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Friday, November 6
The Army onboard Challenger are closing in on Australia and thoughts turn to home
Wed 04 November - As we near the end of the trip much of the discussion on board is centred round ensuring our rations will see us through to Perth. The scarce rations have resulted in members of the crew displaying their culinary skills creating masterpieces from nothing. White Watch started by producing Cinnamon Swirls, only to be outdone the following day by the Chelsea Buns of Red Watch.
Over the past few weeks the crews sailing knowledge has increased dramatically, people are now confidently calling out the process as we tack through the wind, or taking moments to put in a reef as the wind increases.
There is now an expectant air amongst the crew to determine who will be the first to see land or get the first mobile phone signal as we close down the last 800 miles to Australia.
Thursday 05 November - Greetings from White Watch!!! At the time of writing this blog we are approximately 763 miles from throwing a few shrimps on the bar-b in Perth.
With the brilliant White Watch providing the culinary delights for the past 20 hours, morale on the boat is through the roof. The entertainment on board as been brilliant as usual, last night it was ‘Naughts and Crosses’ followed by ‘Hangman’ on the white board. It really does amaze us how the simple things amuse the most.
Since yesterday afternoon the good ship Challenger has been motoring along as the wind has taken a prolonged break. This is the worst kind of setback we could have imagined as the longer it takes for the wind to return the less time we will have in Australia. At this rate we will have two days off when we get there. The majority of this time being spent cleaning the boat and conducting repairs.
There was a welcome change in scenery when Hayley, Davy and Austin were sprayed by a Whale as it surfaced. Hayley still maintains it was the best facial she has ever had!!!
Thoughts on the boat are now turning to ‘What have we missed’ mode. In this modern tele-communications driven world it is very unusual to be cut-off from the outside world for such a prolonged period. The sorts of questions being asked are quite funny: How is the mighty Aberdeen Football Club getting on in the SPL? Who won the F1 championship? Is Tony Blair the head of Europe? Who shot JR? And most importantly, when does the new series of Top Gear start?
As we have been at sea for four weeks and not seen land for over three, we are now starting to feel like extras in the Kevin Costner movie ‘Waterworld’, and we all know how bad that movie was.
The issuing of nicknames has also provided a good morale boost. The Skipper has now been renamed ‘Dr Evil’, Austin is his ‘No 2’. White Watch are now known as the following : Dave Mason is now ‘Sir Davey’, Davy K has been allocated the title ‘Princess’, Hayley is ‘Bambi’ even though this was hotly contested between her and Dave M, (they’ve both had equal trouble finding their feet, resulting in a few bruises and lots of laughter). Tony has announced he will only answer to the title ‘King Ginger Love Thing’...
SHOUTS
Hayley (Bambi): Been very quiet and relaxing not sure I have enjoyed it as much but I had one fantastic watch where me and princess had some good surf, with the mighty Taylor Swift playing on the boom box. Been thinking about home a lot and missing my family and friends in Scotland, if they seen what I have just took part in they would think I’ve lost the plot. Mother I shall ring you as soon I get half a bar on my signal ok? Love you so much, say hi and I love you to my kid brothers for me xxxxxx
Davy K (Princess): Don’t quite know how I acquired the nickname but hey ho. Mum and Dad hope you are all fine, I’ll phone when I get back, say Hi to everyone. Simone, hopefully you are finding the Blogs entertaining, I have written a few of them, hope are you coping with Ollie and the dogs. Have they annoyed your parents yet??? I don’t think we will have a lot of time in Oz so I will make it my main effort to get you some Keith Urban albums. Speak to you in about 5 days when I get a signal on my phone. If I can’t get any Jelly Babies or Chunky Monkey Ice Cream in Oz you will have to go shopping before I come home. Love and miss you loads. Give Ollie a big hug from me. xxxxx.
Dave M – Sorry to everyone at home for the lack of my shouting from the boat, the blog has been pretty good at telling you all what’s been happening though! Only a few days till I get some telephone reception (hopefully?) to be able to catch up with how things have been. Been thinking of you all loads over the past four and a half thousand miles!!!
King Ginger Love Thing: Not long now we hope, we are all counting the days down so that we can all call home, eat, drink and get merry. I hope Daisy had a great party I am sorry I missed it but we will go out when I get home. Start buying some wine now so there is enough for when I get home!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait to speak to you at OZ. Hello to everyone back at home and I will see you all soon for a drink or ten. A big shout to Edd and all at 234sqn. Take care everyone xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Matthew Arnold: I can see OZ on the GPS and it’s still about 4 day away if only they knew what is about to hit them. I’m still wanting my burger and a BIG fat steak and a long hot shower then get totally trolleyed for my birthday.
Antoni Gabanski: Hay mum and to all who are reading this. It seems we will be landing in Freemantle on the 9th or 10th. All is going well, taking every day as it comes. Cannot wait to be on land again, have a proper shower, bed, and meals, not slagging off the chefs on the boat or anything, and the food is very good. Soon will be sipping on a few pints. L8rz xxx
Steve Galvin: Greetings to all, since the last update there has been a distinct lack of wind and as a consequence our originally planned arrival in Freemantle has been somewhat delayed. The silver lining is not having the boat heeled over and being able to sleep without your face stuck in a “Lee cloth or a Bulk head”. The most difficult task aboard is building a meal on “Mother Watch” with our now meagre rations’ although no one has gone hungry yet. We still have a number of days of emergency rations (in the form of ORP) to fall back on should the wind continue to be unfavourable. Morale continues to stay high as the dream is still being lived. Regards and Love to all! “Live Slow & Sail Fast”.
Steve P: As you can see Oz is getting closer, though it still seems a long way off. Looking forward to stepping onto land again but sure how my legs will hold up. I’m so looking forward to getting that first phone signal so I can ring home and to speak to you Mac, it has been such a long time. Like everyone else it will be lovely to get ashore and have a shower etc and to get rid of the smell on the boat after 5 weeks in the same clothes, less the base layers. Love to everyone. Speak soon.
Shaun Broom: Hi ya babe, days getting few, feel like I have been on a diet for weeks, look weird I think. Hope you are well, as soon as I get a signal I will ring you, can’t wait to hear your voice. Gutted not going to get to Sydney can you face book Claire for me and explain things have taken a bit longer, will ring them to when get to Perth. Speak to you in a few days babe miss ya loads xxx.
Colin Harrower: Not long now....Yipeee!! Hey Gayle, really missing our daily wee chats, can’t wait to talk to you! I will ring you as soon as I can regardless of what time it is. Hope you won’t mind? Mum, Hope Craig is now home on his well earned and deserved leave. Likewise I will call as soon as I can. Take care xox
Matt Wright: Hi all, been singing on deck and playing silly games to pass the time. I am the chess champion on the boat not found a challenger who can beat me hands down yet. Missing everyone at home love you all loads XXX
Nathan Evans : Nearly there, Tess I can’t wait to get into Australia and catch up on all thats gone on. Hope all is well with everyone back home. To all at 13 Sqn I hope some others will have the opportunity to take part in an exped like this in the future.
Thursday, October 29
A short message from Vaughan Marsh, Fleet Operations Manager
A short message from Vaughan Marsh Fleet Operations Manager JSASTC
I have had a few phone calls in the last 24hrs so I thought a very short message to put to bed any worries may have had would be worthwhile.
I am sure you have all read that the yachts are getting a bit of a hard time down there in the Southern Ocean. Challenger has been in 85 knot winds causing an interesting time with sewing sails back together. Adventure had a bit of an incident with a following wave that put them sideways and because of this they lost some of their safety equipment, (we have a huge amount of safety equipment on board and although I would rather there were no losses, it does not effect the overall safety of the yacht or its crew).
This does mean the Army cannot send its usual length blog’s, however we hope to get reduced blog’s from them just bear with us. The RAF have also been in some rough seas and very strong winds. The yachts and the crews are made of stronger stuff than the Southern Ocean can throw at them. The crews have all pulled together well as a team and all the messages I receive from the yachts (we are in contact daily) are very positive. At times the elements have pushed both the yachts and the crews to dig deep into their reserves of energy and determination.
All the Skippers are very proud of the teams they have around them and have nothing but praise for them. All is well on the yachts and discussions of big waves and scary moments will, I am sure by now, have returned to talk about porridge for breakfast and what is the first thing they are going to eat on arrival in OZ. 9 days to go seems to be the best guess at the moment but please don’t hold me to that. To quote one of the crew “they are living the dream”
Big Seas allow a 40+ tonne yacht to surf
Skipper Mike Symes at the helm of Challenger enroute to Perth, Australia with the RLC.
Great fun!!
Tuesday, October 27
Army on Challenger get hit by Force 12 storm with 80+ knot winds
FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER - Early in the evening with bad weather imminent and winds forecasted to be between 30-40knts, the skipper ordered a conservative sail plan of 3 reefs and the storm staysail, as we were waiting for the weather to hit.
0001hrs, with 15 knots of wind we were happily heading eastward to Oz when Steve G disturbingly teased the ocean by saying, “Ok baby, give us all you’ve got”. BANG!!! 0002hrs, with 69 knots the mainsail preventer completely shredded causing the boat spin around and make rapid progress back towards Cape Town. Things deteriorated rapidly thereafter with wind speeds further increasing; Steve G measured a monster hurricane force 86 knot gust at one point. The heavily reefed mainsail quickly gave up the ghost and blew-out from the mast track and completely severed its halyard, then being dragged along behind us in a savage mix of spray, wind and waves.
A few of the crew below heard the skipper’s shout, above the screaming and whistling of the wind, “The main’s going -- oh f*** -- I need that main in now”. This was rapidly followed by four eager men on deck arriving to do battle with the sea and attempt to control the main sail which was now dangerously flogging.
Eventually, inch-by-inch, the mainsail was wrapped around the boom and tied up as best as possible, and we continued onward using only the storm staysail. Unfortunately, this too didn’t last long as it tore along several of its seams and ended up looking like something from the Black Pearl. With the storm staysail stowed, we were now running with only bare poles as Dave Mason took the helm and gallantly headed Challenger north with a following sea and wind.
An intense low pressure meteorological ‘bomb’ had hit us, as the Southern Ocean demonstrated what she is really all about. The crew pulled together immediately to control the situation and thereafter to repair the considerable amount of damage which had occurred.
As the sun rose with Shaun on the helm in excess of a ten meter swell, the full extent of the damage became apparent, although Challenger had done us proud and stood up to the conditions well. However, now more hard work began as Hayley and Austin used the sewing kit to make numerous repair patches on the sails long into the night, damaged ropes were replaced with spares, almost everything was hung out to dry, and the crew took some much needed rest.
It was not all doom and gloom though as several funny things happened during all the excitement. Anthony G (Ski) was tipped out of bed when the wind hit the boat. Colin slept solidly through the whole event and was briefed about it in the morning. In his excitement to get on deck, Shaun B wore only his favourite maroon ‘airborne’ tee-shirt under his waterproofs, and whilst virtually swimming in the southern ocean, helping to fish-out the mainsail, he had the gall to complain that he was cold. Hayley flew off the chart table seat, landing stuck in a bucket inside the wet locker on the other side of the boat.
With further repairs soon to be completed morale is still very high on Challenger as we head further towards Oz.
SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER - Having some of the crew nursing their aches and pains from the storm, Shaun has had to move to Red Watch as watch leader for a few days whilst Steve G is nursing an injured elbow, Shaun sympathetically suggests that he should ‘Man-Up’.
We completed our last on-deck shift before mother watch with some rather large seas and it was great to get a bit of surfing in. We were still limited to using only bare poles, as the sails were still being repaired by Hayley and Austin.
Jay has become Red Watch camera man, as the storm claimed Shaun’s camera and took it to the bottom of the Southern Ocean for Nemo and friends to play with. Ski is providing the watch with movie entertainment and is eating his way through all the biscuits at the fastest rate, but Austin is giving him a run for his money, coming a close second place.
Once all the sails were repaired Red and White Watches had the job of putting the main sail back on the mast. Shaun had to go up the mast to replace the runners with Jay yelling “Keep smiling for the camera” as he swung like a pendulum from one side of the boat to the next. Steve (Gripper) Parsons was glued back onto the helm, happy as Larry.
SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER – The day started with glorious sunshine which gave people a chance to dry their laundry on deck. Although the choice of palatable rations is dwindling by the day, Red Watch treated us to an interesting Southern Ocean delicacy of fried spam sandwiches. The fact that they were all eaten was either because they were tasty, or that we were all very hungry, either way, the distinctive taste of spam repeated throughout the day.
Following the high winds of the last two days Blue Watch were put through their paces and changed a complete sail plan before starting mother watch. The three man team of Nathan, Colin and Matt shook out reefs, replaced headsails and staysails to give a bit more speed to the boat. Their bangers and mash creation is one of the culinary highlights to date, with head chef Colin’s Special Sauce tantalising the taste buds in a nice but slightly peculiar way. After a quiet night at sea the crew is now rested and ready for the next batch of high winds expected on Monday evening.
MONDAY 26 OCTOBER – After their running repairs to the storm staysail, Hayley and Austin decided they could also fix the Yankee 3 that blew-out a few days ago. A 14 ft ‘luff to leach’ tear kept the pair busy for 18 hours with constant patching and stitching, stopping only to eat. Amazingly they both had some skin left on their fingers and thumbs by the end of the job. We’re waiting in anticipation for the wind to abate enough so that we can change from storm to Yankee 3 to see whether the repair holds out.
TUESDAY 27 OCTOBER – White Watch woke the crew to a delightful bowl of porridge – voted as the best consistency of the voyage so far; not having to slice or chew porridge before swallowing made a very rare treat – hopefully their secret recipe will be shared around until we get to Oz. Not satisfied with the best porridge, watch-leader Dave also baked up the best plump, crusty bread that we’ve had so far. The skipper’s reaction to fried spam sandwiches earlier in the week was to break into the emergency rations, which has released some eagerly awaited variety: tuna in mayo with sweet corn, which complemented Dave’s bread superbly. Good scoff means good morale and Challenger’s crew are happy today.
SHOUTS:
Nathan Evans: Happy Birthday to James Steiger. Tess – I hope you are having a nice half term, I love you and miss you lotsxxx
Matthew Arnold: I’m wet all my stuffs wet the boats all wet and I’m loving it
Hayley: Nursing all my bumps and bruises, but they are slowly going away. Had the longest day ever yesterday trying to fix the Yankee. Fingers crossed she stays up. Still having a ball and can’t wait to speak to my kid brothers. Also can’t wait to get tree trunked in OZ woop woop xxxx
Davy Kelly: Livin the Challenger dream at the moment, can’t wait to get to Oz for Chunky Monkey ice cream and a bag of jelly babies. Sorry Simone but apparently my waterproof and shock proof camera is not crush proof ooops. Miss you loads and hope you don’t get too tired going to Brighton, give Ollie a big hug for me xxxx
Steve Galvin: Since my last update King Neptune has finally given us some wind worth mention. The afore mentioned came in the form of a Force 12 storm at 2 am, going from 25 Knots of wind to 65 Knots in seconds and rising eventually to 84 Knots. A massive adrenalin rush for everyone with I’m sure a certain amount of fear as well, especially when both the Storm sail and Mainsail were both torn. We all however survived some with more bruises than others, but alive and well enough to tell the tale many times I’m sure. Regards and Love to all! XXX “Live Slow, Sail Fast”
Shaun Broom: Hope you are well, I’m hungry, the ocean has claimed my camera, bruised from going up the mast twice to fix main sail but over all living the dream. Hi ya babe, missing you loads. Missed the last shout, been very busy. Southern Ocean giving us a good beating, been having a good laugh, but had a few low days where was very tired. Looking forward to OZ and a good drink, Should be there in 10 days or less. Speak to ya soon love and miss ya loads xxx
Antony Finnigan: Hi Shell hope you are ok and still missing me as much as I am missing you, I hope the Kids are being good for you give them a kiss for me. It’s been fun on here with force 12 winds hitting us so it’s been different. Over half way now counting the days until we arrive at ozzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz so I can eat some nice food. I will write when I can so take care love to you and everyone else ant. Hello to 234 .
Colin Harrower: Hello MB, How the devil are you? I hope you had a good week off and feel refreshed. Won’t be long till I’m back and my adventure will be over, boohooo really enjoyed the whole experience so looking forward to getting to Oz. Mum, I hope Craig has now got back from Afghanistan safely and that you are all well. Call you when I get to Oz. Love & Miss you loads xox
Antoni Gabanski: Hay mum and whoever else is reading this. We had a hell a few days since Friday night. We were hit by hurricane force winds which are 63+ knots winds, and it maxed out at 84 knots. Sails were blown and a lot of work to retrieve the main sail. It’s looking like we are going to be arriving in Perth Freemantle within 10 days. Still loving it and it’s slowly coming to an end this expedition. Until next time xxx
Mike Symes: Hi darling as you can see from the blog the southern ocean has been keeping me busy. My usual practice of skippering from my bunk has not been so possible on this trip. Not talking to you is driving me mad, expect a long call from Perth. Hope all is well at home and am counting the days for our arrival in Perth. Send my love on to Toby. Love as always XXXX Roll on Sydney.
Thursday, October 22
Skipper's Coffee pot is a goner. Army sacrifice to the Ocean.
Wed 21 Oct 2009
Day 13 on the good ship Challenger has been somewhat interesting and varied, the highlight was when Blue watch (Shaun & Colin) sighted two patches of seaweed on their 0400-0800 watch, leading to an uncontrollable outbreak of morale for the following couple of minutes until they remembered they could not feel their hands due to the cold.
White watch, consisting of Dave Mason, Davy Kelly, Hayley Kemp & Tony Finnigan (whilst providing a rather good mother watch) is somewhat concerned that there is a lack of food aboard the boat, the food that is on board consists of boiled sweets, plain biscuits, tinned tuna, spam and porridge, porridge, and more porridge. The crew is wondering if Dominos really does deliver to a grid ref within 30 minutes – if someone could call up for us it would be very much appreciated!
All members of the boat have now been victims of the skippers coffee pot... darn thing may be used for man overboard drills soon (preferably where the ocean is over 4000m deep).
Austin is now becoming addicted to the sextant and his jokes are getting worse and worse, quite soon he will be joining the skippers coffee pot.
Thu 22 Oct 09
Day 14 has seen a change in both the weather and sea conditions, the wind has died, the sun has come out and the sea is relatively calm. Lunch was sausages in fresh bread rolls followed by Austin the mate breaking out some morale in the form of some “Thornton’s Mint Humbugs”.
Hayley has recovered from her trapeze act on the fore deck, Ski has got over his headache (lack of chocolate), Matt’s nether regions have had a rub after an argument with the Gimble and the Skipper is managing to control his emotions after throwing the last of his cigarettes away. Thankfully the Yacht’s Doctor (Austin) has not been let loose with his medical instruments yet.
We have had contact with the rest of the flotilla (Navy & RAF) who also seem to be in high spirits and some 120 nautical miles behind us, but it’s not a race honest! Morale continues to be high, although wind and speed are foremost in our minds as we near the half way point and Australia beckons.
SHOUTS:
Hi Sereana – I hope you had a great time in NZ, looking forward to catching up in a few weeks ;-)
Davy Kelly: Hi Simone, Hope You and Ollie are good nearly half way to Oz miss you xxxx
Tess: I hope you are not having too much fun without me. I miss you and love you lotsxxx
Gayle: The seaweed was amazing, you would of loved it. Looking forward to a visit to the Viking. Xox
Steve Parsons: hi Mac hope you and everyone else are well. Sat waiting for the winds to appear again then we should be well on way to oz. Love and cuddles XXX.
Steve Galvin: Hi Amy, Chloe & Sophie hope your all well, I’m bouncing around at latitude 43 degrees waiting for some wind which apparently kicks off as I go on watch at 2000 hours tonight. I’m now going for a cold shower (first in 3 days!), still living the dream though, it’s good to be alive!. To Roger & Mary you may be well correct in your overall assumption of this adventure. To all “Live Slow & Sail Fast”.
Antoni Gabanski: Hay mum and whoever else is reading this, things are going well, we are reaching the half way point very soon. Can’t wait to hit Perth Australia, get into a hotel, get a beer, a proper meal, and an ace time there before we head back to U.K.
Hayley “Flying Artist” Kemp (No relation to Ross): Well I have had fun past few days!!! NOT. I Need to join the RAF to work on my landings. Really looking forward to OZ now, can’t believe I have actually done this, proud of myself and all the lads. Hope everyone at home and 17 Regt are keeping safe as I certainly am not. Bambi is well and truly back with a vengeance. Speak soon xxxxxxxx
Matthew Arnold: I’m good can’t wait to get my teeth in to a big fat steak or a double cheeseburger sack it I’ll have them both. I’m going to get so fat when I get to OZ.
Colin Harrower: I’m really looking forward to OZ now, I really fancy a pint of Fosters, Hope all is well at home and that you’re not missing me too much....lol. Having an amazing experience still can’t quite believe were heading to OZ. xox
Tony Finnigan: Hi Shelle, Millie, Daisy and everyone else, I’m having a whale of a time. Weather has been cold, wet and miserable. So close to the half way point, so looking forward to seeing land and so that I can call you. Love you and miss you lots, Ant xxx Shout out to everyone at 234.
Shaun Broom: Hi ya babe, hope you are well, I think the southern ocean is showing us who is daddy, been reliving my child hood with Colin on the helm at 0300 in the morning, Poddington peas, button moon etc etc. On mother watch again lamb curry tonight by Allah chef broom. Can’t wait for oz still 2500 miles away, looking forward to a beer and speaking to ya babe love ya loads and miss ya xxx
Matthew Wright: Hey baby hope everybody at home is doing well and you’re ok missing you loads, really looking forward to having a full size bed to stretch out in. Love you loads and can’t wait to hear your voice once at oz big kisses XXX
Tuesday, October 20
Challenger crew are riding the crest of the waves
Approaching the halfway point things are progressing well on board. Over the last few days we have had the full range of weather from gale force winds to sunny days on deck with the spinnaker flying. The food has continued to be of a high standard with the freshly made breads raising morale each day.
A day on board Challenger. The day starts the same way everyday, the mother watch gets up early to prepare breakfast which has been a steady diet of porridge. Each watch consists of four people. As one watch eats breakfast another watch is finishing their four hour shift on deck. The mother watch then gets on with cleaning the boat ready to prepare lunch at 1200 as the off watch catch up on sleep. After lunch the next watch take over mother watch to prepare evening meal as the other two watches rotate through their 4 on 4 off pattern through to 1200 the following day.
Being on Mother watch gives the crew the opportunity to get their shower every 3 days and catch up on a full nights sleep. The winds at the moment are working well in our favour speeding along our progress. There is much discussion on board as to what people are looking forward to when we arrive on dry land. May the adventure continue...
Nathan Evans: All is going well on board, settled into a good routine now. To Tess, I am missing you lots. I hope all is ok at home, I am missing cooking nice food and sitting in front of the fire. I love you lots xxx Happy Birthday to Sammy. Gobeithio mae popeth yn iawn adre gyda Gwilym a Mam, Cariad Cynness
Steve Parsons: Things are great on board especially as the winds have arrived from the West. Having a fantastic on our way to Aus time surfing the waves. I assume David and Lyndsy are now proud parents and all is well with the twins. I certainly know what Log Sp can do next year for Adv Trg and where!! Happy birthday Laura for the 25th. Hope all well at home. Love and missing you lots Mac, take care lots of love and cuddles XXX.
Matthew Wright: Today for breakfast we had porridge it was great just like yesterday the daybefore the day before that, the day before that and the day before that. Looking forward to getting there know so i may have a different type of porridge for breakfast. The sea here is the same every day blue and wet. Missing you all hope your all ok looking forward to seeing you all very soon Love you all xxxxx.
Shaun Broom: Not had a cigarette now for 10 days fell great, had a good nosh off Colin on day 10, will explain when back lol. Having a great time, was up the mast yesterday, just seeing who was around, but as always just us, weather freezing cold now but kit working well. On mother watch today, just made porridge again like every day and now baking fresh bread. Missing you loads babe, hope training is going well can’t wait to see you, counting the days love ya loads xxxx
Colin Harrower: Hey Gayle, Reference the Nosh comment above, it’s a South African chocolate bar....Shaun & I had a pact to share each others at certain points along the way to break up the routine eating menu of porridge! Got a fabdabadosi idea for an MC & MB adventure for the Saturday I get back. so don’t plan anything for that day.XOX To my family hope all is well, can’t wait to get to Oz for the Sun and to see LAND. Phone you soon.xxx
Steve Galvin: Still living the dream! Wind is awesome, getting really cold at times but morale is exceptionally high especially when eating porridge for breakfast yet again!. Regards and love to all. “Live Slow Sail Fast.
Hayley Kemp: Well..........it’s been fun!!! Been freezing cold but my fabulous skipper fixed the heating system so now I am toasty. It’s only taken me 12 days to stop falling around the boat like bambi on ice. All the guys are still in high spirits so we’re having a ball. The southern ocean has been good to us to be fair. Missing all my family like crazy and of course my Andy, can’t wait to get to OZ to ring everyone. Hope everyone at 17Regt are well. Speak soon love you all xxxxxx PS. RIP picco the suicidal bird!!!!
Davy Kelly: Hello everyone who knows me. Life is pretty good in this 14 Berth caravan in the middle of the Southern ocean. The last few days have been cold but bearable unlike the porridge. Simone and Ollie I miss you loads and will try to get you your Keith Urban album when we hit Oz in just over 2 weeks xxxxxx. All at HQ UKSC thanks for letting me experience this, its amazing and I might even have to bore you all with endless stories and pics when I get back.
Mike Symes: hi darling, great news about the ski train, really excited, always has been the most fun way to go. All going well on the boat, great crew, work hard as a team supporting the boat well. Winds have finally come round giving us a sleigh ride, long may it last. Missing spending time with you, can’t wait to call you from Perth. Buckets of love xxx. Send on my love to Toby.
Antony Finnigan: Hi to all hope everyone is ok ,its got cold the last few days but we are nearly half way through the trip.The only things we see are birds no boats no other life but its different. Hello to Edd and everyone at 234 last thing is a big love to my lovely shell and lovely kids miss you but will see you soon.xxxxxxxxxxx
Tuesday, October 13
RLC find their sea legs on Challenger
log update 10 Oct 09
Following the delay leaving Cape Town waiting for the skippers boots we headed out into the South Atlantic. For many this was the first opportunity to play with the sails on the Challenge 67 , which are considerably heavier than many have experienced in the past. With all three yachts under sail it was time to cross the start line and begin the long journey to Perth, Australia.
Much of the sailing conditions were much tamer than we had expected as we made our way south leaving the shores of South Africa behind, for the next month the only land we will see will be that of our arrival in South West Australia. During our third day at sea we were accompanied by a pod of dolphins bidding us farewell, shortly after a humpback whale broached giving us an impressive display.
Despite the calm sea state this did not stop a few struggle to find their sea legs, there certainly will not be a shortage of fish food along our route.
The crew has now settled into their watches despite some initial confusion over the lengths of shifts, the standard of food has been very high with highlights being Pasta Bolognese and a chicken curry. Porridge has been our staple starter each day.
The conditions we have experienced at sea have varied greatly from pleasant days to storm condition with 45mph winds. This resulted in the skipper demanding many sail changes. (If he carries on like this we will return ripped and broken). Loving every minute of it.
Hi to my lovely wife Angie missing you like mad, hope you are well, got some great crew, having a good time but some hard times with the lovely weather not, stay safe love ya loads xxx
Hey Gayle, hope your not missing me too much....lol and work aint too bad. I hope your nearly ready for your well earned and deserved week off..xox I’m one of only four people that haven’t been sick yet...yipeeeeee!!.Everyone at work (38 Bde) hope your enjoying the peace and quiet.... unfortunately for you I have to come back lol!
Hi darling, all going well, crew bonding well, weather what I expected just in the wrong direction. Missing spending time with you far more than anticipated, can’t wait to see you in Sydney love as always. XXXooo.
Hay mum and family, hope all is well back home. All is good here on the boat, the weather has been a pain a few times that is just the Southern Ocean for you. Can’t wait to be setting foot back on land in Perth Australia. Lots of Love from Antoni xxx
To everyone at home especially Tess, we are having a great time out here it is pretty hard and I am still a bit seasick from time to time but getting there. Tess I can’t wait to be back infront of the fire with you. I love you lotsxxx
A Big Hello to Simone & Ollie, having a great time!! Speak to you when i get to OZ. xxx
Wife Michelle and kids Millie & Daisy, Family & Friends. Day 5 at sea and im still sick. A big Thanks to 234 Suadron, will be in touch when i finally stop being sick. Xx Missing everyone back home, but got a great crew to keep me company. I’ve also managed to stay in the boat this time....lol, Hellooooo to everyone at 17 P&M.
Thursday, October 8
News Flash from Challenger
Challenger has been delayed in leaving Cape Town as the Skipper Mike Symes has had to run off into town looking for a right boot to join the two lefts he has brought with him.
Wednesday, October 7
British Army take on the Southern Ocean onboard HMSTC Challenger
Mike Symes, Master 200gt, Cowes. Professional skipper for 10 years this will be my first venture into the Southern Ocean. I am looking forward to the challenge of working with a generally novice crew and developing their blue water sailing skills on passage to Perth.
Maj Austin Prendiville, SO2 SCM Plans (DE&S), Abbeywood. A last minute change of crew allocations resulted in my promotion to 1st mate, which involves the day-to-day management of the boat and watches, under close direction of the skipper. I’m really looking forward to sailing in the big seas I’ve read so much about; I think we are all going to experience a very exhilarating crossing to Australia.
Maj Steve Parsons, SO2 Sup (Mat), HQ London District. A late addition to the crew and allocated the position of 2nd mate. Though a seasoned sailor I have never ventured onto a Challenge 67 before nor sailed in the Southern Ocean so this adventure is a baptism of fire.
Maj Stephen Galvin, SO2 Log Sp HQ 2 SE Brigade. First time in the South Seas and only second time on a Challenge 67, during which I’m allocated to be a watch-leader and also the yacht’s purser. I’m really grateful for the opportunity and excited at the thought of that we will face in the coming weeks. ”Live Slow and Sail Fast”.
Pte Antoni Gabanski, 16 Tank Transporter Sqn, 7 Transport Regiment. Like the others, this also is my first time sailing the southern ocean. It is going to be an amazing thrill to accomplish as a novice sailor. I have about 5 weeks worth of sailing experience, from around the Danish islands (twice), the English
LCpl Antony Finnigan, 234/156 (V) Regiment. I have worked hard to develop my skills ready for the passage and I’m looking forward to arriving in Perth with everyone else, safely.
Lt Nathan Evans RLC, Tp Comd 13 Med Evac Squadron, Aldershot. With a few weeks experience this will be my first long passage and experience of the Southern Ocean. On board I will be responsible for Media and the maintenance of Challenger as the Engineer.
LCpl Colin Harrower, JNCO Surface Ops, 38 Brigade, NI. So far I have sailed one weeks familiarisation on a Challenger yacht. Although less experienced than others will make up for it on board with drive, willingness and enthusiasm. I hope by the end of the six weeks I will know how to make the perfect brew.
Sgt Shaun Broom, Trg SNCO 20 Tpt Sqnadron RLC. This will only be my second time sailing, however, the other occasion was Transglobe in 1998. I am looking forward to getting my sea legs back, my job on the boat is Master at Arms, responsible for good order and discipline on and off the yacht, so I am known as daddy!
LCpl Matthew Wright, 35 SHQ 3 Log Sp Regiment, Abingdon. I have never sailed before so for me this will be my first sailing experience, I am very keen to learn and open minded to the hard work that lies ahead and the new challenges that await me in the Southern Ocean, looking forward to getting to know the crew and finding my place on the boat. I am also still overwhelmed that I have this chance of a lifetime to do something so thrilling.
Lt Dave Mason, Tp Comd 13 Tpt Sqn, 8 Regt RLC. With experience in sailing both Nicolson 55’s and Victoria 34’s in UK waters, the once in a lifetime opportunity to take part in Transglobe is a great chance to build sailing experience to a whole new level. It’s not all plain sailing as the price to pay is being handed responsibility to produce the post exercise report during/after our return.
Sgt David Kelly, Post SNCO, HQ UKSC, JHQ. I have several weeks sailing here and there, but this will also be my first experience on a long passage. I will be the assistant purser on board and I am really looking forward to shopping for 14 people for 6 weeks; 1764 meals or 2½ years food for a couple. How many trolleys will we need?
Pte Hayley Kemp, 17 Port and Maritime Regiment. I’ve only had a few weeks sailing experience so far and I absolutely love it; I jumped at the chance to travel to the Southern Ocean for a long passage. I’m not really sure what my job will be, but as I am the only girl on a boat with another 13 lads I am sure it will be cooking, cleaning and making the brews.
Pte Matthew Arnold, 43 Sqn, 12 Log Sp Regiment. For the last 6 months I have been attached to British Kiel Yacht Club in Germany. Whilst at BKYC I have had the opportunity to do lots of sailing and was recently awarded my Day Skipper qualification. I’m looking forward to the adventure that awaits us.
Day 1
After 24 hours of travelling and changing flights in Johannesburg the team were very grateful to arrive at the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town.
Walking out into the harbour and seeing the three yachts lined up awaiting their epic journey through the Southern Ocean was a great sight.
After initial briefings about the layout of the club and how long we were likely to stay each of the teams moved to their yacht. Before we could do anything else we were split into our three watches. The shift pattern that we would work through until our arrival in Perth in 6 weeks time.
After our berth allocations we were able to unpack and make ourselves at home in our yachts. With only a small box the size of a milk crate to put all our belongings space is a premium on board.
For the rest of the day we got ourselves familiar with the yacht and its layout before getting to know the systems in place on the yacht. In the evening we split up each of the teams for a dinner to get to know the people that were sailing for each of the other services.
Blog Day 2
Having arrived bright an early on Thursday morning to Ex TRANSGLOBE HQ in Gosport the crew undertook a series of briefings and kit issue. As a crew we had the opportunity to get to know each other prior to flying out to start a very unique experience.
Sailing in the Southern Ocean has the same kinds of admiration for sailors as climbing Everest holds for climbers. For those with very little or no experience of sailing this will certainly be a challenging and rewarding start.
For the rest of the day the crews got together last minute items before our flight the following day.
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