Setting off in the morning on our 7-hour bus journey from Nettlesworth to Portsmouth. Singing to songs and eating snacks we finally arrived in Portsmouth harbour walking along the docks to find our boat the Challenger 1. After placing our stuff, we headed to the chippie, and all enjoyed a chippie tea on the grass. We then settled into our bunks and enjoyed our first night in the marina.

Lola

Today we woke at 7;30 in the morning so we could leave the port at 11:30am for Yarmouth during this time we hoisted the main sails and did jobs around the boat at 1:00 we ate pasta and cheese for lunch. This morning, we learnt what to do if we went overboard or started to sink and we also learnt how to use a life jacket. For dinner we made chicken curry and met with the group on Challenger boat 3. After this we went and cleaned ourselves in the showers and returned to the boats. We also celebrated Sky’s birthday and spoke about our day with Paul the skipper as a group. Later we are turning in for the night ready for an early start tomorrow.

 By Robert

This morning, we woke up extra early on the Isle of Wight to catch the tide to Weymouth, and this meant it got us there faster. It was scorching hot on deck where we worked hard to prepare it for departure. We prepped the sails and soon after we raised them to catch the breeze and get us sailing. All of us took a turn steering the ship to greater destinations and while on our trip we spotted a dolphin! After we took turns to climb the Spinnaker pole which was great fun. Soon after we arrived outside the harbour and took the sails down and then parked next to Challenger 3. We then ventured throughout Weymouth and its beaches were some of us had a swim in the cooling sea. After we cleaned ourselves up, Jacks group got started on the making of dinner which consisted of fish, peas and chips. Some people then went to the shops to get snacks. YUMMY! It was then time for bed.

By Lily

Today we were given a nice lay in after a long, hard-working day yesterday. Skipper Paul gave us permission to explore Weymouth and the sights to see! I had some bubble gum flavoured rock which was beautiful. Also, Leylah bought a chocolate bar that was combined with Galaxy and Milky Bar on the wrapper giving it a funny name, you can figure that out! After a morning exploring Weymouth, we set off for Poole at around 12:00. We put the sails up, but unfortunately there was not enough wind, so we had to use the engine as well. Whilst we were sailing, we learnt about the weather. We saw some beautiful white cliffs including old Harry’s rock! The sea was choppier than previous journeys, however it was nothing that Amy’s cuppa teas couldn’t fix. At around 18:00 Paul allowed us to jump into the sea and even off the boat! He took us to a Studland Bay to do this. After swimming and leaving Studland Bay, we went to our stopping point for the night which was Poole. It was around 40 minutes before we arrived at Poole Harbour where we put the boat to bed. We closed the day with bangers, mash, carrot and gravy which was absolutely gorgeous (Because our group made it) and showers. 😊

Dan & Laylah

Today we set off at 8am from Poole to Cowes for a lovely sail. Once we got to Cowes we were greeted by music and food stalls as it was Cowes week. We went for a short wander round the port to find an area to go crabbing but ended up back at the boat regardless. We were also invited on to a navy ship for a tour and had a lovely time being greeted by everyone and enjoying the helicopter display by the navy. We then returned to the boat to go mast climbing and then got the boat ready to sail that night to Portsmouth for our early journey back to Nettlesworth the following morning. We arrived safely back in Gun Wharf Quay’s at 11pm and promptly went for showers and then it was straight to bed.

By Lola & Skye