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Offshore Sailing, 'Caribbean Endeavour - Leg 9', Caribbean - Windward Islands, Mar 2011, ID 1090

5 Military Intelligence Bn (V)

The eagerly anticipated day of departure, 6 Mar 11, started bright and early at London’s Gatwick airport. All of the ship’s crew, except the skipper who, as Exped project officer, had flown ahead to oversee a week of yacht maintenance, boarded for the 8 hr 45 min Virgin Atlantic flight to St. Lucia. The crew consisted of intelligence personnel from the Land Warfare Centre, The Defence Intelligence & Security Centre and 1, 4 and 5(V) Military Intelligence Bns, many having just returned from a busy operational tour in Afghanistan.

Following a white-knuckle mini-bus journey from the Airport across the rugged terrain of St. Lucia, the crew arrived in Marigot Bay and were met by the skipper. At the end of the pontoon, amongst the yachts of the rich and famous, lay Her Majesty’ Sail Training Craft Endeavour; a 67 ft Challenge boat and home for the next 2 weeks.

The crew received a quick orientation of the vessel, including the loos, now referred to as the ‘Heads’, the ‘Galley’ aka kitchen, and bunks (which were more than a tight squeeze!) before heading off for a meal on dry land and an introduction into the island’ speciality; rum punch.

The next day training commenced with vigour under the watchful eyes of the Ship’s after-guard, and the crew were put through their paces going through various evolutions before heading off to the first destination, Martinique.

No plan survives the first contact, so, due to making good time because of the favourable winds, Endeavour changed course for a night sail to Dominica, a day ahead of schedule. The crew slipped easily into the watch routine and a memorable night sail was had under a perfect Caribbean star-lit sky. Around dawn, Endeavour arrived at Dominica, picking up a mooring buoy in a quiet bay. After tidying up the boat the crew departed to explore the island, some trekking in the rainforest and visiting (smelly) sulphur springs, others going scuba diving.

The next two weeks followed a similar pattern of intense sailing followed by relaxation and exploration of the numerous Windward Islands. During the two weeks Endeavour visited Dominica, Grenada, Union Island, Tobago Cays and Bequia before returning to St Lucia, covering some 500 nautical miles.

The trip presented the best that Caribbean sailing has to offer, with consistently strong winds, sunny weather and a plethora of wildlife to watch. While sailing the crew observed whales breeching the surface and filmed a large pod of dolphins playing on the bow wave and jumping next to the boat. While exploring the islands and beaches, the crew snorkelled with Manta rays and dived with turtles and sea horses. The lobster BBQ on one the beach at Tobago Cays was the perfect location to unwind from a challenging operational tour and catch up with friends and colleagues while watching the Caribbean sun set into the sea.

5MI Bn (V) wishes to thank the Ulysses Trust for their generous contribution which allowed its personnel to take part in additional training alongside their regular counterparts. The grant allowed the Corps to achieve its aim of filling all after-guard and crew places on the leg with Intelligence Corps personnel.

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Caribbean Endeavour - Leg 9/Another Caribbean day Caribbean Endeavour - Leg 9/Perfect sailing Caribbean Endeavour - Leg 9/Sunset in Tobago Cays Caribbean Endeavour - Leg 9/Trekking through the rainforest Caribbean Endeavour - Leg 9/View from the top of the mast Caribbean Endeavour - Leg 9/Whales on the surface