Portsmouth to Cardiff - Day 1

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