TNS453 05/10/15

Well what a voyage. During a beautiful day spent at anchor in Warbarrow Bay, certain intrepid voyage crew ventured aboard the RIB and bounced across to Ludlow Bay in the glorious October sunshine we ate ice creams, some indulged in a pint or two, and exchanged friendly banter with the crew of Lord Nelson (at this point we were still confident we had won the race). Back on board ship, we had an announcement from our Captain, Barbara. Much to our dismay, we discovered that due to the time correction applied at the end of the three races, Lord Nelson had snagged the race 2 to 1! Captain Barbara explained that as we were the faster, bigger ship, that the time correction had been worked out fairly, and agreed by both captains. Slightly deflated, nonetheless, it was agreed by all that the sailing had been the finest many on here had ever seen, and we were all privileged to have been a part of it.

On to our last day, we arrived back into Southampton, for the award ceremony on the quay. We were not to be bereft of prizes, with our crew taking the “Wheelz” award for the best boy racing of wheelchairs around the deck, and the “ Why on earth are you SWIMMING it’s OCTOBER” award. We gracefully acknowledged The Lord Nelson’s achievement with three cheers, and a little ditty from one of our crew, who flung the gauntlet back at Lord Nelson in preparation for the next race, whenever that may be. The Voyage Crew departed soon after, with many hugs and tears, and promises to stay in touch.

A truly exhilarating week.