The first day on the Soren Larsen, having boarded yesterday evening at 17h00. The boat is very impressive, both from the shoreline but also aboard. The scale is quite incredible, as it doesn't feel too cramped even with 30 people on board - 12 professional crew and 20 or so fellow passengers. The nationalities are, as ever, mixed, both from the perspective of the crew and the other passengers. Yesterday evening we had dinner on deck being introduced to everyone. We are still at anchor in Apia harbour, and some of the crew slept under the stars on the deck last night, but I decided to check out the cabin experience: small and a bit cramped, but comfortable nonetheless.
This morning we have had the whole range of safety briefings and the first of sail training, including climbing the rigging to the first vantage point - forgotten the name already! You have a harness, the main part of the climbing you do without being clipped in, hanging on to the rigging as you - slowly in my case - inch your way ever higher. I am not particularly good at heights, but I wanted to see how far I could go! The first part wasn't too bad, but to get to the first bridge you have to swing out around the platform, easing your way up the steps as you go, clinging onto the nearest mast for dear life! It was pretty nerve-wracking, but I managed it and was able to enjoy a few minutes on top taking in the horizon. The way down was tough too, as you have to swing out over the edge, dangling your leg looking for the first step which of course I missed, but a crew member was on hand to guide me back into place! A great experience once you get over the fear - though not sure I will be trying it at sea.
Off the coast of Apia, 14h00, August 11 2008
We have just set sail off the coast of Apia! Quite an experience to see the sails being unfurled by the crew, hanging and dangling from the masts and yardarms.
The original plan had been to go to another anchorage around the island, but in the end the winds conspired against us so we have set sail for Tonga, or the Friendly Islands.
Not quite sure how long it will take, after all one doesn't predict these kind of things on a sailing ship!
We have all been put in four watches, I'm in the 8-12 group meaning a watch in the morning and evening - so the first one later on this evening. You do the normal watch thing, patrol of the ship, steering, attending to the sails and that kind of thing. So it should be fun this evening on the first one!
I have just found out from the cook that I have been the subject of much debate prior to my arrival as the travel agent initially had me down as a female passenger, before correcting it to male - apparently they all wondered what was going! I was happy to put in a clarification.
So, on that bombshell, I guess I will enjoy the rest of the afternoon as we sail calmly along the coast of Samoa: the sea is blue, fresh trade wind and not too much of a roll - perfect conditions, if this novice sailor may so himself.
Rob
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