What we thought of our week...

We thought that:

• The boat was very sophisticated, much bigger than we expected and very comfortable.
• We were very worried about the size of the kitchen when we first saw it.
• Food was yummy, even for the fussy eaters!
• Early mornings were not expected but were actually fine
• We liked the responsibility of looking after the boat and getting to steer the boat was our most favourite thing.
• Learning about knots and playing around in the RIB was very exciting.
• Cooking meals was a new task that we all enjoyed.
• Getting used to being seasick very quickly suprised us
• Exploring new places was great

From Amy, Gabby, Ellie and Izzy

Thursday 10th June

We woke up early, again with a fair amount of persuasion from SJ, and ate breakfast of cereals and eggy bread. We then spent most of the day sailing from Whitehaven to Glasson. As we set off from Whitehaven it was quite windy and wavy but as we got round St Bees head the boat settled down and we sailed along really nicely. Whilst we were sailing Gabby and Amy sat at the stern looking for more jellyfish. Izzy and Ellie sat in the cockpit, and we all read our books.

As we were early to catch the tide up to Glasson we anchored up at the end of the River Lune to await enough water and also have our fish and chips (well mash potato actually as it was easier) tea. When we were almost at Glasson the boat got stuck leaving us sat at an angle for some time as we awaited enough water to float off. It was quite late when we finally moored up so we had some hot chocolate and went to sleep.

Tomorrow when we wake up we just have to wait for the lock keeper to let us up into the marina before we can get back on our berth.

Amy and Gabby

Tuesday 8th June, Whitehaven to Kirkcudbright

We woke to a fantastic start where we were flung and prodded out of bed by SJ!

Luckily for us it was sausage butty day, unluckily for Ellie and Izzy they had to make it.

Since we were late for catching the tide, we spent our time messing with knots and speeding around in the dinghy. Ellie claimed that she couldn’t steer the dinghy but was soon speeding around in perfect control. Colin had to keep reminding Gabby to slow down because she is a speed demon.

At 5.30 we set out for another adventure this time to Kirkcudbright. Izzy threw up in the bucket and SJ went to clean it out but ended up doing the same, although SJ immediately tucked into her tea after putting the bucket down. Amy felt a bit queasy so she stayed in the cockpit staring at the floor. Ellie and Gabby sat at the front of the boat getting drenched and counting jelly fish.

Later when Ellie was climbing the stairs the waves threw her back down and she collided with the galley (kitchen) and also Gabby, they then both burst into laughter.

Eventually we went past the lighthouse at Little Ross Island at the entrance to Kirkcudbright bay and let the anchor down so we could sleep in the middle of the sea :)

Gabby and Amy

Tenacity of Bolton, Whitehaven Harbour 9th June 2010

After being anchored overnight in Kirkudbright we set sail back to Whitehaven marina in the horrendous wind and waves. No-one was sick but everyone got drenched, especially Colin.

When we got back Izzy and Ellie made tiffin and lunch. Everyone smelled and tasted of salt so we decided to have a shower. Then Amy, Izzy and Gabby played a game of Rummikub. Now Amy and Gabby are busy chopping vegetables for a turkey korma.

Tomorrow we plan to sail to Piel Island.

Whitehaven to Kirkcudbright

Just a quick blog from our anchorage in Kirkcudbright bay to let you all know that we are ok and have had a good day. After a little later than planned start, due to a planning error on the tides, we had a great sail over from whitehaven eating our tea as we sailed along at 7 knots. We will try and post pics from today when we have better signal tomorrow.

Ahoy there!

We’ve just finished our first sailing and we are now docked in Whitehaven Marina. We started the day by waking up at 5.3am, not voluntarily obviously, and set sail from Glasson Dock. We’ve travelled 55 Miles so far and in those miles Izzy and Amy have been very seasick! So far we have learnt how to tie a round turn and two half hitches knot, put up and pack away the sails, how to steer the boat and tie the fenders to the outside of the boat to protect it. Amy and Gabby prepared tea tonight and we had caramalised pork with stir fried veg followed by an awesome apple crumble and custard. Yum!

Map of Girls Year 8 week, 6th - 11th June 2010