Offshore Sailing, 'Tall Ships Leg 4', N Sea, Channel, Jul 2010, ID 986
University of London OTC
4 Officer Cadets from the University of London Officer Training Corps spent 13 days in mid August sailing through the North Sea and Channel as part of a very memorable sail-training expedition. In Leg 4 the Tri-Service Adventure Sail Training Centre (JSASTC) 55’ Yacht, Dasher, took part in the last 3 days of the international Tall Ships Race in Hartlepool before returning to its home port of Gosport via Oostende, Dunkerque, Cherbourg, St Peter’s Port in Guernsey, Yarmouth and Cowes.
The expedition began with the Tall Ships crew meal, marking the end of the racing phase of the Tall Ships event. The informal and relaxed atmosphere of the crew meal gave an interesting insight into the other crews who had taken part in the race, including several naval contingents from various countries. The crew of Dasher got to know each other, and later in the evening visited the Tall Ships faire and open-air concert, at which Ocean Colour Scene were headlining. Over the next few days boat and safety briefs were given to the inexperienced crewmembers, and a purser was appointed who was responsible for supplying the boat with enough food for 11 people to eat for 2 weeks. Shortly after midday on 10th August, with Officer Cadet Charlie Bradford playing his bagpipes on the foredeck, Yacht Dasher motored out of Hartlepool Marina before setting sail across the North Sea.
Over the next 10 days a rotating shift system of on-watch, off-watch and mother (responsible for preparing meals and cleaning the boat) ensured a well-organised journey through the North Sea. At 1300 on 13th, Dasher arrived at the port-city of Oostende, where once again OCdt Bradford’s piping proved popular with the crowds. Once moored in the marina, the crew were given the evening to explore the picturesque city, and in the morning ate breakfast together on shore before setting off once more. That evening, with Dasher moored in Dunkerque marina, the crew celebrated the birthday of Lance-Corporal Bonnie Wells. On the 14th, with weather conditions favourable, Dasher was able to use the giant, Tri-service coloured Spinnaker, and on the 16th, after a night in Cherbourg harbour awaiting a change in tide, she finally reached St. Peter’s Port. By waiting for the tide to change Dasher was able to be sailed through the Alderney Races, the area between the Channel Islands and France, at roughly twice her average speed.
In St. Peter Port the less experienced crew members were given an introduction to Dinghies, and taught how to row. Instruction was also given on the use of the storm sails, before the crew was released to explore the town as they wished. For the next day of sailing, a day-watch was used, consisting of the entire crew staying awake and helping as needed. Dasher picked up a buoy off Yarmouth that evening, allowing everyone to rest.
The short distance between Yarmouth and East Cowes meant that there was considerable free-time for the crew to anchor up in Newtown Creek, and climb the mast using the ‘bosun’s chair’ harness. Many also chose to go swimming in the clear waters of the Solent. That evening the crew ate a meal together on shore in East Cowes, and then over the next two days made the short hop to Gosport where Dasher was cleaned and then handed back to the JSASTC.
The nature of the expedition meant that the crew had to work well together in cramped and sometimes potentially dangerous situations. For example, changing sails at night on a pitching deck with strengthening wind requires good co-ordination and constant communication, not to mention a degree of courage. This was therefore a great help in developing teamwork and leadership skills. The crew rose to all challenges, although admittedly the conditions were mostly favourable. Overall the exercise was a fantastic experience, thoroughly enjoyed by all.
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