuesday 1^st August 2023

I usually sail with the OYT at the start or end of their season as many of their volunteer sea staff are at university and can only sail in the summer holidays. Usually when I sail with them the weather is a tad more robust. So I was rather looking forward to some lovely was summer sailing after reading the email allocating me to a voyage in August. Warm summer days, balmy evenings with an orange juice in hand watching the sun set. Tee-shirt and shorts sailing.

Joining Prolific 24 hours before the crew allows a good hand the boat over from one sea staff team to another, do any maintenance jobs, enjoy a meal and a beer before the crew arrive.

Arriving in Brixham it was good to bump into Glyn, a member of sea staff I had sailed with before, in the car park as was able to walk down to the boat and catch up with the news before getting onboard.

One of the local lifeboat coxswains, James, joined us for dinner at The Blue Anchor. The craic was good, the beer was good, but the food was disappointing at the prices they were charging. Note to self: Not on my list of fab places to eat in Brixham.

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OYT Training Weekend

Saturday

As a member of Ocean Youth Trust Sea Staff I always try to attend their training weekend near Southampton.

Not only does it allow us to do some specific RYA training and specific topics related to the charity and Prolific, but means Sea Staff can meet up socially and remember trips and look forward to the summer season.

After an early start and a three hour drive through thick fog I arrived at the training venue and was able to park the car nearby.

Saturday's excitement was to renew my RYA First Aid at Sea Certificate, something that needs to be done every three years. And given COVID I was interested to see how we were to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Not long after we got started I met the new 'blow up' Resusci Annie, a few giggles went round the classroom.

Resusci Annie

As we ploughed through the material during the afternoon it occurred to me that I have held a first aid certificate, in some form or another, for 50 years!

The second thought that struck me was that the RYA First Aid at Sea book has very little to do with doing first aid at sea! While the content is great it is written for an audience that has easy access to emergency services!

Sunday

A very different day with a series of lectures and activities on OYT and Prolific specifics.

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