Voyage Journal

Morning of the 15th dawned. 100 years since the departure of Robert Falcon Scott from Cardiff setting off on his legendary expedition to the Antarctic.  This was the reason we were here, to celebrate the adventurist spirit of all of those who set out on this momentous day.  2041 had our own momentous occasion in celebrating 25 years since our fearless Leader, Robert Swan, departed from Cardiff on his ‘In the footsteps of Scott’ expedition.

The Stavros S Niarchos re-enacted the departure of the Terra Nova past Penarth. The surrounding waters were littered with spectator boats speeding her on her way. And along the shore standing in a fresh breeze spectators watched and witnessed the  event, similar to how it would have happened 100 years ago.

I have to say, what made it really real to me was the unexpected introduction to a couple, Don & Margaret who came down to visit ‘2041’ and brought with them a very unique item. A document signed by most of the crew onboard the Terra Nova on 15 June 1910. There was Captain Scott’s signature, Charles Wright, William Horton and a few more. I had the privilege to actually hold this article… and the strangest thing….all that history became real. It wasn’t just the past, it was their story and they were once as alive as we are now… their signatures proved that.

It only goes to show, if one puts ones mind to it, anything is possible.

The Stavros S Niarchos

Robert Swan and ‘2041′

The weekend and good weather brought a flood of excited people down to the waterfront fully anticipating to enjoy themselves to the fullest.   They were well rewarded. The Stavros S Niarchos, sail training square rigger & one of the Tall Ships family and the HMS Scott warship were also in the bay. For those who were curious, a whole day could be spent clambering in and about both ships, and then to visit our brave ‘2041’ and share in her story.

Monday and Tuesday brought the school visits and I’m not sure who had more fun, the kids or the crew in showing them around. Monrow Primary School, Hollies, Ysgol Gymraeg Llantrisant to name but a few. We even have a wee stow away, a teddy bear called Millie, who will be sharing in the crews’ adventures from Millbank Primary School.

Millbank Primary Students and Millie the Teddy Bear on ‘2041′

Ysgol Gymraeg Llantrisant Students on ‘2041′

Morning broke to a beautiful sunny day. We set about readying ‘2041’ for her visitors; public, students, teachers, media, councilmen and businessmen alike. Cardiff welcomed us with open arms.. truly a warm and friendly city. During the day we were ‘open’ and available to the general public for guided tours in and around ‘2041’. In the evening, sails out in the bay were organised and well attended by our sponsor G24i, the Scott Society, Council and IAE family participants and BDConsulting. All who have played an important part in our arrival and stay in Cardiff. Thank you too to Cardiff Harbour Authority for our perfect berthing space. Guests were welcomed aboard with ‘don’t go overboard or you’ll get wet!’ Then put to work, hauling the main up and being kept well busy with our constant tacking from side to side due to the size of the bay… ‘2041’ couldn’t quite stretch her wings completely. Then a few drinks and snacks to calm the well earned hunger pains and we were back to shore to tie up for the night and set all ashore hoping they would get their land legs again soon. It was great fun having each group on board….our family continues to grow.

‘2041′ in Cardiff

Morning broke grey and choppy after a lovely sunset the previous night. What with days being so much longer and the times that Siân and my shifts were, we were lucky enough to see sunset at 10pm and sunrise at 0430. Best of both worlds.  But yes today choppy and grey and finally rounding Lands End!   I’d been looking out for that for two days!

Only a couple more hours and we reach our destination, Cardiff. We need to be there at high tide as we need enough water to lock in. But as usual the unforeseen happens just when you least expect it!

Due to lack of wind in the correct direction and strong tides against us, we had to switch the engine on to buy time… but suddenly it started to over heat!  The inverter had decided to call it quits.   So in and upside down goes Conor, practicing his yoga, the engine being very large, tightly placed and tricky to get access to areas. Typically the inverter is in the very far corner at the bottom. After an hour and a half of some extremely calm and collected fiddling to refit a new inverter…the engine gets switched on….annnnd…..it’s still not working!  In the mean time we had slowly been drifting well off course and backwards, what with 15kn of wind in the wrong direction and 6kn of tide against us.. what could be done?  After 6 hours of working on the inverter, the boat is finally fixed, hooray! We’re on our way again… Cardiff here we come.  Unfortunately, the next thing to break was the water maker for the shower…

And so we finally entered the Bristol Channel. The Tide was finally with us but a strong head wind gusting up to 30kn is a challenging ride, not for our Lady but for the helmsman hanging on for dear life to keep her on her course. A great workout though!

We creep slowly towards our destination and the anticipation of a hot shower, warm meal and a good night’s sleep is all too welcome. 6 hours late we arrive with enough high water to enter through the lock into the calm Cardiff Bay.

With weary bones, we tied up at the Millennium Waterfront berth. We look forward to all the excitement of the Falcon Scott Centenary Celebrations.

I have slept off the initial peak of enthusiasm and exhausted Day One’s energy leaving a little dip.  Luckily, at 6 o clock this morning, 2041 was joined by a pod of 10-15 common dolphins that were bounding along in our bow waves – demonstrably not short of energy or enthusiasm - wonderfully contagious.

The little wind that there was seemed to leave with the pod so we’re working sail and motor together to stick to schedule.  So far, the sun has carried on shining this morning as we past Land’s End and rounded the corner.  Our current course, however, is heading towards a rather large grey cloud.  I’m hoping the width of the cloud is less than the time before my next watch!

The only really bad news is that the jelly babies took rather a battering overnight. Thank goodness for chocolate digestives.

Charlotte

Having limited experience of all things sailing, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from an eco-friendly boat. 2041  had spent her spring watching the world go by in Gosport, Hampshire. It was here that we met here over the weekend to escort her around the coast and up into Wales for her next appointment.

She was sitting at the end of the pier, modest but proud in green, grey and white. To me, she looked strong and industrious but friendly, and with a hood spotted with windows like spiders’ eyes. I imagined what her view of the world had been already.

Aboard, she was even more fascinating. I had no doubts about my safety or (relative) comfort in her presence over the next couple of days.

Escorting 2041 on this journey is a crew of 5 spanning multiple continents and backgrounds all with a common interest in getting her to Cardiff safe and well.  We attached her sails and touched up her paintwork (a girl always needs to look her best), filled the galley with supplies and set off.

After a short shower leaving Portsmouth, the sun has come out for us as we make our way up the coast. Everything is running smoothly and I am starting to think how wonderful it would be if all my travelling could be green and with sail. I may have different thoughts during watch in the cold, dark, early morning hours as enthusiasm wavers… but there are plenty of jelly babies which I am looking forward to (for their morale boosting qualities of course).

-Charlotte