Unfortunately, one member of the expedition was assaulted and had to receive treatment for concussion in the local hospital, which delayed our departure. Not wanting to waste the opportunity, one fully crewed yacht spent the day introducing novices to sailing around Palma Bay. To add to the problems, the other skipper was later admitted to hospital as well with an infected foot. So much for a smooth start!

With one of the skippers still in hospital the next day, the remaining skipper and the expedition 2IC made the decision to begin the process of teaching the novices how to be handy round the boat in addition to the complexities of making sandwiches and brews at a 45^o angle.

Finally be the third day, the two yachts and crews could set sail together from Palma.

With the original intension of sailing round the island now unrealistic, the plan was revised to sail away from Palma for a day and a half and then back for a day and a half, arriving back in the marina for late on the Friday afternoon. On a positive note, the sailing conditions were fantastic. The novices quickly picked up the basics of crewing the boat and the two skippers; despite this being their first time in sole command of the yachts, coped well and gained invaluable experience of handling boats and inexperienced crews.

Despite the early set backs the week was an enjoyable and useful experience for all. The expedition achieved its aim of introducing beginner sailors to the wider sport of offshore sailing with Mallorca proving to be an ideal location.

We would like to thank the Ulysses Trust for their support.