11th May

The start of our voyage into the footsteps of the Titanic’s maiden voyages was delayed slightly by a late fruit and veg delivery – something we don’t think would have happened to the Titanic!

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it gave time for a film crew to find us and film the departure! It also allowed us to do our first ‘hands aloft’, but invariably the deliveries arrived before we had descended, such is the way of the world.  Having kissed Southampton goodbye we now make our way along the Solent for the Needles, heading to Cherbourg as we replicate the beginning of the Titanic’s ill-fated voyage.

The following day we anchored in Falmouth Bay, to allow those suffering from seasickness to emerge from their beds, take the fresh air, starting to have some fun. The sun is out on a wet afternoon. We will all have a peaceful evening and look forward to hearing a little more about the Titanic from our on board historian Geoff.

12th May

In the wake of a legend…. As our Titanic tribute band proceeded west, we encountered a very lumpy, bumpy channel that brought the old ‘Green Monster’ out in many of the voyage crew. However after a night anchored at Falmouth, we awoke to glorious sunshine and most had recovered their sea legs.

RN Chris typifies the commitment of Port Forward Watch, rising from his sick bed to complete a mess duty before joining the watch on deck and taking over the helm. 3/O Tamsin also helped, demonstrating her amazing powers-commanding a squall to stop interrupting our sunny passage. Our watch is a great bunch, working well together. Two Clipper crew, one submariner, two from Belfast where the Titanic was built and our famous historian Geoff whose knowledge of the Titanic is unquestionable but whose jokes sink quicker than the mighty vessel itself. On the plus side, he is closing in on a record number of yellow cards issued by the officer on watch.

13th May

The Lord Nelson, Nellie to our crew, headed west leaving ‘Blighty’ to sink beyond the eastern horizon. Dolphins treated us to a display on the bow on our western bound tack towards Cork. As always ‘Cookie Dave’ had fed us well. As the light faded a few swallows heading north made many bold attempts to hitch a ride.

Amy, one of the crew, would like to wish her mum, Happy Mother’s Day back home in Canada. It is a glorious sunny Sunday with every inch of canvas out as fair winds blow us on our voyage.

14th May

The people on watches last night were treated to a spectacular show of phosphorescence, fish and dolphins. The best display Rowan has ever seen in European waters, pure magic.

After breakfast we continued our passage through Cork Harbour where we picked up our ‘old friend’ Thomas McCarthy to pilot us along the River Lee towards Cork. Blackrock Castle and its murals caught everyone’s eye.

After lunch the voyage crew went ashore, some taking the train to the museum in Cobh whilst other groups set off to explore Cork. More updates to follow soon!

14th May 

We begin with the early morning fog and the discovery that one long blast on the ships whistle every 2 minutes is apparently quite difficult to sleep through! Fortunately our time in the fog sounding our whistle wasn’t too long.

Once through the fog we found ourselves floating up river and approaching Cobh all wishing we could park where the Queen Victoria was.  Still with her in, we swathe last of Cunard’s queens in one voyage.  Instead we picked up Tom, our local guide and former Lord Nelson Captain to take us up the river to Cork and a very pretty trip it was.  More importantly he also gave us information on the preferred local tipple which was gratefully received by some.

Having finally arrived alongside in Cork through the sandstone created by local cargo vessels unloading ……… sand, we were given shore leave. Our effervescent tour guide Geoff took those who wished to learn more about the Titanic back to Cobh by train to see a museum.  The rest of the voyage crew descended upon Cork like a plague of locusts with chants of Beamish, music, food echoing along the quay.  Well that may not be entirely true but it certainly sounds better than people trickled off to shop and eat.

Richard Lloyd

15th May

We started today with breakfast at 08.00, with all the voyage crew present.  Cork was fair in weather with a few clouds but otherwise sunny.  Right after breakfast we had the voyage photograph on the quayside without issue (everyone was present and on time!).

At around 9.30 hours we started assisted climbs with everyone attempting a climb.  Matthew decided to do the climb in the self-propelled ‘chair harness’.  He ascended in about eight or nine minutes.  After doing the hard work of pulling himself up to the platform he relaxed and enjoyed the views of Cork before making the somewhat easier descent. Other people to ascend the main mast were Bill and Kate.

We began our watch after smoko as we had to depart.  Gaynor was on helm, Lizzie was the scribe, Ross was on the line gang and James was on the mooring lines.  It was warm and sunny and the pilot Tom was already boarded.  We got away quickly with no problems.  Gaynor was on helm, unhappily, as James had been reassigned, but she brought us out of harbour without crashing into anything or grounding the boat.

There was a bit of confusion when early lunch was called for the oncoming watch and we were already on the bridge, but Andy came up to take the helm and the permanent crew filled the rest of the roles.  Lunch was leek and potato soup served with cheese and tomato on toast.  The soup was delicious.  We all went straight back on watch in time for the ship to pass Cobh and out to sea.

Tamsin convinced Ross to climb with her as part of his leadership at sea course.  He ascended all the way up to the royal yard and stayed there so Gaynor could take a photo.  Everyone is a lot more refreshed after staying the day at Cork and you can tell that people’s confidence is starting to come through now they’ve had time to rest.

All are hoping for good weather for the passage to Belfast.

Lizzie Saisse

16th May

Day 8 and everyone now knows the ropes.  Everyone is pretty settled now apart from the Goddess of sea and weather. We are going this way and that way over the Irish Sea and we all look forward to our next meal.  Sailing beautifully using as many sails as possible with Whales (Wales) on the starboard side.  All of us working hard and having good fun.