.. YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE:
WANTED: youngsters for International Exchange Programme!
TECLA - 19 october
42 46.86 N 009 03.39 N The barbecue was a success. Close to a little island and a beach on the south, we first went for a swim, some even did the distance from ship to beach, 300 meters! After that, we loaded the little boat with full with barbecue,eating's and drinking. Happily there was a lot of wood laying around, so we could make a camp fire, because after the amazing beautiful sunset, it was really very cold. First there came the hamburgers, sticking to the roaster of the barbecue, but after that,m we had perfect gamba’s, spareribs, champions/vegetables spies and a tuna macaroni salad. The sausages and mais in fresh cheese where too much, so they where our lunch for the next day. A pity, that we had to sail so early the next day, Sunday, 08.00 hours anchor up, and more awfully was the wind, it stayed away, all day. So we took our little papers, with on one site the English and the other site the French words, for all the names of ropes, sails, knots etc on board, to rehearse where and what every thing on board is and why. A day on motor, is not a nice day, so we dropt anchor in the bay near Muros. A fisher town. Laying up a hill, with narrow alleys, steel balconies, narrow stairs full of moss and fern. A pity that you see a lot of stinking fish farms in this bay. . Today, we had a south westerly wind, the radio says 8 beaufort.it means, we wait till tomorrow, there will be a north westerly wind (so say our grib files) And so we were able to celebrate Sophie's 25 birthday!!!!exuberantly. With lots of balloons, a kind of hat, self made by the group of the old jib, with everybody's wishes, T-shirt, flowers and many kisses, in Holland we kiss three times, times fourteen is……..a Spanish kind of port, a region cheese, a land wine and a true ham with bone, cut thin and this all cheered up by four, dressed as women, young men. Tomorrow we have an early start again, 08.00 hours breakfast, 09.00 hours, little boat on deck, anchor up and 10.00 hours, hopefully with a north westerly wind, on our way to Vigo. Jeannette - Crew Tecla
TECLA - 17 october
3 21.728 N 008 14.671 W Because of the high pressure over England, the areas around the high, have a lot of wind. So we had a day of 7 to 9 beau fort of wind. And even our protected bay was white! The anchor watch was exciting, with every gust the ship seems to move. On the gps we see a speed of 0.6 knots, but our position on the electronic map and our bearings on the harbor lights luckily stay the same. Our Swiss group, "La Brigantine", has next to the sailing an own study and working program, so this day was a day of evaluation and new study and work goals. At the end of the day ashore with the dingy , a real challenge with the swell in the bay, enjoying the sun and beach. From home (Jet) we hear that the Race of the Classics Young Professionals has started with an easterly wind 2 or 3 . Ipswich is their goal and Loes, who puts all the logbooks on our site, tells us that the first night frost is observed in Holland! On our weather maps we see the low pressure areas coming again, this time bigger size and also tracking more south. We decide Friday to reef all the sails to go on our way to La Coruna, to round the Cape de Finisterre before the west winds will take over. A beautiful sail again, along the coast with its rocks, golden sand beaches and white villages. Now we are at berth at the fishery quay in the marina of Fontan, near Sada, 30 minutes with bus from La Coruna. This means no anchor watch! Football next to the ship, a night sleeping for everybody. Also the hair are cut, some even totally shaved! Now we will have to go to the warmth and sun! Today is a day of shopping and cleaning the ship, this afternoon: beach and barbecue, so we can leave for Vigo, tomorrow. Jeanette - Crew Tecla
TECLA - 14 october
43 39.312 N 08 04.030 W Ria de Cedeira, a little bit east of La Coruna, north Spain, there we are now at anchor. Yesterday, at the end of the afternoon, we sailed in. With an increasing easterly wind and with a speed of 11 knots , at the end, we came rolling towards the coast. 11 Knots mains for the Tecla: reducer sail! And that was a hard job, so near to our goal. The wether forecast did say already for some time gale force 8 near the cape of Finisterre, well, they where right ,there was a lot of wind, just before entering the harbor. It is, as if the wind is influenced by water and land and "funnel", something we experienced on the Canary Islands a lot, all of a sudden a lot of wind, without a changing of weather, clouds or barometer. The coast line is steep, with a lot of pine tree woods. There are mountain goats and it looks rather unexplored. As we sail between the rocks, we enter a very sheltered basin, at the mouth of the dry river the Cedeira, there is a new breakwater to keep the swell as less as possible. In the harbor you find the typical Spanish colorful fishing boats, most of them trawlers, nets behind the ship, and many little fishing boats at anchor. There are no pleaser crafts, the tourist season is over. Here, Jan and I have been wandering around in 1981, from bay to bay, from terrace to terrace. There is a lot changed in all those years, the fishing boats are bigger, steel, no wood anymore and less colorful, the harbors are bigger, on the beaches you will not find boats anymore, but sunbathers, along the white beach arise big buildings for the tourists, which are happily not here at the moment. But as we are sitting on a terrace, enjoying a drink and the sun, we notice that the most valuable thing of Spain, still exists: the living together on the street! Marvelous! A lot of children of different ages on a square, with their mothers (a few fathers, we are early, it was 17.00 hours), grand mothers and fathers, every body talking or playing with everybody, young and old, great! I could watch this for hours. But tomorrow we are hopping one bay more west. Crew Jeannette
TECLA - 11 oktober
47 54.610 W 005 23.856 W A week later already. What did we do? We did visit Dartmouth, with a veering southeast wind. It is always very impressive to sail in to the narrow entrance of this harbor with on both sites little castles. And then the widening with on both sites colorful houses on the hill sites. Because of the nasty wind outside and the wrong direction, southwest 7 to 8, we gave us some time to enjoy this beautiful spot a little longer. So after visiting the tourist office, we started. With the train (steam)a little Devon round,( did you know Agathe Christy lived here?)walking along the coast, the museum, playing football in the park, every body had a good time! And after the weather forecast showing us, Ireland struggling with a new low, this time a piece of tropical storm, we decide to make one last stop in England,Falmouth, before we make our way to Spain and sun over the Bay of Biscay! In Falmouth the broken hand is examined by a doctor, the big shopping's done, also diesel and fresh water, the jib boom steel welled, the last night in town and the internet of course and so we where all ready for the longer sail. We left England under a beautiful star sky with milky way, and our poem is in my head again, because this is why we do it, this is so beautiful, the wind, the singing of the ship, all sails up, a little bit of the wind, all watches on their post, a north westerly wind, speed between 6 and 9.8 knots, a little bit of drizzle (at the moment) this is IT! Jeanette - Crew Tecla
TECLA - 4 october
49 40.1N 002 40.9 W - On the way again. We had some delay, but now we are sailing again. On Alderney, one of our youngsters was going to make to best picture ever, but he forgot that he was standing on a steep rock 7 meters high. Well, as he did one step backwards, it was all most fatal! Result: one complicated broken boon in his hand and a big cut in his arm. The first one they put an iron pin in and the cut was sewed. As on Alderney the doctor who could do all this repairing was not present, he was flying ( with one of the little planes) to Guernsey. After a stay of almost 2 days in the hospital, he is back again, and that he did not fall on his mouth, we knew, as he told every body 10 times and more (and no body complained) the whole story again, and the nicest sentence, among the quick French, was: You where lucky! That was what every body had said to him a thousand times! And to day, Sunday, cleaning day (we had to do it before leaving) he already had the vacuum cleaning job on him, and he did well! Cleaning day is also indulge day. So together we bake an apple pie. And because we where all ready baking, we also baked a focaccia (bread) with little tomatoes. By seeing all this food, especially the ham I was cooking, they youngsters did not want to leave the kitchen any more. And when I told them, that today was animal day, the 4th of October, so the ham was mend to be for Nyske, they all came to tell me, that it was a lot of ham, for just one dog, and animal day, I just invented, in France and Swiss they never heard of it! For all the not Dutch Tecla logbook readers, celebrate animal day with your pet, on the 4th of October, just do something extra, like a long beach walk! And forget about the ham, it is of course not healthy for a dog. And now we are on our way to Dartmouth, the town on the mouth of the river Dart. Leaving on sail, was perfect, but after that, the wind left us again, with the engine a little bit more than “stand by” because of the swell, we sail into the night, looking for the promised wind, south east 4 or 5....... Crew Jeannette
TECLA - 1 october
49 27.07 N 002 31.77 W - Today we hopped one island more south, we are now on Guernsy. With the wind, a northerly 3 bft, a rolling see, we went , with a speed between 3.6 and 9 knots, all sails up, in 4.5 hours time, from anchor spot to anchor spot. We are laying a little bit south of the main port, St. Peter Port, Havelet Bay. Our view is the town, castle "Cornet", a white beach and out at sea , many small islands, like Herms and Sark. On Guernsy you find beautiful big houses, more castles, huge churches, neat flower beds between roads, flower full artistic steel bus stop waiting benches, I get the feeling, they are and were rich on Guernsy. Tomorrow we have to find out how they became this rich. Today we only did some shopping's and did not find a tourist office yet. The people on the street are very reserved, and seem to be in a hurry. The end of a busy tourist season? The sailing around the Channel Islands with this weather, today was T-shirt temperatures, is holidays, the mood on board also! Setting sail and take them down again, is going more and more smooth. Every body found her/his place between the ropes, so going at anchor on sail is easy now. And for all the Nyske fans, we are not completely sure she can go off, so we will have to find the immigration office tomorrow, to find out if she is allowed. - Jeannette - crew Tecla
TECLA - 30 september
And we succeeded! On sail, we arrived on Alderney. The most northerly island of the Channel Islands, about 8.36 miles or 11.61 km offshore France. An Island where you can be married within six days, where they have their own president and government, where you find tax free shops and it does not belong to the EU?! But than again, it is oh so typical English. With its gardens, houses and flower curtains. It is now a very quiet island. Most of the ferry's don't sail any more, so the only possibility is, to take the little airplane from one of the bigger islands. Or you do like we did. You take your boat, sail , with an average speed of 6 knots , with the current, in 14 hours, during a cloudless, but also starry - and half moon night, nicely from Yarmouth to Alderney. Last night we dropt anchor at 03.30 local time, had a beer, and if you did not have anchor watch, in to bed. So this morning we where a little bit late with breakfast, and to go out and explore the island. We are till now very lucky with the weather! Again it was a sunny, dry and windless day. So after the breakfast some youngsters had to have a swim of the ship. And of course a perfect day for the Tecla crew to do some little jobs like, greasing the fore stay, cleaning the engine room, do some rope works and of course the never ending laundry and drying. Tecla was one big wash flag! Only Nyske - the shipsdog -was totally unhappy. No dogs and cats allowed, they officially have to stay in the ship, behind doors, that was too much , so she was on the deck. But it was horrible for her, to see the dingy, with its perfect running new motor, leave the ship, with out her. Tomorrow we sail to Geurnsy ( about 20 miles or 36.5 km) and as we read it, dogs are welcome ashore! Crew Jeannette
TECLA - 29 september
The Sunday was bringing us a lot of sun, no wind, a day of enjoying the Isle of Wight. The only exciting moment was, when the outboard motor refused to start and we all had to row! Luckily we have 4 peddles on board! So Monday was the day to go for a new spark plug. That is why we are now along site in Yarmouth harbor. A little village at the end of the Solent, where the ferry's go on and of to Southhampton, Lymington,Porthmouth. A typically holiday village, with the a bit older walk/bath guest. Every body knows every body, so you are instantly a well known person, the harbor master asked us immediately where we came from, , so late in the season, other years we where much earlier! It is so nice every time to come home a little bit, on so many different places! The Monday was filled with taking in fresh water, replace some lockers of the peak halyard, shopping's, crossing with the shop trolley, the big bed washing in the laundry, the search for a new spark plug and waiting for a person to fix the engine again who would be there "in a minute"! But no. This morning Jan en Gijs went to Cowes, to look for a real dealer of outboard motors who either can help us with a spark plug or an other motor, because this one refuses lately more often. And when we are on the channel islands , where we want to go this afternoon,we will need it every day to go ashore, because of the strong current., where it is impossible to row against. This moment, the wind is still a sleep, but we hope for a 4 a 5 bft from the north west, experts tell us. (Gijs just phoned, they bought a new one!) - Crew Jeannette
P.s. By leaving the harbor, we met John Catt in his little boat, the photographer who made a story on the Race of the Classics onboard the Tecla, this spring, for the magazine Classic Boat: www.tallshipsandsmallships.com
TECLA - 27 September
50 44. 39 N 01 11.65 W. Ryde Roads. We arrived! It is not something to be very proud of, but we are anchored at the north side of the Isle of Wight. Yesterday the day started beautiful and very promising. A great sunset, sails up at 08.00 o'clock, inclusive the topsails, anchor up, a northerly wind, force 3 bft and so we started a our day with a speed of 4.6 knots. After breakfast with pancakes and a weather forecast saying wind northerly 3 or 4, it should be a beautiful sunny sailing day. Sailing near the white cliff coast line was surely "top" enjoying! Everybody was doing little works, a bit of fishing, repairing the stay stairs, bread baking, getting a sun burn, only Jan had a lesser job, he was in the engine room getting the last new pump sucking, what it refused to do, till then. (and he succeeded) Our workshop for to day was making a start sewing a sail bag. For this we used our o so beloved former large jib. Because of the total crash during our last trip, it now starts a total new live! And everybody started with a lot of energy drawing, cutting, sewing, to give it later on a personal touch. Our French deckhand/translator Sophie, who we met during the TSAC race, where she was on board the French topsail schooner, Etoile, has almost finished the bag, with some others, it will take some weeks. But then again: the wind! After it made a total round across the compass, it disappeared completely! so we decided to start the engine and to go to Wight. After, again, a beautiful sun fall and rising pink moon, many east, north, green and red buoys we dropped anchor near Ryde. This morning we, again, could enjoy a nice sun with a beautiful view, with real castles and a lot of green. A new (sun)day is waiting for us! Jeanette - Crew Tecla
TECLA - 25 September
50 54.78 N 00 46.30 It is true! For all the people who check our position, I can only say, it is true, we only crossed to the other site of the channel. To be precise, we are at anchor in Rye Bay, near Rye. A historical spot, if you think of boat building and fishery. If you want to enter the harbor of Rye, you have to pass a very dry piece of water (that means, you only can enter by high water)and a long site there, you will lay "dry". In the early days, here the wooden fishing boats where build in the mud, the shape of them are look a likes of our Dutch loggers, as the Tecla is. Now we lay at anchor again to wait for the current and , if possible, the right wind, or just: wind. All together this was not a wasted day. After breakfast and anchor up, we cleaned the ship inside, outside, as we do on cleaning day. not every body is very fond of this happening, but to make something nice of it, we baked fresh bread an cake and that smelled marvelous! And as we where drinking hot chocolate with "spekulaas" (a Dutch cookie) we decided to make the day a real holiday, swimming! According to Shahran the water temperature was 18 decrees, so why not? I my self, think that the thermometer had been to long in the sun, and to short in the bucket with water. but the joy was not less. After an ice and our delicious home made cake, everybody enjoyed this late, pleasant warm, summer day. Jeannette - Crew
TECLA - 24 september
50 54.75 N 01 39.99 E We lay at anchor at Cape Petit Blanc Nez. The corner of Europe where you can almost touch England. And where you can see that France also has white cliffs. The part where all ferries go off and on, where every time you think, how many people pass this daily o so busy crowded sailing water? So we lay with, on our port site France and at the other site England. The wind was gone and the current moved us in all directions and on this spot, that is a problem. The huge cargo ships, coming from everywhere, all have to pass this narrow spot to sail into the channel. One big traffic lane where the radio does not stop, where every boat has to give a call and tell how much and what he is carrying, how many persons on board, is the ship in good condition, are there no defects, so they get permission to enter the channel. And then I often wonder how they did it in the old days, without the radio, only flags and all without engine! That's why we wait till tomorrow to sail to the other site, so every body can see what we are doing. We hope for more wind, although the wether forecast does not say so. Today we did 3 countries in 24 hours, we had a beautiful red sunset, and a new moon was even there, our day was a success! Crew Jeannette
TECLA - 22 September
All sail are up and looking fine, the atmosphere on board is good, but our speed is not what it should be! Due a stationary high pressure area above France, we have just a little bit of wind. It is between south west and north west. Our speed at the moment is 1.7 knots and was today just 5 knots for a short time this day. Concerning the sailing , it could be better.
Our daily concerns are now the watches, sleeping, eating and the dishes. Happily the sea is much calmer, so all most every body could eat again. This afternoon, we had our first work-shop, the pin rail from the mizzen. Where are the ropes, how do you call them, how to belay and what do they do. The French, Dutch and English words where flying around, but at the end every body knew the why, where and how. Our language problem gets smaller and smaller, every body tries to understand the other, sometimes a word is mistaken, did he say mer or vert, see or glass, but after a while you understand that the lemonade is not going in to the see! At the moment we are sailing through an anchor area, the first stars get awake, we are sailing into a moonless night again. - Jeannette - Crew Tecla
TECLA - 21 September
After some internet/mail problems, we are in the air again! This journey Jet will be at home, and so will I, Jannette, try to keep every body up to date After a dutch round, IJsselmeer and Wad ( every time beautiful again the narrow canals and seals) we yesterday afternoon left Holland between Texel and Den Helder and are now sailing on the North Sea. Because of the short swell, we have a lot of sea sick persons. As the group young Swiss is now a week on board, the adventure now really started and is sea illness a part of the big adventure. We are on our way to the Island of Wight, it will take us some time, because the wind is calm, force 2 from the North West, it is dry and not really cold. We still sail next to Noord-Holland, but we hope that at the and of the day, that will change! Jeanette - Crew Tecla
TECLA - 24 August 2009
After a short stop in Portsmouth, we are now on our way for the last track towards Oostende, Belgium. In Portsmouth we met up with a Race friend of ours, Harry. We where moored alongside a very green light ship (although they are red when still in use) and he came to say hello. We also met up with one of the winners of the Baltic race, the couple that sails the Pegasus. We went to see their boat and got the grand tour. It is a very beautiful pilot cutter built for sail training.
In the morning we set out again, but there is no wind, so we are on motor. The weather has been very fine the last two days, so we just enjoyed the view of the English coast and the warm sunshine.
TECLA - 23 August 2009
We left our anchorage under sail. With mainsail, forestaysail and jib up, we first backed, then turned and then got the speed up. The water was totally calm, but the breeze was nice, so we soon got up to 6,5 knots. In the harbor entrance we met some crew members from the Funchal 500 race last year, they where on their yacht the 'stardust' and came to say hello. As we set out for Portsmouth, they set out for Plymouth. The day has been changeful, we have had rain, wind has been between south and north west, the sun is out now and the sunset promises to be very beautiful! Compared to the Atlantic Ocean, the water is so busy with traffic! Now we get the chance to explain the lights to Nele, Gael and the group, where we only met a few vessels on our big journey..
LORD NELSON - 22 August 2009
The Lord Nelson is at the moment sailing the Parade of Sail to DelfSail. As she is doing the EU exchange, she want to invite 40 Dutch people from Delfzijl to join their BBQ on the quayside tonight! So if you are interested be sure you the first on the quayside to welcome her!
Janien Scheele - Mentor!
STATSRAAD LEHMKUHL - 20-08-2009
At noon we had to muster on deck for the red watch. We had to do watch duties like look-out, bouy watch, fire watch or helmsman or just stand bye to help the permanent crew. I had to be look-out from 2 till 3 pm but nothing happened here on the North Sea so we had a quiet watch. After this we laid down on deck because it was nice weather. The wind is from the South 4 BFT and the sun is shining. All sails up! After my watch we weared the ship to a starboard tack.
Stephan Koop
STATSRAAD LEHMKUHL - 19-08-2009
I am assigned in the blue watch from 8 to 12. I think it is the most relaxed watch there is. You can see the sunrise and sunset. And this morning we did set almost all of the sails. Together with other people from the blue watch I went up into the rig to unsecure the sails. After we came down the rig, other people from my watch set the sails by pulling the halyards and the sheets.
At 12 o'clock we were relieved by the red watch, so I had some time by myself. First I went to have lunch and after that I went to the forecastle to enjoy the nice weather and to look at the ship and way she moves through the water. After diner I had to muster again at the maindeck for the 8 to
12 watch. During our watch we had to take in all of the squaresails. When they were all clewed up we had to go into the rig again to secure the sails.
We tried to get the work done before sunset but we did not manage. The last sails were secured in the dark and we were finished just at the end of our watch. It was quite exciting to do this job.
This journey will last for more than 2 days. I have a great time on board and I enjoy this experience. Fair winds to all!!
Daniel Bouwman, Abel Tasman - Nautical college Delfzijl
STATSRAAD LEHMKUHL - 17-08-2009
SETTING SAIL!
On Sunday the first part of the group trainees arrived in Bergen. After arrival of the last trainees on Monday we cast off to sea at 6 pm. In the evening we sailed through the fjords. All watches have been instructed during the evening and from 10 pm the sea watches started. During the night we left the fjords and went to sea north of Haugesund.
Now we are setting sail. The staysails were set quickly. The trainees of the blue watch go up the masts en prepare the topsails. They will be set soon.
We have nice weather. Wind is good NW 4 BFT. Everyone starts to get used to movement of the sea. A lovely day to come.
Arno Voskuilen
LORD NELSON - 12 August 2009
10 August 2009 Lord Nelson
09/08/2009 - Lord Nelson
TECLA 1 IN CLASS AND OVERALL!
09 August 2009
The race is finished! All ships are over the finish line. And just now we heard that we are 1 in our class AND over all!! We got a phone call from Holland congratulating us! The last day and a half we have been at anchor and later along a quay in Sheep Haven, near a town called Downings. Gijs and I went to get some groceries, but had to hitchhike to the next town to get the supplies we needed. I stayed behind with the dog and Gijs and Clair asked somebody for a lift. This was easily arranged! We got our stuff and they even drove us back! It was a lovely day, some of the group hiked up a mountain and the rest strolled along the beautiful beach. At night we got some visitors, relatives of Clair, and had a nice party first on board and later in the local pub! Now we are under full sail again and on our way to Ballycastle. Hope the light winds will take us there.
ALMOST FINISHED
07 August 20:57
Land ho! And 40 miles to go! Our Irish crew jumped up and down on the foredeck as we saw the first strip of land. The midday pancakes where flying through the air and all seasickness, rain and the howling wind from a few days ago where forgotten. Now the Irish music is playing on the radio (I think other cd's are not allowed anymore..) and outside (when it doesn't rain or drizzle) Irish songs can be heard guided by someone on the guitar. We are not sure yet as to what we will do after the finish, but ham sandwiches and beers are waiting for us in one of the bays near Tory Island, where the finish is. Sarah is trying to get us all t shirts after own design with the Tecla and the race on it, as soon as we have pictures, we will post/send them! Ireland here we come!
Sun! Yogaclass and Dolphins
6 august 2009 20:52
SUN!! And cleaning day! Due to the waves we had to skip a few cleaning days, but now with all the hatches open we could throw all the dirty, wet stuff out and clean the boat, bottom to top! A cd filled with love songs was playing loudly, the hallway was filled with singing Irish girls with mops, bin bags, cleaning products and the vacuum cleaner as microphone! We are still sailing down wind, now with the forestay sail on the windward side, rocking a little to much by the waves that are left off the last few days. That did not stop the yoga class from taking place though! And it certainly does not stop the dolphins from coming alongside and giving a show almost 4 times per day! Crew Tecla between Haliafx - Belfast
Dolphins playing in the waves
5 august 2009 22:39
Winds have decreased and with them the waves. So we set the mainsail with two reefs in it this morning and took the reefs out this afternoon and changed the small jib, for the big jib. The weather is still cold, grey, drizzling, but the spirits on board are good. Singing during the day watch and discussions during the night. As we set the big jib today, we where accompanied by some dolphins playing in the waves. They had some small ones with them that jumped out of the water with every breaking wave and sometimes seemed to look at us smiling. When the dishes are done we might set the topsail to keep up the speed if the wind decreases even more. - Crew Tecla between Halifax - Belfast
Home sweet home - Christian Radich
30-31 of July
Last 24 hours all ship crew and trainees all the night were on their feet. It was because of that, that there were left not very much till the end of the race, but wind was not very good for us and every minute we had to be prepared for tacking and very fast come to battle station. And in the middle of the day we have had tacked twice and in the afternoon of 30 of July we have crossed the finish line of the race. That evening the sunset was incredible. The rain was coming and we saw sun between horizon of the sea and rain clouds. It was amazing!!!! Everybody in the ship just stopped and they were enjoying of the sunset... After that has come the final results – Christian Radich in the class A – FIRST!!!!!!
After that Captain gave order to pull up the sails and last hours till we reach my hometown Klaipeda was started. In the last our watch (00.00-04.00) we were so busy that I haven't felt when all preparation jobs where finished – all night we where preparing ship for hers staying in harbor. In that watch we had nice surprise – Grete and Vivi has made pancakes in Norwegian.By the way – this night was the first night when I had possibility to feel what does it means to be in the sea when the rain has come... After interesting day and short watch we all went to sleep. An I awoke then, when I had possibility to say -”Welcome to Lithuania!” :)
Rima, number 70 Trainee Christian Radich - Turku - Klaipeda Race 2
Tecla danced up the waves
3 august 2009 23:01
We really are going towards Ireland and the weather wanted to be the first to tell us! Yesterday the barometer started dropping like in a free fall and within a few hours the winds increased up to 7bf. We had already reeved the mizzen and as we put in the reef of the main, we decided not to set it at all. Today nothing much changed. Winds are strong and waves have build up. The Tecla danced up and down the waves. During our day watch we read each other fairy tails from Ireland and ghost stories from Scotland. Although out at sea the thought of a haunted house is not as scary as when at land. - Crew Tecla between Halifax and Belfast
Sea-fever
2 august 2009 21:17 Tecla between Halifax - Belfast
After many years I found my sea poem again.
And all Tecla crew want this to be our log for this grey, wet and windy Sunday, Jannette
SEA-FEVER
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea's face and a gray dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulfs crying
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow rover,
And a quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick 's over.
BY JOHN MASEFIELD - trainee Tecla
What I expected with an Atlantic Crossing
1 august 2009 23:17 Update Tecla - between Halifax and Belfast
12,4! 12,4 knots!!! Surfing down the waves, James hanging on to the wheel and the whole watch clinging on to their seats when we hit the 12,4 knots last night. Crazy weather and enough wind to take the topsails down and still do a comfortable 9 to 10 knots and not throw people out of their bunks! Someone said 'this is what I expected with an Atlantic crossing, waves all around and strong winds'. Well the waves have decreased and the wind is down to 4 to 5 beaufort and this still feels like an atlantic crossing. We passed the halfway mark and are now making nice progress towards Ireland, still a little over 1000 miles to go. After an eventful night the ship was totally silent during the day. As we have everybody on standby for taking down the topsails and reeving, so they get their sleep while they can, now for the first time this trip, there was nobody out on deck but the watch that was on. That did not stop us from getting into all sorts of discussions and eating a whole lot of gummy bears!
Dolphins!
31 july 2009 23:28
Last night was a windless but certainly not boring night! The waves kept rocking us as we talked about what used to scare us and what still does, about banshee's in Ireland and de kinderverslinder in Holland, we talked about the shifting solar systems and stars, (why learn them if they are going to be different in 1000 years..?) and kids names (after 20 minutes somebody asked whether this was something someone thought about in advance..). During the day we saw a lot of dolphins! They where common dolphins, but there was nothing common about their playful swimming and jumping around! They stayed for some time and gave everybody a good chance for pictures. And today was also cleaning day, the ship smells nice and clean again. And as the weather is very good, all the doors and hatches are open to let the fresh air in.
A small flu is on board and it has already made a lot of victims, me included. It comes suddenly and passes quick, but the last two days I was not up for writing the blog, hopefully the flu ended with me, no new victims so far..
Jet - Tecla, between Halifax - Belfast
Waiting for Race-results
Radich Watch Up date: 8-12 Watch 30th July - between Turku and Klaipeda
This morning we awoke with nervous anticipation of what was going to happen on our watch. The previous night we learnt that we were still first in our class, and that the finish time for the race had been brought forward due to the adverse winds. As it turned out we had very little time to wait as we were waiting the tall ship behind us to tack. When she did this we tacked to cover her. And so began the endless trimming of the sails and halyards to make sure that the boat was travelling at the fastest speed possible. Once this was finally over we just had to sit and wait for the end of the race and for the commands from the captain.
This was a long wait with very little activity as the wind did not vary very much. So little trimming of the large square sails that power the tall ship along through the water was required. At 1600 the captain gathered us on the main deck an told us that we would have to wait and see what the results of the race were.
Thats why you want to join International Exchanges
8-12 watch update 29th July
We just wanted to share with you the best memories from the sunset yesterday, we climbed up to the top of the main mast where we stayed for approximately 45 minutes. The view was more than marvellous the open shimmering sea quite with no other ships on the horizon and the key to this view was the other ships on the horizon. We were watching it from the start to the finish with people sitting on the yards talking taking thousands of pictures or just in silence enjoying the end of the day from the birds view.
In the evening before the sunset we did even common titanic which means some friends at once were standing on the bowsprit.
Amazing moments that connect people. During the night we were supposed to tack, so everyone was expected to be awake and ready to do their duty with the ropes but fortunately nothing like that happened. We managed to sail within the whole night and then after quick breakfast we did the fastest tacking the captain had ever seen. Then the second after 3 min and all the tall ships were behind us. We are first now passing the light house at the end of Gotland. Lying on the foredeck practicing the winners song just in case of the event, the warms us, even if we are in half dreamy dead, because of the murderer’s game which started an hour ago. Let’s see who wins!
Trainees on board Christian Radich between Turku - Klaipeda
Last racingday at the Radich
Last Day Racing , Murder Game and outline of the next days ahead
Last night when the race results came in the Captain told us that we are still first in our class which is good to hear, we celebrated with applause and then went onto our night watches. News also followed that due to the winds and the fact that many of the ships had not yet passed GOTLAND the race would finish early so that we could grantee all of the ships were able to be in port for the events in Klaipeda
Sailing during the night was good and we had easy watches, allowing for fun and games. One game that was played was the bear game. In this game to people pretend to be PARENTS and give birth to a baby bear. However the parents have to try and stop the baby from being born, whilst the baby has to try to be born. In reality a person has to push through two people who are lying on top of each other and trying to stop the person pushing through the two of them.
Another game which started yesterday is the murder game. Chis Hirst - mentor on board Radich between Turku - Klaipeda
Halfway the ocean
31 july 2009 2:16 Log from Tecla
One would think 10 days into sailing the North Atlantic, that we would all have our personal baseballs and be firing them at some random wall a la 'Cooler King' in The Great Escape. Not so. There are moments when one needs time out - shower, sleep, bare necessities - or maybe an hour to read and catch up on one's journal. But days seem to be filled with sail, sustenance and ship management.
The elements are our master. At 8 am this morning the wind picked up suddenly which meant all hands on deck to reef the main and mizzen sails - even those who had just come off watch. Sail adjustment continued throughout the day and we just finished a short time ago putting up the main and mizzen top sails with the most beautiful sunset as a backdrop and the moon rising over the water.
The simple things are definitely to the fore - whales, dolphins, jelly fish and even the glowing algae which ignites the water at night are a daily occurrence though no less exciting or intriguing for their frequency. Delicious curries and salads courtesy of our talented chef Jet (Tecla recipe book to follow - hopefully!). Jannette's freshly baked cinnamon and raisin bread (yum yum). 'Boga' (aka boat yoga) to stretch out aching limbs. But who could forget the 'craic' - the fun and laughter on board as the crew really starts to work together and communicate with each other.
Something alchemical is happening on this beautiful ship, and although thoughts of family and friends drift towards home we still have half an ocean to cross and the excitement of the competition!
Until tomorrow. Just off to do a bit of stargazing. P-) (pirate smiley) Written by Sarah on board Tecla between Halifax - Belfast
Experience from Bermudian lady Paulina
30 july 2009 1:28
We are all getting to know our way around the ropes even at night now. The topsails went up again at day break as we oomed along at 9 knots. Neiske the dog was taken below last night, she normally is tucked behind the helm in all weathers, but last night was a treat to keep her warm. We miss her when she is not in her normal place so it's good when day breaks and up she comes. A busy ship as always, including sewing some sails, whippings, and loads of songs from the seven Irish Ship mates. The Irish can sign and play the guitar, and joke and laugh a lot. Can't imagine what it will be like to sail into their home town with them all.... Settling down for the night now, checking all the trim, will the top sails have to come down? Will the wind shift NW as predicted and we will have to tack. I think I will keep my sea boots on for a while when I go down below after my watch. Another day on Tecla and we are number one again today in our class. We hear daily about the fleet who are racing with us, but we can't see them.
Tacking, Napping and learning
29 july 2009 18:35
From Tuesday 28th July - news from the 4 - 8 Watch, Tacking, Napping and learning
We wake up at 0330 and started our watch at 0400, we saw a beautiful sunrise whilst members of the watch stood look out I had safety watch (which involves checking the ship for fires and making sure that all is well below decks). Some people from our watch made presentations about their countries, so we learnt something about Italy, Finland, Lithuania and France. After that we took a nap, then the Bosun told everyone that we we’re taking and should take our stations. Following the tack the Captain said that it went very well and that we should be happy with our current placing in the race.
Mustyna 55 - Zofia 54 - Christian radich, Race 2 Turku - Klaipeda
Nele is 100 days on board of the Tecla!
29 july 2009 0:26
Today Nele is 100 days on board of the Tecla! A small celebration and a special desert, rice pudding. She says she still remembers the start of her journey as if it where yesterday. As she was reading trough her diary she kept during this trip, she laughed about a gap during the Biscay crossing where she was sick and could not bring herself to write anything; and she misses those who have traveled with her and have become her friends. She does not yet want to think about leaving, lets leave that until we get to Belfast.
Last night we had some petrels on board. During a tack we turned on the deck lights and they came flying at it! Luckily they where fine and gone as soon as the light where turned of. During the day we did our first real workshop. We started of with the history of the Tecla and the fishing loggers of Holland and ended with a walk around the ships pointing out the ropes and sails and use of them all. It was a pleasant day. We had a small but nice breeze and the sun was actually shining! Crew Tecal - Halifax - Belfast
A night of racing, tacking and continued learning
28 Jul - 8 to 12 Watch - Day three - A night of racing, tacking and continued learning
Today we woke up at 0700 in time for breakfast. The watch started at 0800 where our first task was to tighten some of the sails. As we were so fast at this task we started to learn some of the important knots that are required for the ship.
This turned into a bit of fooling around when Chris, our mentor tied our hands together with ropes linked together like two parts of a chain. We had to try and escape from this, which led to many interesting attempts that failed.
That took even the “smartest” of us at least half an hour before we were begging for help. There was some more problem solving before we had lunch. The captain let us know that we were in first place in our class in the race, yeah!
Aleksi, Nenna, Eileen, and Konstamikko - Trainees Radich between Turku and Klaipeda
Fortunetellers in the fog
28 july 2009 0:02
The nightwatch was filled with scary stories. During the day we had discussed fortunetellers and some of the stories gave us chills down our spines, but at night we talked about pirates. Real pirates, that live now a days. The setting was perfect, it was misty, cold and the wind kept changing in direction and force. And then all of a sudden we heard a fog horn. The vessel had already come up on the radar, but hearing it gave us the creeps! It came closer and closer and seemed to come straight at us. But then at three miles it changed course and went behind us. At two and a half miles we saw their lights and silent as a big whale, they set of in a different direction. Tonight we might try and read some ghost stories to kill the time, until the wind returns. Crew tecla between Halifax and Belfast
4 to 8 watch -Steering, Climbing before breakfast
Monday, 27 July 2009 4 to 8 Watch - Steering, Climbing all before breakfast
The 4-8 watch woke up about 3.30 a.m. to get ready for our first morning watch. Everyone was sleepy and only half wake. We changed over on the main deck with the 12-4 watch, had some food from the mess. The look out went to the front of the shop for one hour before they changed. The safety watch walks around the ship twice every hour checking for any possible fire. The safety watch then changes every hour. We proceeded by climbing the mast and unpacking the main sail and afterwards we repacked it for practice. We also learnt how to set the sails and the names of some of the endless amounts of ropes. We were taught what ‘tacking’ was and how to do it as at first it seems to be quite complicated but it turns out to be rather easy. I was even allowed to steer the ship which was an amazing experience, I had to follow a course of 090 degrees which is much harder than it sounds. Finally we changed watch with the 8-12 watch on the main deck and afterwards we had a delicious breakfast. Following breakfast some people tried to get some sleep or discussed with others the different cultures they come from and the music they enjoy. At 10.30 a.m. we had a talk with the captain where everyone should be positioned when the race begins. When the race started we let down the sails and pulled on many heavy ropes. We passes the start line quite fast and now we have a good position in the race. At the moment we are surrounded de dozens of other tall ships which gives us an amazing view, plus we are always comparing our position and speed with the other ships. At the moment we are also sailing upwind which means we will be constantly beating against the wind which will require a lot of work as the boat will be frequently tacking/turning which means we have to brace/turn the yards and re-trim the sails. Luckily the weather is still very good and quite sunny. Lets hope all continues for the rest of the race!!
Joanna, Raddich between Turku and Klaipeda
The race has started
27th June - An update from the 12 - 4 Watch - The Race has started
The race has started!
Yesterday we left Turku and sailed out to sea. I was starting to feel afraid about sea sickness, but what can I say now...I feel not very bad, but not very good at all!
Today in the morning 3.00-4.00 I was doing look-out. It was amazing!!!!! I had a possibility to see, how the sun was raising up and the new day was coming.
After a few hours of sleep, we all were woken up, because we had to cross the starting line. A lot of tall ships were around us and in the short breaks after doing some trainee jobs we had the possibility to enjoy the beautiful (again :) ) view around us.
In our watch time we had our instructor briefing about our position at sea, an interesting lesson about knot’s and...how to pull up and pull down the sails. They all are very huge and they look very, very nice from inside the ship and the from outside.
After some time, the captain was doing a briefing, where he said, that we have crossed line as he expected and we all are very happy about this!
Now we have some free time, I think I use it for sweet afternoon sleep...because everybody from the crew is saying, that for the next few days will not have a lot of possibilities to do it.. :)
Rima, number 70 - Radich between Turku and Klaipeda
Update from the 12-4 watch
The 26 June - an update from the 12 - 4 watch
It's been quite a day today at Christian Radich and we haven´t even finished for for today!
This morning we got our last good nights sleep as we started the real work today, which meant dividing us into three watches. From now on there´s going to be hammocks hanging from the ceiling every hour of the day with grumpy, tired people inside them who have given their best in keeping the amazing ship in action, clean and safe.
We started the day with important themes like safety on board. The experienced crew also took us through a quick history of Christian Radich and explained the whole function of the ship. The trainees went through an evacuation exercise and we got to try on A-class life jackets and survival suits. At 12 o´clock we finally left Turku and millions of waving hands as enthusiastic viewers by the river Aura and on the islands wished us safe winds. Harriet said she felt like a celebrity waving back at them.
After the meal I was to overcome my worst fear: the fear of heights. The trainees got to climb up the rigging one by one and hang on top of the yard waiting for the others to reach it too. I think it must have been one of the most frightening experiences of my life! I kept going on with tears in my eyes and tried to manage my shaking feet. Afterwards I felt proud of what I had achieved and everyone else seemed to have enjoyed the exercise as well :).
I´m now waiting for my 12 to 4 watch to start and listen to the snoring from the hammocks as the trainees prepare themselves for a long night. Excited...
-Viivi, number 68 - Radich, between Turku and Klaipeda
Raceday at the Radich
Race Day - Updates from the 8 - 12
Today is the starting day for the race. Everybody was excited from the early morning, good weather then not too strong winds, good words from the captain which encouraged us to do out best to prepare all of the sails and get ready for the start line.
I was so lucky to have the 8 – 12 watch which allowed me to help with setting the sails – it was more than awesome to be one of the few at the top of the masts and while working to enjoy the other ships which were close to us.
Everyone was getting closer to the start line, we couldn’t be too fast, just not to cross the line before the mid day start, but also we wanted to be very close to the start time even if we had an 20 minute start window – this we managed!
It was much greater than I even expected crossing the start line at 12:02:30 seems more then perfect doesn’t it? The whole crew took part in setting the sails and pulling on the ropes (even the cook) then with the great time, speed and big smiles we could take thousands of pictures of the others who were BEHIND US !
These memories will be in my mind forever - what a spectacular event!
So many huge ships with all sails set – so close to each other, all trying to be the first across the line.
Well, the direction of the wind is not the best for Christian Radich now, but we will do our best to keep the first place. There is a lot to do over the next few days and nights but we have to remember also that the most important thing is the good atmosphere of the event – so keep your fingers crossed for the Christian Radich and her international crew.
With the sailors greeting AHOY - AGNES (From Poland) 32 Radich between Turku - Klaipeda
Leaving Turku feeling like a VIP
We left Turku around noon. It was amazing how many people were on the shore waving to us. The sea was full of small boats following us from all around and you could see tall masts of ships across the horizon. Even the president of Finland was there giving her greetings! I have never felt this famous before.
The first lunch onboard was such a thrilling experience: bread, raspberry jam, and Norwegian got cheese…yummy!! The most terrifying moment in my whole life was when we were supposed to climb up the mast. I have never been so afraid of heights before especially when we looked down onto the rolling waves although the support of the other trainees and the crew kept me alive. Climbing back down onto the deck was a lot easier than climbing up, and next time I might climb ‘even’ higher.
I had my first watch at 4pm. My special duty was to look out across the horizon for possible danger objects such as other large boats, buoys and fishing nets. If you spot something you have to ring an old-fashioned bell in order to warn the helmsman at the stern of the ship. We also learned to coil ropes and how to brace the yards (turn them).
We completed a lot of training so that we would be well prepared for the race tomorrow and win again!!
Johanna, Finland - Samu, Finland, Radich between Turku and Klaipeda
Sunday beer at Tecla
27 july 2009 0:21
Sunday dinner is just over. We all had one beer, one special Sunday beer, and later on maybe a Sunday cigar for those who want to smoke. Today was a calm day. Last night was when the exiting stuff happened. First at 10 pm the sheet of the topsail broke, which meant it had to come down. In the morning the of going watch discovered a small gap in the mainsail so, that had to come down. And so again after lunch we pulled up the (repaired) mainsail and the topsail. We have lost the gulfstream. The water is now 14.5 degrees celcius.. brrr!! Outside is not to cold, a bit damp, but very nice when the sun comes out. So nice that there was a yoga class going on on the main deck, and even in the rolling seas it was relaxing, or so I heard.. Crew Tecla - between Haliafx and Belfast
From the 8 - 12 Watch - Day 2 Radich
26 July 09 - From the 8 - 12 Watch - Day 2
After a breakfast brunch we had emergency stations and fire drills and it was funny to see everyone trying to put on the lifejackets.
We left the port with the help of a Finish tug boat named “Fart” to the cheers of the crowd, and along with the rest of the Tall Ships 2009 Baltic Fleet left the fabulous host post of Turku. Sounding a salute to the city we were all nearly deafened by the ship’s horn.
We were then shown around the ship and told about the rules of the ship. In the afternoon we had our first climb up the rigging, which for some was a very emotional experience, but great fun none the less. This was done to the sound of trumpets and the waving of the boats around us – making this an experience you never forget. The watch system also started with a gentle breaking in, including an introduction to the sails and the watches already starting to get competitive – at the time of posting this message we have just 30 minutes before we start our first watch ! Trainees at Christian Radich, Race 2 Turku - Klaipeda
From the 8 - 12 Watch - Day 1 Radich
25 July 09 - From the 8 - 12 Watch - Day 1
Arrived at the Christian Radich in the morning all very nervous. We were shown where we were to sleep in hammocks. This came with a very amusing introduction and demonstration of how to get into a hammock, which was filmed much to consternation of out mentor. We then squeezed our kit into our lockers and then given some free time to wonder round. We walked around the boats which took along time to do since there are so many boats taking part in the event. We came back in time for dinner, which was followed by some get-to-know-each-other games. We then had some free time to explore the nearby pubs. Our mentor enjoying them slightly too much and not coming onboard till the early hours of the morning. Some found the hammocks slightly uncomfortable but others had a good long sleep. - Trainees Radich Race 2 Turku - Klaipeda
Ripped Sail and flying fish
26 july 2009 0:19
After all our efforts last night, in the end, the sail ripped.. on a seam. As it was already getting dark and the wind decreased again, which left us with only rocking waves, we decided to repair the sail in the morning. So this afternoon we hoisted up the mainsail again as the wind picked up and now we are on the move and rocking and rolling again! Not surprising that we lost our first place today, but we still are 2 in class and 3 over all. Slowly everybody is finding their place on board and in the group. Due to the waves we do have some seasick on board, but they are not giving in! We saw some flying fish today and some birds, but other then that, the water is pretty empty. Crew Tecla - between Halifax - Belfast
Sailhandling!
25 july 2009 1:41
Today's title should be 'sailhandeling!'. Last night the wind picked up, there where a lot of showers around and waves where building up. At the end of the watch we decided to take away the topsails with two watches. Topsails down and the Tecla was still doing an average of 8 knots close hauled. At 10 am I got woken up to help take the big jib down and the small jib up. During the day watch the wind increased a little more and we decided to reef the mainsail. But after we did that, the wind decreased... until it was totally gone and we where rolling all over the place. So we took the reef out and put the big jib up again. During dinner the wind picked up again and after dinner we took the big jib down again and put the small jib up again, put a reef in the main sail and pulled it all back up again! This time the wind stayed!! Downstairs the crew is organizing a sort of song contest/Tecla's got talent. There are some very beautiful voices on board and all sorts of talents, who knows what it will bring. - Crew Tecla between Halifax and Belfast
It begins! Christian Radich International Exchange
24 july 2009 13:09
Early Friday morning I flew out from London Heathrow bound for the Finish city of Turku, one of five host ports for this summer’s Tall Ships Race, managed by Sail Training International (www.sailtraininginternational.org).
Upon arrival I join the Norwegian Tall Ship Christian Radich to compete, hopefully winning, the second race leg for this year’s tall ships race. Joining me are over fifty young people from a variety of different countries, all brought together through an international exchange organised by ATSEA Sail Training.
Over the course of the race, when ever we have signal posts will be published to this blog giving you updates about life aboard Christian Radich and what activities we have been up to ! - Chris Hirst - on his way to Christian Radich where tomorrow about 70 trainees will board for an International Exchange
Birthday during a Atlantic Crossing
24 july 2009 0:05
Today was my birthday. At midnight I came on watch and they had decorated the whole chart/comm room!! They sang for me, but I could only appreciate it after my second cup of coffee. This morning the next watch sang for me and during the day they backed cakes for me. So all together a very nice birthday at sea!! My watch this morning seemed a birthday gift, strong winds, beautiful sail and a speed up to 11 knots, and just a little (read very much) bit wet with rain. Wind changed from direction and then from strength, to almost non existent.. to bad.. But now in the evening we are on the move again. We are still in the gulfstream with saragosa seeds (sorry if I write this wrong) floating all around us. These are sea plants that look like branches from a small bush that have been dropped in the water. Jet - Tecla between Halifax and Belfast
Whales in the fog
23 july 2009 0:09
Second day at sea and finally, after 24 hours, the fog lifted. The sailing today has been great, we got a nice speed going on and the sea is still very flat. We lost our first place in our class to the Jolie Brise today and are now second in class and over all. But we are not in Belfast yet! Today we have seen whales, even in the fog we could hear them and then Nele, who was on lookout at the front, saw one very close by. It came up a few times and then disappeared in the fog. During the night watch the lookout reported all sorts of strange things, like monkeys, and even a penguin... so at first I did not believe her, but then I heard it breathing! We are measuring the temperature of the water to see if we have hit the gulfstream yet, so far the temperature has gone up a little, but it is still around 20 degrees celsius (68F). So not there yet... Crew Tecla between Halifax - Belfast
Fog and talk about starts and tamagoshi's
22 july 2009 0:10
Thick fog, that is what we are in. We had such a nice view of the Capitan Miranda and the Jolie Brise and now they are gone into the fog. Last night was our first night watch. Clare said that as she wrote in her diary about the night watch, she realized how many different things we had talked about, from stars to tamagoshi's and robots, from politics to relationships through the internet and the cyberworld so far away from this boat right now. And so outside it was no problem staying awake, but inside (during the explanation about the navigational area) one of our new crew members had difficulty keeping her eyes open! And we had still another hour to go! The day started with a lot of rain! Fat drops kept coming out of the sky and the wind died out. Then the wind picked up again, died out again and then came the fog... We can hear the Capitan Miranda on the radio, but further more there is no traffic near us. Lets hope the wind will pick up soon and the fog will disappear. - Crew Tecla between Halifax - Belfast
Start of Race to Belfast
New crew on board, ready to leave
13 july 2009 3:48
New crew is on board. We had a nice dinner out side and everybody is finding his or her way around the ship now. the weather is great! Last night the skies seemed to open up and water just kept on pooring out. There was a party on the Pride of Baltimore which got very cosy as we all had to group together underneath the deckcover. There was some nice music and the rain most certainly did not get our spirits down. Tomorrow morning we will be leaving for Halifax at about 08:30 local time. Our board computer crashed and so we will not be able to use our email on board so that means NO updates for the next few days. But I will update all when we get to Halifax! - Crew Tecla
Pricegiving!
12 july 2009 2:57
Today was pricegiving day. It was in a small park some miles away from where the Tecla is docked, so we got a ride on one of the fast boats. We got splashed pretty badly, but it was fun seeing the fleet from the water and to get refreshed as it has become nice and warm here!! Some of our old crew have left now and some of the new crew is arriving. Tomorrow is the real boarding day, then we are compleet again with 16 trainees!! The Crew party yesterday was short and not very interesting, but we had a nice afterparty on the Tecla and went to bed early, which was a very good idea! Crew Tecla/ Boston
Shop till you dropp
We are in Boston and yesterday was shopping day, today is shopping day and probably tomorrow as well.. Last night it was Crew party in Cheers, a pub owned by the owner of the cafe which appears in Cheers the series.
We had had Pizza for dinner as we are right smack in the middle of an Italian neighbourhood. And we had pizza when we came back from the crew party and we had pizza for breakfast, by now I have had enough pizza!
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 08:19:36 0100 - Crew Tecla in Boston (Trans Atlantic Challenge)
Have a look at start Race 1 Baltic
Have a look at the parade of sail before the start in Gdynia: www.youtube.com/watch
Boston here we come!
7 july 2009 3:24
We finished!! After a long time without wind, the wind finally picked up and the last 13 miles where crossed within 5 hours. This morning when there was no wind, we had a spectacular sighting of whales! All around us there where whales hunting, jumping, coming up with their heads, flapping their tales and most of all just being very big!! The water was almost totally calm, but there where at least 10 whales around us making waves. At one point one came up to the Tecla and was at a distance of maybe 20 meters, it splashed its tale once and went under. It was such an amazing sight!! Really unforgettable! Now we are in Gloucester harbour. It is very beautiful here! Tonight we celebrate being in harbour and tomorrow we go on to Boston! - Crew Tecla
We saw a shark today!
Not finished yet. We hit some light winds and are currently doing 3,5 knots, which is frustrating as we can see land, and almost the point where our finish is, but we are not getting there very fast.. We had a lazy Sunday today. Calm weather and a warm sun for those who wanted to read a book outside or just chatter away. We saw a shark today! And a lot of dolphins. We are in the gulf of Maine and all around us we see yachts who seem to be in a race. It is nice to see so many boats around on a beautiful evening like this, with their colourful foresail's. There is a little fog coming from land, it promises to be another splendid sunset! - Crew Tecla ( - close to Boston)
Rumcake, Vanilla Cake and Fresh Chocolate
5 july 2009 6:39
We have rounded wp 2 today and are realizing that this race might be coming to an end soon.. On the one hand you hope to be there soon, on the other end, it means no more sailing and saying goodbye to some people who have become dear friends. But lets not think of that yet! Today was cake day! We ate the last bit of the rumcake from Bermuda (thank you chelsea!) and Gijs and Gael made some fresh chocolate and vanilla cake under the instructions of Loes. Besides that we saw some dolphins who did not stay for to long and we are very happy with our new friends the storm Petrel. They are very small seabirds that hang around the boat and dip their feet in water every now and then.. It is not that hot any more, so I don't know why they would do that.. At night (right now..) it is even a bit cold and our thermals have come out of the closet again, I don't mind, during the day it is still very warm in the sun! Jet - Crew Tecla
We ended up in a calm totally without wind!
4 july 2009 0:55
Last night we were preparing for some bad weather, thunderclouds where all around us and we heard from other vessels that they had had a lot of wind. We already had the topsails down and made the deck ready. But no wind came.. we ended up in a calm totally without wind.. strange. So this morning as the breeze picked up again, we set the topsails and low and behold we saw the Urania right next to us. Nele and I did a game of twenty questions during the night, and where I could guess Gaels drumsticks, I could not come up with Frodo from the lord of the Rings. I say I was just very tired and needed coffee! And we both came to the conclusion that we have not had any singing on the aft deck for some time now, maybe tonight is a good night to start again. In tune and all together: Why do you fill my up (fill me up), buttercup darling when you let me down (let me down)! - Crew Tecla (between Charleston and Boston)
Record of miles per watch!
3-07-2009 3:07
Smokingggggg!! Last night we set our record of miles per watch! We did 43 miles in the 00 to 04 watch!! Amazing! But everybody in this race seems to be doing very well and going very fast! Just now we tried to set the topsail again after gybing. We knew it would be tough with a lot of wind, so we used jumplines (small ropes around the sail to keep it together when you pull it up and when you pull on the sheet side of the topsail the lines come of and the sail sets itself) but the jumplines came of in a swing with a wave and so we tried to set it without the ropes.. but it was to much, so we took the sail down again. Without topsail we are still very fast and it was a nice exercise! - Crew Tecla
Like a rocket!
02 July 2009 01:18
Like a rocket! We like the gulf stream! We are doing 9.1 knots with a fine breeze and beautiful weather! Today was cleaning day, after cleaning the decks we left the saltwater running over the deck for some time to cool it down. The dog liked that too. With her feet in the water and almost a smile on her face she stood in the shade. In Charleston we brought our mainsail to the sailmaker to repair the small holes in the sail and restitch some of the old seems. Last night we had a short calm with flapping sails all over the place and already one of the repairs of the holes got loos.. waves and no wind is just not funny!! But the rest of the patch is still holding so we did not have to get the sail down. Luckily! - Crew Tecla
We caught a fresh fish!
24 June 2009 00:32
Today we finally caught a fish! Bit we threw it back in the water again. It was a Dolphin fish. And as we are almost in Charleston (;)) and where in the middle of our dinner, we thought it a waste to kill it and not eat it.. It was very big and put up a pretty good fight! Our trainee from Belgium, Gael, hauled her in and with that deserved an applause! During the day the white watch backed an apple pie which was gone within minutes! It said Tecla 1, because that is what we still where today. We keep on meeting wind calms, so we do not know what tomorrow will bring... Crew Tecla
Beautiful sunset at 21.30 BT
23 June 2009 00:15
Midsummernight was a succes. We started of with a beautiful sunset at 21:30 BT and after that told our midsummermurder stories. They where creative and fun, and a little scary. There were flying fishes that snatched away cookies that had caused wars, there where love proposals in a dinghy interrupted by a furies person from the Tecla (further names shall not be named, BooBoo) because she needed the dinghy to get to her love and she was assisted by the captain of the MV Butterfly... etc etc! After that we did some broodje aap games and then went to bed. But helaas, not everybody was able to sleep quietly as the mainsail ripped during a period of no wind and crazy waves.. So today was spend repairing the sail and we hope to pull it up later this evening. - Crew Tecla
We saw a coconut drifting today!
21 June 2009 00:11
We lost our first position to the Pride of Baltimore. It is a very exciting race, with switching places in real positions and on corrected time. So maybe we will be back in the front before long. Today we did a workshop about fire and what procedures to go through at a door and when extinguishing a small fire. Further more we did some games, mastermind was very exciting and after that some sea battles where fought. We saw a coconut drifting today, so the gulf stream can not be far away anymore! - Crew Tecla between Bermuda - Charleston
Well it is hot on board again
22 June 2009 00:59
Well it is hot again!! We have put up all sorts of wind catchers to get some fresh air in. And as long as this breeze keeps up, we will be doing fine. Last night our jib halliard broke so we had to do without jib for a few hours before it got light and we could bring up a new halliard. This was just as the wind was easing down a little and we thought we had had the worst of the expected strong winds. Today bugs landed on the Tecla, so we know we are getting closer to land. Tonight is midsummersnight! Longest day, shortest night! We are doing a theme night, first midsummersmurder storytelling and after that midsummersgames. It is to hot to sleep anyway!
The shipsdog is eating home backed dogbiscuit!
18 June 2009 00:09
Its nice out here! It is still warm, but less humid, sleeping is easier for us Europeans now!! The seasick are all better and everybody is getting into the rithme and routine on board. The compass is polished (Jessica (NL) and Stefan (NL) offered to do so as it looked horrible after the rain of the last few days!), a group of people is doing dishes out on the deck and a group is downstairs doing dishes. The dog has had her first home backed dogbiscuit!
She loved it! - Crew Tecla
Showers, shifting winds and bananas
17 June 2009 00:47 Race Bermuda - Charleston
Strong winds prevailed during the night, a lot of showers and shifting winds to go with that. Now the wind is gone again.. we are drifting and rocking as we have done for so many days during the last race. We have just heard the Europa on the VHF saying they have wind, so we are preparing to tack and hoping that the wind will reach us soon as well. We are number one in our class and over all! That was reason for a celebration, so we had banana 'vla' again! But now we are out of vla, so we will have to make banana bread the next time we have to celebrate and get rid of the Banana's.
Crew Tecla
Start Race to USA exciting!
16 June 2009 01:55
The start was exciting! We are with so many more ships and we actuallyy had
wind, a lot! Even before we had started we had already changed sails three
times! The waves are uncomfortably short, we have some seasick, but they
take it very well! Some people of the group that brought us to Bermuda are
still on board. As their legs are already shaken in, they are doing very
well. The old crew is being missed, after 29 days you get used to peoples
ways and voices, it is strange to not have them here. But with the new crew
we have new things to talk about, new stories to exchange! New adventures
and places to explore!
Crew Tecla
Start of the Race Bermuda - Charleston exciting!
16 June 2009 01:55
The start was exciting! We are with so many more ships and we actuallyy had
wind, a lot! Even before we had started we had already changed sails three
times! The waves are uncomfortably short, we have some seasick, but they
take it very well! Some people of the group that brought us to Bermuda are
still on board. As their legs are already shaken in, they are doing very
well. The old crew is being missed, after 29 days you get used to peoples
ways and voices, it is strange to not have them here. But with the new crew
we have new things to talk about, new stories to exchange! New adventures
and places to explore!
Crew Tecla
Whale Jumped out of the water twice!
08 June 2009 21:13
Wind has turned against us and increased a little.. Our speed went down and the waves went up! We hope to reach Bermuda somewhere in the night, but are not sure if we are going to enter the harbour in the dark. Today we saw a whale! It was 200 meters away and jumped out of the water twice! This was definitely the best sighting we have had so far. As it came out of the water and landed on the water it made a real big splash and 20 seconds later it jumped again. We also saw two Bermudan Longtail's (birds). Some of the crew felt straight at home at the sight of the bird. They stayed with us for a while, swaying their long tail and gliding through the air like a welcome to Bermuda.
Crew Tecla
Tecla close to Bermuda
07 June 2009 20:56
We just hit the 200 miles mark, we are now technically in Bermuda! Or Bermudan waters at least. Spirits are high and we hope to be in Bermuda tomorrow night. Nele our German trainee is getting a lesson in English
(female) literature, she is reading Jane Eyer, and is about to see the movie Emma, after the book emma of Jane Austen. We ate Oma Macaroni, which is a specialty macaroni of my grandmothers and all together we tried to write a Tecla song for the Crew parade about all the different nationalities on board. So today was a very international day. Further more, there is not much news to report. The wind has picked up, but from the wrong direction, so we are sailing almost right into it, but it makes the sun less hot! We saw some birds, some flying fish, a boat and a rain shower past a stern of us. As is daily life on the Tecla.
Jolie Brise first place, Tecla second!
02 June 2009 21:56 Message from Tall Ship Tecla
We came in second.. it must have been very close! Harry came back at 15:15 UTC with the announcement that the results would be a little late. By that time al of us already gathered around the radio, to hear what he had to say, so we where a bit disappointed! Then at 15:45 (or something) he came back with the announcement that the results of the last vessel had just been reported and that the race director would come back to us "shortly"..
Finally at 17:00 UTC the results came back, Jolie Brise one, Tecla two..
arg!!! In the meantime nobody dared to go to the toilet, put on a bathing suit (because we where going to go swimming after the results) or even get a drink, until the results came back! We opened the Lambrousco wine to celebrate and shot the corks as far as we could, just to leave a part of us behind on the spot we had finished (as we had not moved since the finish, due to no wind!). So now the motor is turned on, we just had dinner and tomorrow is another day.. hopefully with some wind so that we don't have to motor all the way to Bermuda!
Tecla a winner!
01 June 2009 20:53
We are number one again! The rest seems to have no wind, and we at least some..! Today was cleaning day and making up our inventory regarding fresh food and cookies! We cleaned outside and just as we finished spraying the deck we saw some whales/dolphins. We could not really decide on which, it was between a pilot whale and a sort of dolphin, but in the end they both are a sort of large dolphin anyway.. They seemed to have been sunbathing as they lingered at the surface. And we talked to the Bark Europa today! Through the HF we had contact for a while. They where enjoying a steady trade wind and doing a lot of miles per day. They will try and keep in contact with us and race control, but during the coming schedule we could not reach them anymore. It was really cool to all of a sudden hear a Dutch voice and a familiarly name calling us!
Update form the TSAC
27 May 2009
Hello there!
Race positions remain unchanged from yesterday’s report with Jolie Brise (UK) maintaining the lead overall on corrected time. In second place is Tecla (Netherlands), with Kruzenshtern (Russia) in third and Spirit of Bermuda in fourth. The leading Class D on corrected time continues to be Urania (Netherlands) with Xsaar (Belgium) in second, Peter von Danzig (Germany) in third and Rona II (UK) in fourth.
On the water, Peter von Danzig remains the leader with Spirit some 75 nautical miles behind and looking to be closing the gap again. Urania is still in third and Jolie Brise in fourth. The fleet are keeping fairly close together with just 430 miles between the leader and the back markers.
All are making fairly good time in the east-south-east 7 knot winds and are on target to reach Bermuda before the beginning of the festivities on 11 June. Should this not look likely at any time, the Race Committee, who are constantly monitoring the fleet’s progress, will shorten the race to enable all to get to port in time. This is not likely to happen for some time and even if they choose to do so, as long as all the vessels are still racing their projected finish times will be taken into account and they will be eligible for a placing.
The news from Peter von Danzig today is that they are enjoying light winds with lots of sun and have just eaten a very good meal of fresh tuna, caught by their watchleader an hour before! They are watching whales passing and also enjoying deck showers, all of which is making for a fairly happy party boat at the moment.
Tecla!
24 May 2009 21:47
Update:
Today was a rest day, no workshops, no maintenance, a real sunday! During the afternoon we did however do some excersises (lead by Loes) to keep our muscles and mind busy and in shape. Hilariously jumping around on one leg and hip shakes as practice for dancing during the parties on Bermuda! The blinddate game set up by the Jolie Brise is really getting a grip on our crew. 6 crew members of ours have already been matched to crewmembers of the Jolie Brise, Xsaar, Belle Poule, Etoile and the Urania! Now we not only await the 15:15 comm schedule for the placings (we are still number 2!), but now also to know who is matched to who! Today we had a day off from the Banana's as well, tomorrow I am making Jelly as desert, with banana's!
Jet Tecla
News from the Tecla!
37'07.7 N 012'12.7 W 18:30 UTC
We are still on a roll! With some lighter winds the waves have decreased a little, and we don't mind! All that rocking and heavy steering is fun for a while, but not for to long! We have 550 miles to go to the finish and are almost on course straight for Tenerife! The weather is fine, some clouds, sun and about 18 degrees! And what everybody would like to know of course, our position in the race.. Well that is another story.. They put the Kruzenshtern in the B class (this is a very large square rigged vessel with almost 300 cadets..) and now he is first in our class and first over all..
we are second in our class and second over all.. So actually this is first place..! We will do all we can to get our first place back!
Jet
Crew onboard the Tecla
News from the TSAC!
"we hebben de sokken er goed in" is what we say in dutch, which would translate as "we have got the socks in good".. Or maybe better to say, we are on a roll!! With waves in every direction you look and a wind that has veered from NW to NNE we are currently on a number one position in our class and 2 over all in the race!! Of course it is to early to say anything about the rest of the race, but we did the 'wave' on our aft deck! We altered course this afternoon and are on a postside tack, which seems to agree better with the crew. We have some sick on board, but after a day they are getting better and better. Will let you know more when there is news to tell!
The Tecla
Underway from Vigo - Tenerife
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TECLA - 19 october
42 46.86 N 009 03.39 N The barbecue was a success. Close to a little island and a beach on the south, we first went for a swim, some even did the distance from ship to beach, 300 meters! After that, we loaded the little boat with full with barbecue,eating's and drinking. Happily there was a lot of wood laying around, so we could make a camp fire, because after the amazing beautiful sunset, it was really very cold. First there came the hamburgers, sticking to the roaster of the barbecue, but after that,m we had perfect gamba’s, spareribs, champions/vegetables spies and a tuna macaroni salad. The sausages and mais in fresh cheese where too much, so they where our lunch for the next day. A pity, that we had to sail so early the next day, Sunday, 08.00 hours anchor up, and more awfully was the wind, it stayed away, all day. So we took our little papers, with on one site the English and the other site the French words, for all the names of ropes, sails, knots etc on board, to rehearse where and what every thing on board is and why. A day on motor, is not a nice day, so we dropt anchor in the bay near Muros. A fisher town. Laying up a hill, with narrow alleys, steel balconies, narrow stairs full of moss and fern. A pity that you see a lot of stinking fish farms in this bay. . Today, we had a south westerly wind, the radio says 8 beaufort.it means, we wait till tomorrow, there will be a north westerly wind (so say our grib files) And so we were able to celebrate Sophie's 25 birthday!!!!exuberantly. With lots of balloons, a kind of hat, self made by the group of the old jib, with everybody's wishes, T-shirt, flowers and many kisses, in Holland we kiss three times, times fourteen is……..a Spanish kind of port, a region cheese, a land wine and a true ham with bone, cut thin and this all cheered up by four, dressed as women, young men. Tomorrow we have an early start again, 08.00 hours breakfast, 09.00 hours, little boat on deck, anchor up and 10.00 hours, hopefully with a north westerly wind, on our way to Vigo. Jeannette - Crew Tecla
TECLA - 17 october
3 21.728 N 008 14.671 W Because of the high pressure over England, the areas around the high, have a lot of wind. So we had a day of 7 to 9 beau fort of wind. And even our protected bay was white! The anchor watch was exciting, with every gust the ship seems to move. On the gps we see a speed of 0.6 knots, but our position on the electronic map and our bearings on the harbor lights luckily stay the same. Our Swiss group, "La Brigantine", has next to the sailing an own study and working program, so this day was a day of evaluation and new study and work goals. At the end of the day ashore with the dingy , a real challenge with the swell in the bay, enjoying the sun and beach. From home (Jet) we hear that the Race of the Classics Young Professionals has started with an easterly wind 2 or 3 . Ipswich is their goal and Loes, who puts all the logbooks on our site, tells us that the first night frost is observed in Holland! On our weather maps we see the low pressure areas coming again, this time bigger size and also tracking more south. We decide Friday to reef all the sails to go on our way to La Coruna, to round the Cape de Finisterre before the west winds will take over. A beautiful sail again, along the coast with its rocks, golden sand beaches and white villages. Now we are at berth at the fishery quay in the marina of Fontan, near Sada, 30 minutes with bus from La Coruna. This means no anchor watch! Football next to the ship, a night sleeping for everybody. Also the hair are cut, some even totally shaved! Now we will have to go to the warmth and sun! Today is a day of shopping and cleaning the ship, this afternoon: beach and barbecue, so we can leave for Vigo, tomorrow. Jeanette - Crew Tecla
TECLA - 14 october
43 39.312 N 08 04.030 W Ria de Cedeira, a little bit east of La Coruna, north Spain, there we are now at anchor. Yesterday, at the end of the afternoon, we sailed in. With an increasing easterly wind and with a speed of 11 knots , at the end, we came rolling towards the coast. 11 Knots mains for the Tecla: reducer sail! And that was a hard job, so near to our goal. The wether forecast did say already for some time gale force 8 near the cape of Finisterre, well, they where right ,there was a lot of wind, just before entering the harbor. It is, as if the wind is influenced by water and land and "funnel", something we experienced on the Canary Islands a lot, all of a sudden a lot of wind, without a changing of weather, clouds or barometer. The coast line is steep, with a lot of pine tree woods. There are mountain goats and it looks rather unexplored. As we sail between the rocks, we enter a very sheltered basin, at the mouth of the dry river the Cedeira, there is a new breakwater to keep the swell as less as possible. In the harbor you find the typical Spanish colorful fishing boats, most of them trawlers, nets behind the ship, and many little fishing boats at anchor. There are no pleaser crafts, the tourist season is over. Here, Jan and I have been wandering around in 1981, from bay to bay, from terrace to terrace. There is a lot changed in all those years, the fishing boats are bigger, steel, no wood anymore and less colorful, the harbors are bigger, on the beaches you will not find boats anymore, but sunbathers, along the white beach arise big buildings for the tourists, which are happily not here at the moment. But as we are sitting on a terrace, enjoying a drink and the sun, we notice that the most valuable thing of Spain, still exists: the living together on the street! Marvelous! A lot of children of different ages on a square, with their mothers (a few fathers, we are early, it was 17.00 hours), grand mothers and fathers, every body talking or playing with everybody, young and old, great! I could watch this for hours. But tomorrow we are hopping one bay more west. Crew Jeannette
TECLA - 11 oktober
47 54.610 W 005 23.856 W A week later already. What did we do? We did visit Dartmouth, with a veering southeast wind. It is always very impressive to sail in to the narrow entrance of this harbor with on both sites little castles. And then the widening with on both sites colorful houses on the hill sites. Because of the nasty wind outside and the wrong direction, southwest 7 to 8, we gave us some time to enjoy this beautiful spot a little longer. So after visiting the tourist office, we started. With the train (steam)a little Devon round,( did you know Agathe Christy lived here?)walking along the coast, the museum, playing football in the park, every body had a good time! And after the weather forecast showing us, Ireland struggling with a new low, this time a piece of tropical storm, we decide to make one last stop in England,Falmouth, before we make our way to Spain and sun over the Bay of Biscay! In Falmouth the broken hand is examined by a doctor, the big shopping's done, also diesel and fresh water, the jib boom steel welled, the last night in town and the internet of course and so we where all ready for the longer sail. We left England under a beautiful star sky with milky way, and our poem is in my head again, because this is why we do it, this is so beautiful, the wind, the singing of the ship, all sails up, a little bit of the wind, all watches on their post, a north westerly wind, speed between 6 and 9.8 knots, a little bit of drizzle (at the moment) this is IT! Jeanette - Crew Tecla
TECLA - 4 october
49 40.1N 002 40.9 W - On the way again. We had some delay, but now we are sailing again. On Alderney, one of our youngsters was going to make to best picture ever, but he forgot that he was standing on a steep rock 7 meters high. Well, as he did one step backwards, it was all most fatal! Result: one complicated broken boon in his hand and a big cut in his arm. The first one they put an iron pin in and the cut was sewed. As on Alderney the doctor who could do all this repairing was not present, he was flying ( with one of the little planes) to Guernsey. After a stay of almost 2 days in the hospital, he is back again, and that he did not fall on his mouth, we knew, as he told every body 10 times and more (and no body complained) the whole story again, and the nicest sentence, among the quick French, was: You where lucky! That was what every body had said to him a thousand times! And to day, Sunday, cleaning day (we had to do it before leaving) he already had the vacuum cleaning job on him, and he did well! Cleaning day is also indulge day. So together we bake an apple pie. And because we where all ready baking, we also baked a focaccia (bread) with little tomatoes. By seeing all this food, especially the ham I was cooking, they youngsters did not want to leave the kitchen any more. And when I told them, that today was animal day, the 4th of October, so the ham was mend to be for Nyske, they all came to tell me, that it was a lot of ham, for just one dog, and animal day, I just invented, in France and Swiss they never heard of it! For all the not Dutch Tecla logbook readers, celebrate animal day with your pet, on the 4th of October, just do something extra, like a long beach walk! And forget about the ham, it is of course not healthy for a dog. And now we are on our way to Dartmouth, the town on the mouth of the river Dart. Leaving on sail, was perfect, but after that, the wind left us again, with the engine a little bit more than “stand by” because of the swell, we sail into the night, looking for the promised wind, south east 4 or 5....... Crew Jeannette
TECLA - 1 october
49 27.07 N 002 31.77 W - Today we hopped one island more south, we are now on Guernsy. With the wind, a northerly 3 bft, a rolling see, we went , with a speed between 3.6 and 9 knots, all sails up, in 4.5 hours time, from anchor spot to anchor spot. We are laying a little bit south of the main port, St. Peter Port, Havelet Bay. Our view is the town, castle "Cornet", a white beach and out at sea , many small islands, like Herms and Sark. On Guernsy you find beautiful big houses, more castles, huge churches, neat flower beds between roads, flower full artistic steel bus stop waiting benches, I get the feeling, they are and were rich on Guernsy. Tomorrow we have to find out how they became this rich. Today we only did some shopping's and did not find a tourist office yet. The people on the street are very reserved, and seem to be in a hurry. The end of a busy tourist season? The sailing around the Channel Islands with this weather, today was T-shirt temperatures, is holidays, the mood on board also! Setting sail and take them down again, is going more and more smooth. Every body found her/his place between the ropes, so going at anchor on sail is easy now. And for all the Nyske fans, we are not completely sure she can go off, so we will have to find the immigration office tomorrow, to find out if she is allowed. - Jeannette - crew Tecla
TECLA - 30 september
And we succeeded! On sail, we arrived on Alderney. The most northerly island of the Channel Islands, about 8.36 miles or 11.61 km offshore France. An Island where you can be married within six days, where they have their own president and government, where you find tax free shops and it does not belong to the EU?! But than again, it is oh so typical English. With its gardens, houses and flower curtains. It is now a very quiet island. Most of the ferry's don't sail any more, so the only possibility is, to take the little airplane from one of the bigger islands. Or you do like we did. You take your boat, sail , with an average speed of 6 knots , with the current, in 14 hours, during a cloudless, but also starry - and half moon night, nicely from Yarmouth to Alderney. Last night we dropt anchor at 03.30 local time, had a beer, and if you did not have anchor watch, in to bed. So this morning we where a little bit late with breakfast, and to go out and explore the island. We are till now very lucky with the weather! Again it was a sunny, dry and windless day. So after the breakfast some youngsters had to have a swim of the ship. And of course a perfect day for the Tecla crew to do some little jobs like, greasing the fore stay, cleaning the engine room, do some rope works and of course the never ending laundry and drying. Tecla was one big wash flag! Only Nyske - the shipsdog -was totally unhappy. No dogs and cats allowed, they officially have to stay in the ship, behind doors, that was too much , so she was on the deck. But it was horrible for her, to see the dingy, with its perfect running new motor, leave the ship, with out her. Tomorrow we sail to Geurnsy ( about 20 miles or 36.5 km) and as we read it, dogs are welcome ashore! Crew Jeannette
TECLA - 29 september
The Sunday was bringing us a lot of sun, no wind, a day of enjoying the Isle of Wight. The only exciting moment was, when the outboard motor refused to start and we all had to row! Luckily we have 4 peddles on board! So Monday was the day to go for a new spark plug. That is why we are now along site in Yarmouth harbor. A little village at the end of the Solent, where the ferry's go on and of to Southhampton, Lymington,Porthmouth. A typically holiday village, with the a bit older walk/bath guest. Every body knows every body, so you are instantly a well known person, the harbor master asked us immediately where we came from, , so late in the season, other years we where much earlier! It is so nice every time to come home a little bit, on so many different places! The Monday was filled with taking in fresh water, replace some lockers of the peak halyard, shopping's, crossing with the shop trolley, the big bed washing in the laundry, the search for a new spark plug and waiting for a person to fix the engine again who would be there "in a minute"! But no. This morning Jan en Gijs went to Cowes, to look for a real dealer of outboard motors who either can help us with a spark plug or an other motor, because this one refuses lately more often. And when we are on the channel islands , where we want to go this afternoon,we will need it every day to go ashore, because of the strong current., where it is impossible to row against. This moment, the wind is still a sleep, but we hope for a 4 a 5 bft from the north west, experts tell us. (Gijs just phoned, they bought a new one!) - Crew Jeannette
P.s. By leaving the harbor, we met John Catt in his little boat, the photographer who made a story on the Race of the Classics onboard the Tecla, this spring, for the magazine Classic Boat: www.tallshipsandsmallships.com
TECLA - 27 September
50 44. 39 N 01 11.65 W. Ryde Roads. We arrived! It is not something to be very proud of, but we are anchored at the north side of the Isle of Wight. Yesterday the day started beautiful and very promising. A great sunset, sails up at 08.00 o'clock, inclusive the topsails, anchor up, a northerly wind, force 3 bft and so we started a our day with a speed of 4.6 knots. After breakfast with pancakes and a weather forecast saying wind northerly 3 or 4, it should be a beautiful sunny sailing day. Sailing near the white cliff coast line was surely "top" enjoying! Everybody was doing little works, a bit of fishing, repairing the stay stairs, bread baking, getting a sun burn, only Jan had a lesser job, he was in the engine room getting the last new pump sucking, what it refused to do, till then. (and he succeeded) Our workshop for to day was making a start sewing a sail bag. For this we used our o so beloved former large jib. Because of the total crash during our last trip, it now starts a total new live! And everybody started with a lot of energy drawing, cutting, sewing, to give it later on a personal touch. Our French deckhand/translator Sophie, who we met during the TSAC race, where she was on board the French topsail schooner, Etoile, has almost finished the bag, with some others, it will take some weeks. But then again: the wind! After it made a total round across the compass, it disappeared completely! so we decided to start the engine and to go to Wight. After, again, a beautiful sun fall and rising pink moon, many east, north, green and red buoys we dropped anchor near Ryde. This morning we, again, could enjoy a nice sun with a beautiful view, with real castles and a lot of green. A new (sun)day is waiting for us! Jeanette - Crew Tecla
TECLA - 25 September
50 54.78 N 00 46.30 It is true! For all the people who check our position, I can only say, it is true, we only crossed to the other site of the channel. To be precise, we are at anchor in Rye Bay, near Rye. A historical spot, if you think of boat building and fishery. If you want to enter the harbor of Rye, you have to pass a very dry piece of water (that means, you only can enter by high water)and a long site there, you will lay "dry". In the early days, here the wooden fishing boats where build in the mud, the shape of them are look a likes of our Dutch loggers, as the Tecla is. Now we lay at anchor again to wait for the current and , if possible, the right wind, or just: wind. All together this was not a wasted day. After breakfast and anchor up, we cleaned the ship inside, outside, as we do on cleaning day. not every body is very fond of this happening, but to make something nice of it, we baked fresh bread an cake and that smelled marvelous! And as we where drinking hot chocolate with "spekulaas" (a Dutch cookie) we decided to make the day a real holiday, swimming! According to Shahran the water temperature was 18 decrees, so why not? I my self, think that the thermometer had been to long in the sun, and to short in the bucket with water. but the joy was not less. After an ice and our delicious home made cake, everybody enjoyed this late, pleasant warm, summer day. Jeannette - Crew
TECLA - 24 september
50 54.75 N 01 39.99 E We lay at anchor at Cape Petit Blanc Nez. The corner of Europe where you can almost touch England. And where you can see that France also has white cliffs. The part where all ferries go off and on, where every time you think, how many people pass this daily o so busy crowded sailing water? So we lay with, on our port site France and at the other site England. The wind was gone and the current moved us in all directions and on this spot, that is a problem. The huge cargo ships, coming from everywhere, all have to pass this narrow spot to sail into the channel. One big traffic lane where the radio does not stop, where every boat has to give a call and tell how much and what he is carrying, how many persons on board, is the ship in good condition, are there no defects, so they get permission to enter the channel. And then I often wonder how they did it in the old days, without the radio, only flags and all without engine! That's why we wait till tomorrow to sail to the other site, so every body can see what we are doing. We hope for more wind, although the wether forecast does not say so. Today we did 3 countries in 24 hours, we had a beautiful red sunset, and a new moon was even there, our day was a success! Crew Jeannette
TECLA - 22 September
All sail are up and looking fine, the atmosphere on board is good, but our speed is not what it should be! Due a stationary high pressure area above France, we have just a little bit of wind. It is between south west and north west. Our speed at the moment is 1.7 knots and was today just 5 knots for a short time this day. Concerning the sailing , it could be better.
Our daily concerns are now the watches, sleeping, eating and the dishes. Happily the sea is much calmer, so all most every body could eat again. This afternoon, we had our first work-shop, the pin rail from the mizzen. Where are the ropes, how do you call them, how to belay and what do they do. The French, Dutch and English words where flying around, but at the end every body knew the why, where and how. Our language problem gets smaller and smaller, every body tries to understand the other, sometimes a word is mistaken, did he say mer or vert, see or glass, but after a while you understand that the lemonade is not going in to the see! At the moment we are sailing through an anchor area, the first stars get awake, we are sailing into a moonless night again. - Jeannette - Crew Tecla
TECLA - 21 September
After some internet/mail problems, we are in the air again! This journey Jet will be at home, and so will I, Jannette, try to keep every body up to date After a dutch round, IJsselmeer and Wad ( every time beautiful again the narrow canals and seals) we yesterday afternoon left Holland between Texel and Den Helder and are now sailing on the North Sea. Because of the short swell, we have a lot of sea sick persons. As the group young Swiss is now a week on board, the adventure now really started and is sea illness a part of the big adventure. We are on our way to the Island of Wight, it will take us some time, because the wind is calm, force 2 from the North West, it is dry and not really cold. We still sail next to Noord-Holland, but we hope that at the and of the day, that will change! Jeanette - Crew Tecla
TECLA - 24 August 2009
After a short stop in Portsmouth, we are now on our way for the last track towards Oostende, Belgium. In Portsmouth we met up with a Race friend of ours, Harry. We where moored alongside a very green light ship (although they are red when still in use) and he came to say hello. We also met up with one of the winners of the Baltic race, the couple that sails the Pegasus. We went to see their boat and got the grand tour. It is a very beautiful pilot cutter built for sail training.
In the morning we set out again, but there is no wind, so we are on motor. The weather has been very fine the last two days, so we just enjoyed the view of the English coast and the warm sunshine.
TECLA - 23 August 2009
We left our anchorage under sail. With mainsail, forestaysail and jib up, we first backed, then turned and then got the speed up. The water was totally calm, but the breeze was nice, so we soon got up to 6,5 knots. In the harbor entrance we met some crew members from the Funchal 500 race last year, they where on their yacht the 'stardust' and came to say hello. As we set out for Portsmouth, they set out for Plymouth. The day has been changeful, we have had rain, wind has been between south and north west, the sun is out now and the sunset promises to be very beautiful! Compared to the Atlantic Ocean, the water is so busy with traffic! Now we get the chance to explain the lights to Nele, Gael and the group, where we only met a few vessels on our big journey..
LORD NELSON - 22 August 2009
The Lord Nelson is at the moment sailing the Parade of Sail to DelfSail. As she is doing the EU exchange, she want to invite 40 Dutch people from Delfzijl to join their BBQ on the quayside tonight! So if you are interested be sure you the first on the quayside to welcome her!
Janien Scheele - Mentor!
STATSRAAD LEHMKUHL - 20-08-2009
At noon we had to muster on deck for the red watch. We had to do watch duties like look-out, bouy watch, fire watch or helmsman or just stand bye to help the permanent crew. I had to be look-out from 2 till 3 pm but nothing happened here on the North Sea so we had a quiet watch. After this we laid down on deck because it was nice weather. The wind is from the South 4 BFT and the sun is shining. All sails up! After my watch we weared the ship to a starboard tack.
Stephan Koop
STATSRAAD LEHMKUHL - 19-08-2009
I am assigned in the blue watch from 8 to 12. I think it is the most relaxed watch there is. You can see the sunrise and sunset. And this morning we did set almost all of the sails. Together with other people from the blue watch I went up into the rig to unsecure the sails. After we came down the rig, other people from my watch set the sails by pulling the halyards and the sheets.
At 12 o'clock we were relieved by the red watch, so I had some time by myself. First I went to have lunch and after that I went to the forecastle to enjoy the nice weather and to look at the ship and way she moves through the water. After diner I had to muster again at the maindeck for the 8 to
12 watch. During our watch we had to take in all of the squaresails. When they were all clewed up we had to go into the rig again to secure the sails.
We tried to get the work done before sunset but we did not manage. The last sails were secured in the dark and we were finished just at the end of our watch. It was quite exciting to do this job.
This journey will last for more than 2 days. I have a great time on board and I enjoy this experience. Fair winds to all!!
Daniel Bouwman, Abel Tasman - Nautical college Delfzijl
STATSRAAD LEHMKUHL - 17-08-2009
SETTING SAIL!
On Sunday the first part of the group trainees arrived in Bergen. After arrival of the last trainees on Monday we cast off to sea at 6 pm. In the evening we sailed through the fjords. All watches have been instructed during the evening and from 10 pm the sea watches started. During the night we left the fjords and went to sea north of Haugesund.
Now we are setting sail. The staysails were set quickly. The trainees of the blue watch go up the masts en prepare the topsails. They will be set soon.
We have nice weather. Wind is good NW 4 BFT. Everyone starts to get used to movement of the sea. A lovely day to come.
Arno Voskuilen
LORD NELSON - 12 August 2009
Today we all wake up early to get the anchor up and go in to the Kielerchanel. The pilots are coming on board and we need to go to the lock. It takes about 7-8 hours to go through.
After happy hours we have assistant climbed for people who need extra help with climbing and also the people in a wheelchair had to go up to the first platform. Micheal (DE) is smiling when he is above and wants to stay all day. Sam (IR) really enjoys it as well and this is the first time he is so high above ‘sea level’ (except from being in a plane) Around 10 people are helping to hoist him up in the mast and afterwards everybody tells they enjoyed it really much.
Today it is German day so a good day. Nice bread with cheese and ham, for lunch potatoes-soup and meat, for dinner potatoes, meat and purple vegetables. For dessert: wow, apfelstrudel! The cook (Gerry) really did his best today and made very good stuff. They also gave a German course (gutenmorgen – good morning / es war mir ein vergnugen – it is me a pleasure) Lukasz gave a presentation about the city he lives (Olm, close to Munchen) and Johannes told some more about Rostock and the places he likes in his city/industries/shipbuilding etc.
The murder game already started today. Somebody can be killed if you get 3 things together. (Name/murder weapon/place) Janine was killed with a teddy bear to the mainmast and she was the first one, just one minute after the game started.
10 August 2009 Lord Nelson
All the other big Tall Ships who were besides us left yesterday evening so we are alone now in the harbour. In the morning we were really busy with all drills on board and evacuation in emergencies. Ali(2nd mate) tells us about the emergency evacuation routes & muster stations. Afterwards the bell rings and we have to find the musterstation and get a lifejacket. Afterwards we have to climb up the rigg,
Eavan (Ireland) tells us she is not the biggest fan to go aloft but she made it!
It is Toms (NL) birthday today. So the cook made a cake and we sang in 3 different languages.
Name: Janine, Netherlands
09/08/2009 - Lord Nelson
Now we have arrived in the port of Warnemunde, Rostock. After looking forward to the voyage for weeks we are now about to start. In the evening we got introduced to our watch and our watchleader and where among many other things told about safety on board and we are starting to learn about sailing and those practical things which have to be done. It is a challenge to be around this many people and nationalities.
Trainee: Johanne, Denmark,
Port: Rostock, 25 -30 degrees, sunny
TECLA 1 IN CLASS AND OVERALL!
09 August 2009
The race is finished! All ships are over the finish line. And just now we heard that we are 1 in our class AND over all!! We got a phone call from Holland congratulating us! The last day and a half we have been at anchor and later along a quay in Sheep Haven, near a town called Downings. Gijs and I went to get some groceries, but had to hitchhike to the next town to get the supplies we needed. I stayed behind with the dog and Gijs and Clair asked somebody for a lift. This was easily arranged! We got our stuff and they even drove us back! It was a lovely day, some of the group hiked up a mountain and the rest strolled along the beautiful beach. At night we got some visitors, relatives of Clair, and had a nice party first on board and later in the local pub! Now we are under full sail again and on our way to Ballycastle. Hope the light winds will take us there.
ALMOST FINISHED
07 August 20:57
Land ho! And 40 miles to go! Our Irish crew jumped up and down on the foredeck as we saw the first strip of land. The midday pancakes where flying through the air and all seasickness, rain and the howling wind from a few days ago where forgotten. Now the Irish music is playing on the radio (I think other cd's are not allowed anymore..) and outside (when it doesn't rain or drizzle) Irish songs can be heard guided by someone on the guitar. We are not sure yet as to what we will do after the finish, but ham sandwiches and beers are waiting for us in one of the bays near Tory Island, where the finish is. Sarah is trying to get us all t shirts after own design with the Tecla and the race on it, as soon as we have pictures, we will post/send them! Ireland here we come!
Sun! Yogaclass and Dolphins
6 august 2009 20:52
SUN!! And cleaning day! Due to the waves we had to skip a few cleaning days, but now with all the hatches open we could throw all the dirty, wet stuff out and clean the boat, bottom to top! A cd filled with love songs was playing loudly, the hallway was filled with singing Irish girls with mops, bin bags, cleaning products and the vacuum cleaner as microphone! We are still sailing down wind, now with the forestay sail on the windward side, rocking a little to much by the waves that are left off the last few days. That did not stop the yoga class from taking place though! And it certainly does not stop the dolphins from coming alongside and giving a show almost 4 times per day! Crew Tecla between Haliafx - Belfast
Dolphins playing in the waves
5 august 2009 22:39
Winds have decreased and with them the waves. So we set the mainsail with two reefs in it this morning and took the reefs out this afternoon and changed the small jib, for the big jib. The weather is still cold, grey, drizzling, but the spirits on board are good. Singing during the day watch and discussions during the night. As we set the big jib today, we where accompanied by some dolphins playing in the waves. They had some small ones with them that jumped out of the water with every breaking wave and sometimes seemed to look at us smiling. When the dishes are done we might set the topsail to keep up the speed if the wind decreases even more. - Crew Tecla between Halifax - Belfast
Home sweet home - Christian Radich
30-31 of July
Last 24 hours all ship crew and trainees all the night were on their feet. It was because of that, that there were left not very much till the end of the race, but wind was not very good for us and every minute we had to be prepared for tacking and very fast come to battle station. And in the middle of the day we have had tacked twice and in the afternoon of 30 of July we have crossed the finish line of the race. That evening the sunset was incredible. The rain was coming and we saw sun between horizon of the sea and rain clouds. It was amazing!!!! Everybody in the ship just stopped and they were enjoying of the sunset... After that has come the final results – Christian Radich in the class A – FIRST!!!!!!
After that Captain gave order to pull up the sails and last hours till we reach my hometown Klaipeda was started. In the last our watch (00.00-04.00) we were so busy that I haven't felt when all preparation jobs where finished – all night we where preparing ship for hers staying in harbor. In that watch we had nice surprise – Grete and Vivi has made pancakes in Norwegian.By the way – this night was the first night when I had possibility to feel what does it means to be in the sea when the rain has come... After interesting day and short watch we all went to sleep. An I awoke then, when I had possibility to say -”Welcome to Lithuania!” :)
Rima, number 70 Trainee Christian Radich - Turku - Klaipeda Race 2
Tecla danced up the waves
3 august 2009 23:01
We really are going towards Ireland and the weather wanted to be the first to tell us! Yesterday the barometer started dropping like in a free fall and within a few hours the winds increased up to 7bf. We had already reeved the mizzen and as we put in the reef of the main, we decided not to set it at all. Today nothing much changed. Winds are strong and waves have build up. The Tecla danced up and down the waves. During our day watch we read each other fairy tails from Ireland and ghost stories from Scotland. Although out at sea the thought of a haunted house is not as scary as when at land. - Crew Tecla between Halifax and Belfast
Sea-fever
2 august 2009 21:17 Tecla between Halifax - Belfast
After many years I found my sea poem again.
And all Tecla crew want this to be our log for this grey, wet and windy Sunday, Jannette
SEA-FEVER
I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a gray mist on the sea's face and a gray dawn breaking.
I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulfs crying
I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow rover,
And a quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick 's over.
BY JOHN MASEFIELD - trainee Tecla
What I expected with an Atlantic Crossing
1 august 2009 23:17 Update Tecla - between Halifax and Belfast
12,4! 12,4 knots!!! Surfing down the waves, James hanging on to the wheel and the whole watch clinging on to their seats when we hit the 12,4 knots last night. Crazy weather and enough wind to take the topsails down and still do a comfortable 9 to 10 knots and not throw people out of their bunks! Someone said 'this is what I expected with an Atlantic crossing, waves all around and strong winds'. Well the waves have decreased and the wind is down to 4 to 5 beaufort and this still feels like an atlantic crossing. We passed the halfway mark and are now making nice progress towards Ireland, still a little over 1000 miles to go. After an eventful night the ship was totally silent during the day. As we have everybody on standby for taking down the topsails and reeving, so they get their sleep while they can, now for the first time this trip, there was nobody out on deck but the watch that was on. That did not stop us from getting into all sorts of discussions and eating a whole lot of gummy bears!
Dolphins!
31 july 2009 23:28
Last night was a windless but certainly not boring night! The waves kept rocking us as we talked about what used to scare us and what still does, about banshee's in Ireland and de kinderverslinder in Holland, we talked about the shifting solar systems and stars, (why learn them if they are going to be different in 1000 years..?) and kids names (after 20 minutes somebody asked whether this was something someone thought about in advance..). During the day we saw a lot of dolphins! They where common dolphins, but there was nothing common about their playful swimming and jumping around! They stayed for some time and gave everybody a good chance for pictures. And today was also cleaning day, the ship smells nice and clean again. And as the weather is very good, all the doors and hatches are open to let the fresh air in.
A small flu is on board and it has already made a lot of victims, me included. It comes suddenly and passes quick, but the last two days I was not up for writing the blog, hopefully the flu ended with me, no new victims so far..
Jet - Tecla, between Halifax - Belfast
Waiting for Race-results
Radich Watch Up date: 8-12 Watch 30th July - between Turku and Klaipeda
This morning we awoke with nervous anticipation of what was going to happen on our watch. The previous night we learnt that we were still first in our class, and that the finish time for the race had been brought forward due to the adverse winds. As it turned out we had very little time to wait as we were waiting the tall ship behind us to tack. When she did this we tacked to cover her. And so began the endless trimming of the sails and halyards to make sure that the boat was travelling at the fastest speed possible. Once this was finally over we just had to sit and wait for the end of the race and for the commands from the captain.
This was a long wait with very little activity as the wind did not vary very much. So little trimming of the large square sails that power the tall ship along through the water was required. At 1600 the captain gathered us on the main deck an told us that we would have to wait and see what the results of the race were.
Thats why you want to join International Exchanges
8-12 watch update 29th July
We just wanted to share with you the best memories from the sunset yesterday, we climbed up to the top of the main mast where we stayed for approximately 45 minutes. The view was more than marvellous the open shimmering sea quite with no other ships on the horizon and the key to this view was the other ships on the horizon. We were watching it from the start to the finish with people sitting on the yards talking taking thousands of pictures or just in silence enjoying the end of the day from the birds view.
In the evening before the sunset we did even common titanic which means some friends at once were standing on the bowsprit.
Amazing moments that connect people. During the night we were supposed to tack, so everyone was expected to be awake and ready to do their duty with the ropes but fortunately nothing like that happened. We managed to sail within the whole night and then after quick breakfast we did the fastest tacking the captain had ever seen. Then the second after 3 min and all the tall ships were behind us. We are first now passing the light house at the end of Gotland. Lying on the foredeck practicing the winners song just in case of the event, the warms us, even if we are in half dreamy dead, because of the murderer’s game which started an hour ago. Let’s see who wins!
Trainees on board Christian Radich between Turku - Klaipeda
Last racingday at the Radich
Last Day Racing , Murder Game and outline of the next days ahead
Last night when the race results came in the Captain told us that we are still first in our class which is good to hear, we celebrated with applause and then went onto our night watches. News also followed that due to the winds and the fact that many of the ships had not yet passed GOTLAND the race would finish early so that we could grantee all of the ships were able to be in port for the events in Klaipeda
Sailing during the night was good and we had easy watches, allowing for fun and games. One game that was played was the bear game. In this game to people pretend to be PARENTS and give birth to a baby bear. However the parents have to try and stop the baby from being born, whilst the baby has to try to be born. In reality a person has to push through two people who are lying on top of each other and trying to stop the person pushing through the two of them.
Another game which started yesterday is the murder game. Chis Hirst - mentor on board Radich between Turku - Klaipeda
Halfway the ocean
31 july 2009 2:16 Log from Tecla
One would think 10 days into sailing the North Atlantic, that we would all have our personal baseballs and be firing them at some random wall a la 'Cooler King' in The Great Escape. Not so. There are moments when one needs time out - shower, sleep, bare necessities - or maybe an hour to read and catch up on one's journal. But days seem to be filled with sail, sustenance and ship management.
The elements are our master. At 8 am this morning the wind picked up suddenly which meant all hands on deck to reef the main and mizzen sails - even those who had just come off watch. Sail adjustment continued throughout the day and we just finished a short time ago putting up the main and mizzen top sails with the most beautiful sunset as a backdrop and the moon rising over the water.
The simple things are definitely to the fore - whales, dolphins, jelly fish and even the glowing algae which ignites the water at night are a daily occurrence though no less exciting or intriguing for their frequency. Delicious curries and salads courtesy of our talented chef Jet (Tecla recipe book to follow - hopefully!). Jannette's freshly baked cinnamon and raisin bread (yum yum). 'Boga' (aka boat yoga) to stretch out aching limbs. But who could forget the 'craic' - the fun and laughter on board as the crew really starts to work together and communicate with each other.
Something alchemical is happening on this beautiful ship, and although thoughts of family and friends drift towards home we still have half an ocean to cross and the excitement of the competition!
Until tomorrow. Just off to do a bit of stargazing. P-) (pirate smiley) Written by Sarah on board Tecla between Halifax - Belfast
Experience from Bermudian lady Paulina
30 july 2009 1:28
We are all getting to know our way around the ropes even at night now. The topsails went up again at day break as we oomed along at 9 knots. Neiske the dog was taken below last night, she normally is tucked behind the helm in all weathers, but last night was a treat to keep her warm. We miss her when she is not in her normal place so it's good when day breaks and up she comes. A busy ship as always, including sewing some sails, whippings, and loads of songs from the seven Irish Ship mates. The Irish can sign and play the guitar, and joke and laugh a lot. Can't imagine what it will be like to sail into their home town with them all.... Settling down for the night now, checking all the trim, will the top sails have to come down? Will the wind shift NW as predicted and we will have to tack. I think I will keep my sea boots on for a while when I go down below after my watch. Another day on Tecla and we are number one again today in our class. We hear daily about the fleet who are racing with us, but we can't see them.
Tacking, Napping and learning
29 july 2009 18:35
From Tuesday 28th July - news from the 4 - 8 Watch, Tacking, Napping and learning
We wake up at 0330 and started our watch at 0400, we saw a beautiful sunrise whilst members of the watch stood look out I had safety watch (which involves checking the ship for fires and making sure that all is well below decks). Some people from our watch made presentations about their countries, so we learnt something about Italy, Finland, Lithuania and France. After that we took a nap, then the Bosun told everyone that we we’re taking and should take our stations. Following the tack the Captain said that it went very well and that we should be happy with our current placing in the race.
Mustyna 55 - Zofia 54 - Christian radich, Race 2 Turku - Klaipeda
Nele is 100 days on board of the Tecla!
29 july 2009 0:26
Today Nele is 100 days on board of the Tecla! A small celebration and a special desert, rice pudding. She says she still remembers the start of her journey as if it where yesterday. As she was reading trough her diary she kept during this trip, she laughed about a gap during the Biscay crossing where she was sick and could not bring herself to write anything; and she misses those who have traveled with her and have become her friends. She does not yet want to think about leaving, lets leave that until we get to Belfast.
Last night we had some petrels on board. During a tack we turned on the deck lights and they came flying at it! Luckily they where fine and gone as soon as the light where turned of. During the day we did our first real workshop. We started of with the history of the Tecla and the fishing loggers of Holland and ended with a walk around the ships pointing out the ropes and sails and use of them all. It was a pleasant day. We had a small but nice breeze and the sun was actually shining! Crew Tecal - Halifax - Belfast
A night of racing, tacking and continued learning
28 Jul - 8 to 12 Watch - Day three - A night of racing, tacking and continued learning
Today we woke up at 0700 in time for breakfast. The watch started at 0800 where our first task was to tighten some of the sails. As we were so fast at this task we started to learn some of the important knots that are required for the ship.
This turned into a bit of fooling around when Chris, our mentor tied our hands together with ropes linked together like two parts of a chain. We had to try and escape from this, which led to many interesting attempts that failed.
That took even the “smartest” of us at least half an hour before we were begging for help. There was some more problem solving before we had lunch. The captain let us know that we were in first place in our class in the race, yeah!
Aleksi, Nenna, Eileen, and Konstamikko - Trainees Radich between Turku and Klaipeda
Fortunetellers in the fog
28 july 2009 0:02
The nightwatch was filled with scary stories. During the day we had discussed fortunetellers and some of the stories gave us chills down our spines, but at night we talked about pirates. Real pirates, that live now a days. The setting was perfect, it was misty, cold and the wind kept changing in direction and force. And then all of a sudden we heard a fog horn. The vessel had already come up on the radar, but hearing it gave us the creeps! It came closer and closer and seemed to come straight at us. But then at three miles it changed course and went behind us. At two and a half miles we saw their lights and silent as a big whale, they set of in a different direction. Tonight we might try and read some ghost stories to kill the time, until the wind returns. Crew tecla between Halifax and Belfast
4 to 8 watch -Steering, Climbing before breakfast
Monday, 27 July 2009 4 to 8 Watch - Steering, Climbing all before breakfast
The 4-8 watch woke up about 3.30 a.m. to get ready for our first morning watch. Everyone was sleepy and only half wake. We changed over on the main deck with the 12-4 watch, had some food from the mess. The look out went to the front of the shop for one hour before they changed. The safety watch walks around the ship twice every hour checking for any possible fire. The safety watch then changes every hour. We proceeded by climbing the mast and unpacking the main sail and afterwards we repacked it for practice. We also learnt how to set the sails and the names of some of the endless amounts of ropes. We were taught what ‘tacking’ was and how to do it as at first it seems to be quite complicated but it turns out to be rather easy. I was even allowed to steer the ship which was an amazing experience, I had to follow a course of 090 degrees which is much harder than it sounds. Finally we changed watch with the 8-12 watch on the main deck and afterwards we had a delicious breakfast. Following breakfast some people tried to get some sleep or discussed with others the different cultures they come from and the music they enjoy. At 10.30 a.m. we had a talk with the captain where everyone should be positioned when the race begins. When the race started we let down the sails and pulled on many heavy ropes. We passes the start line quite fast and now we have a good position in the race. At the moment we are surrounded de dozens of other tall ships which gives us an amazing view, plus we are always comparing our position and speed with the other ships. At the moment we are also sailing upwind which means we will be constantly beating against the wind which will require a lot of work as the boat will be frequently tacking/turning which means we have to brace/turn the yards and re-trim the sails. Luckily the weather is still very good and quite sunny. Lets hope all continues for the rest of the race!!
Joanna, Raddich between Turku and Klaipeda
The race has started
27th June - An update from the 12 - 4 Watch - The Race has started
The race has started!
Yesterday we left Turku and sailed out to sea. I was starting to feel afraid about sea sickness, but what can I say now...I feel not very bad, but not very good at all!
Today in the morning 3.00-4.00 I was doing look-out. It was amazing!!!!! I had a possibility to see, how the sun was raising up and the new day was coming.
After a few hours of sleep, we all were woken up, because we had to cross the starting line. A lot of tall ships were around us and in the short breaks after doing some trainee jobs we had the possibility to enjoy the beautiful (again :) ) view around us.
In our watch time we had our instructor briefing about our position at sea, an interesting lesson about knot’s and...how to pull up and pull down the sails. They all are very huge and they look very, very nice from inside the ship and the from outside.
After some time, the captain was doing a briefing, where he said, that we have crossed line as he expected and we all are very happy about this!
Now we have some free time, I think I use it for sweet afternoon sleep...because everybody from the crew is saying, that for the next few days will not have a lot of possibilities to do it.. :)
Rima, number 70 - Radich between Turku and Klaipeda
Update from the 12-4 watch
The 26 June - an update from the 12 - 4 watch
It's been quite a day today at Christian Radich and we haven´t even finished for for today!
This morning we got our last good nights sleep as we started the real work today, which meant dividing us into three watches. From now on there´s going to be hammocks hanging from the ceiling every hour of the day with grumpy, tired people inside them who have given their best in keeping the amazing ship in action, clean and safe.
We started the day with important themes like safety on board. The experienced crew also took us through a quick history of Christian Radich and explained the whole function of the ship. The trainees went through an evacuation exercise and we got to try on A-class life jackets and survival suits. At 12 o´clock we finally left Turku and millions of waving hands as enthusiastic viewers by the river Aura and on the islands wished us safe winds. Harriet said she felt like a celebrity waving back at them.
After the meal I was to overcome my worst fear: the fear of heights. The trainees got to climb up the rigging one by one and hang on top of the yard waiting for the others to reach it too. I think it must have been one of the most frightening experiences of my life! I kept going on with tears in my eyes and tried to manage my shaking feet. Afterwards I felt proud of what I had achieved and everyone else seemed to have enjoyed the exercise as well :).
I´m now waiting for my 12 to 4 watch to start and listen to the snoring from the hammocks as the trainees prepare themselves for a long night. Excited...
-Viivi, number 68 - Radich, between Turku and Klaipeda
Raceday at the Radich
Race Day - Updates from the 8 - 12
Today is the starting day for the race. Everybody was excited from the early morning, good weather then not too strong winds, good words from the captain which encouraged us to do out best to prepare all of the sails and get ready for the start line.
I was so lucky to have the 8 – 12 watch which allowed me to help with setting the sails – it was more than awesome to be one of the few at the top of the masts and while working to enjoy the other ships which were close to us.
Everyone was getting closer to the start line, we couldn’t be too fast, just not to cross the line before the mid day start, but also we wanted to be very close to the start time even if we had an 20 minute start window – this we managed!
It was much greater than I even expected crossing the start line at 12:02:30 seems more then perfect doesn’t it? The whole crew took part in setting the sails and pulling on the ropes (even the cook) then with the great time, speed and big smiles we could take thousands of pictures of the others who were BEHIND US !
These memories will be in my mind forever - what a spectacular event!
So many huge ships with all sails set – so close to each other, all trying to be the first across the line.
Well, the direction of the wind is not the best for Christian Radich now, but we will do our best to keep the first place. There is a lot to do over the next few days and nights but we have to remember also that the most important thing is the good atmosphere of the event – so keep your fingers crossed for the Christian Radich and her international crew.
With the sailors greeting AHOY - AGNES (From Poland) 32 Radich between Turku - Klaipeda
Leaving Turku feeling like a VIP
We left Turku around noon. It was amazing how many people were on the shore waving to us. The sea was full of small boats following us from all around and you could see tall masts of ships across the horizon. Even the president of Finland was there giving her greetings! I have never felt this famous before.
The first lunch onboard was such a thrilling experience: bread, raspberry jam, and Norwegian got cheese…yummy!! The most terrifying moment in my whole life was when we were supposed to climb up the mast. I have never been so afraid of heights before especially when we looked down onto the rolling waves although the support of the other trainees and the crew kept me alive. Climbing back down onto the deck was a lot easier than climbing up, and next time I might climb ‘even’ higher.
I had my first watch at 4pm. My special duty was to look out across the horizon for possible danger objects such as other large boats, buoys and fishing nets. If you spot something you have to ring an old-fashioned bell in order to warn the helmsman at the stern of the ship. We also learned to coil ropes and how to brace the yards (turn them).
We completed a lot of training so that we would be well prepared for the race tomorrow and win again!!
Johanna, Finland - Samu, Finland, Radich between Turku and Klaipeda
Sunday beer at Tecla
27 july 2009 0:21
Sunday dinner is just over. We all had one beer, one special Sunday beer, and later on maybe a Sunday cigar for those who want to smoke. Today was a calm day. Last night was when the exiting stuff happened. First at 10 pm the sheet of the topsail broke, which meant it had to come down. In the morning the of going watch discovered a small gap in the mainsail so, that had to come down. And so again after lunch we pulled up the (repaired) mainsail and the topsail. We have lost the gulfstream. The water is now 14.5 degrees celcius.. brrr!! Outside is not to cold, a bit damp, but very nice when the sun comes out. So nice that there was a yoga class going on on the main deck, and even in the rolling seas it was relaxing, or so I heard.. Crew Tecla - between Haliafx and Belfast
From the 8 - 12 Watch - Day 2 Radich
26 July 09 - From the 8 - 12 Watch - Day 2
After a breakfast brunch we had emergency stations and fire drills and it was funny to see everyone trying to put on the lifejackets.
We left the port with the help of a Finish tug boat named “Fart” to the cheers of the crowd, and along with the rest of the Tall Ships 2009 Baltic Fleet left the fabulous host post of Turku. Sounding a salute to the city we were all nearly deafened by the ship’s horn.
We were then shown around the ship and told about the rules of the ship. In the afternoon we had our first climb up the rigging, which for some was a very emotional experience, but great fun none the less. This was done to the sound of trumpets and the waving of the boats around us – making this an experience you never forget. The watch system also started with a gentle breaking in, including an introduction to the sails and the watches already starting to get competitive – at the time of posting this message we have just 30 minutes before we start our first watch ! Trainees at Christian Radich, Race 2 Turku - Klaipeda
From the 8 - 12 Watch - Day 1 Radich
25 July 09 - From the 8 - 12 Watch - Day 1
Arrived at the Christian Radich in the morning all very nervous. We were shown where we were to sleep in hammocks. This came with a very amusing introduction and demonstration of how to get into a hammock, which was filmed much to consternation of out mentor. We then squeezed our kit into our lockers and then given some free time to wonder round. We walked around the boats which took along time to do since there are so many boats taking part in the event. We came back in time for dinner, which was followed by some get-to-know-each-other games. We then had some free time to explore the nearby pubs. Our mentor enjoying them slightly too much and not coming onboard till the early hours of the morning. Some found the hammocks slightly uncomfortable but others had a good long sleep. - Trainees Radich Race 2 Turku - Klaipeda
Ripped Sail and flying fish
26 july 2009 0:19
After all our efforts last night, in the end, the sail ripped.. on a seam. As it was already getting dark and the wind decreased again, which left us with only rocking waves, we decided to repair the sail in the morning. So this afternoon we hoisted up the mainsail again as the wind picked up and now we are on the move and rocking and rolling again! Not surprising that we lost our first place today, but we still are 2 in class and 3 over all. Slowly everybody is finding their place on board and in the group. Due to the waves we do have some seasick on board, but they are not giving in! We saw some flying fish today and some birds, but other then that, the water is pretty empty. Crew Tecla - between Halifax - Belfast
Sailhandling!
25 july 2009 1:41
Today's title should be 'sailhandeling!'. Last night the wind picked up, there where a lot of showers around and waves where building up. At the end of the watch we decided to take away the topsails with two watches. Topsails down and the Tecla was still doing an average of 8 knots close hauled. At 10 am I got woken up to help take the big jib down and the small jib up. During the day watch the wind increased a little more and we decided to reef the mainsail. But after we did that, the wind decreased... until it was totally gone and we where rolling all over the place. So we took the reef out and put the big jib up again. During dinner the wind picked up again and after dinner we took the big jib down again and put the small jib up again, put a reef in the main sail and pulled it all back up again! This time the wind stayed!! Downstairs the crew is organizing a sort of song contest/Tecla's got talent. There are some very beautiful voices on board and all sorts of talents, who knows what it will bring. - Crew Tecla between Halifax and Belfast
It begins! Christian Radich International Exchange
24 july 2009 13:09
Early Friday morning I flew out from London Heathrow bound for the Finish city of Turku, one of five host ports for this summer’s Tall Ships Race, managed by Sail Training International (www.sailtraininginternational.org).
Upon arrival I join the Norwegian Tall Ship Christian Radich to compete, hopefully winning, the second race leg for this year’s tall ships race. Joining me are over fifty young people from a variety of different countries, all brought together through an international exchange organised by ATSEA Sail Training.
Over the course of the race, when ever we have signal posts will be published to this blog giving you updates about life aboard Christian Radich and what activities we have been up to ! - Chris Hirst - on his way to Christian Radich where tomorrow about 70 trainees will board for an International Exchange
Birthday during a Atlantic Crossing
24 july 2009 0:05
Today was my birthday. At midnight I came on watch and they had decorated the whole chart/comm room!! They sang for me, but I could only appreciate it after my second cup of coffee. This morning the next watch sang for me and during the day they backed cakes for me. So all together a very nice birthday at sea!! My watch this morning seemed a birthday gift, strong winds, beautiful sail and a speed up to 11 knots, and just a little (read very much) bit wet with rain. Wind changed from direction and then from strength, to almost non existent.. to bad.. But now in the evening we are on the move again. We are still in the gulfstream with saragosa seeds (sorry if I write this wrong) floating all around us. These are sea plants that look like branches from a small bush that have been dropped in the water. Jet - Tecla between Halifax and Belfast
Whales in the fog
23 july 2009 0:09
Second day at sea and finally, after 24 hours, the fog lifted. The sailing today has been great, we got a nice speed going on and the sea is still very flat. We lost our first place in our class to the Jolie Brise today and are now second in class and over all. But we are not in Belfast yet! Today we have seen whales, even in the fog we could hear them and then Nele, who was on lookout at the front, saw one very close by. It came up a few times and then disappeared in the fog. During the night watch the lookout reported all sorts of strange things, like monkeys, and even a penguin... so at first I did not believe her, but then I heard it breathing! We are measuring the temperature of the water to see if we have hit the gulfstream yet, so far the temperature has gone up a little, but it is still around 20 degrees celsius (68F). So not there yet... Crew Tecla between Halifax - Belfast
Fog and talk about starts and tamagoshi's
22 july 2009 0:10
Thick fog, that is what we are in. We had such a nice view of the Capitan Miranda and the Jolie Brise and now they are gone into the fog. Last night was our first night watch. Clare said that as she wrote in her diary about the night watch, she realized how many different things we had talked about, from stars to tamagoshi's and robots, from politics to relationships through the internet and the cyberworld so far away from this boat right now. And so outside it was no problem staying awake, but inside (during the explanation about the navigational area) one of our new crew members had difficulty keeping her eyes open! And we had still another hour to go! The day started with a lot of rain! Fat drops kept coming out of the sky and the wind died out. Then the wind picked up again, died out again and then came the fog... We can hear the Capitan Miranda on the radio, but further more there is no traffic near us. Lets hope the wind will pick up soon and the fog will disappear. - Crew Tecla between Halifax - Belfast
Start of Race to Belfast
21 july 2009 0:37
Today was the start of our last race. It does not feel like that, but it is a knowledge in the back of the head of all who have been on the Tecla since the beginning of the race. In the harbor we had to say goodbye to Ashley, after almost 55 days, it is now very strange that she is not here, and that you do not hear her funny phrases everywhere (one of them being: yes yes, I like, I like a lot!). But our new crew is full of energy. Sails go up like nothing and dishes are done without a moody word! At eight we start our real watch schedule, for now everybody is enjoying the sound of our singing ship (as we are already up to 8,5 knots!) and the evening sun, in a nice warm sweater. - Crew Tecla
New crew on board, ready to leave
13 july 2009 3:48
New crew is on board. We had a nice dinner out side and everybody is finding his or her way around the ship now. the weather is great! Last night the skies seemed to open up and water just kept on pooring out. There was a party on the Pride of Baltimore which got very cosy as we all had to group together underneath the deckcover. There was some nice music and the rain most certainly did not get our spirits down. Tomorrow morning we will be leaving for Halifax at about 08:30 local time. Our board computer crashed and so we will not be able to use our email on board so that means NO updates for the next few days. But I will update all when we get to Halifax! - Crew Tecla
Pricegiving!
12 july 2009 2:57
Today was pricegiving day. It was in a small park some miles away from where the Tecla is docked, so we got a ride on one of the fast boats. We got splashed pretty badly, but it was fun seeing the fleet from the water and to get refreshed as it has become nice and warm here!! Some of our old crew have left now and some of the new crew is arriving. Tomorrow is the real boarding day, then we are compleet again with 16 trainees!! The Crew party yesterday was short and not very interesting, but we had a nice afterparty on the Tecla and went to bed early, which was a very good idea! Crew Tecla/ Boston
Shop till you dropp
We are in Boston and yesterday was shopping day, today is shopping day and probably tomorrow as well.. Last night it was Crew party in Cheers, a pub owned by the owner of the cafe which appears in Cheers the series.
We had had Pizza for dinner as we are right smack in the middle of an Italian neighbourhood. And we had pizza when we came back from the crew party and we had pizza for breakfast, by now I have had enough pizza!
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 2009 08:19:36 0100 - Crew Tecla in Boston (Trans Atlantic Challenge)
Have a look at start Race 1 Baltic
Have a look at the parade of sail before the start in Gdynia: www.youtube.com/watch
Boston here we come!
7 july 2009 3:24
We finished!! After a long time without wind, the wind finally picked up and the last 13 miles where crossed within 5 hours. This morning when there was no wind, we had a spectacular sighting of whales! All around us there where whales hunting, jumping, coming up with their heads, flapping their tales and most of all just being very big!! The water was almost totally calm, but there where at least 10 whales around us making waves. At one point one came up to the Tecla and was at a distance of maybe 20 meters, it splashed its tale once and went under. It was such an amazing sight!! Really unforgettable! Now we are in Gloucester harbour. It is very beautiful here! Tonight we celebrate being in harbour and tomorrow we go on to Boston! - Crew Tecla
We saw a shark today!
Not finished yet. We hit some light winds and are currently doing 3,5 knots, which is frustrating as we can see land, and almost the point where our finish is, but we are not getting there very fast.. We had a lazy Sunday today. Calm weather and a warm sun for those who wanted to read a book outside or just chatter away. We saw a shark today! And a lot of dolphins. We are in the gulf of Maine and all around us we see yachts who seem to be in a race. It is nice to see so many boats around on a beautiful evening like this, with their colourful foresail's. There is a little fog coming from land, it promises to be another splendid sunset! - Crew Tecla ( - close to Boston)
Rumcake, Vanilla Cake and Fresh Chocolate
5 july 2009 6:39
We have rounded wp 2 today and are realizing that this race might be coming to an end soon.. On the one hand you hope to be there soon, on the other end, it means no more sailing and saying goodbye to some people who have become dear friends. But lets not think of that yet! Today was cake day! We ate the last bit of the rumcake from Bermuda (thank you chelsea!) and Gijs and Gael made some fresh chocolate and vanilla cake under the instructions of Loes. Besides that we saw some dolphins who did not stay for to long and we are very happy with our new friends the storm Petrel. They are very small seabirds that hang around the boat and dip their feet in water every now and then.. It is not that hot any more, so I don't know why they would do that.. At night (right now..) it is even a bit cold and our thermals have come out of the closet again, I don't mind, during the day it is still very warm in the sun! Jet - Crew Tecla
We ended up in a calm totally without wind!
4 july 2009 0:55
Last night we were preparing for some bad weather, thunderclouds where all around us and we heard from other vessels that they had had a lot of wind. We already had the topsails down and made the deck ready. But no wind came.. we ended up in a calm totally without wind.. strange. So this morning as the breeze picked up again, we set the topsails and low and behold we saw the Urania right next to us. Nele and I did a game of twenty questions during the night, and where I could guess Gaels drumsticks, I could not come up with Frodo from the lord of the Rings. I say I was just very tired and needed coffee! And we both came to the conclusion that we have not had any singing on the aft deck for some time now, maybe tonight is a good night to start again. In tune and all together: Why do you fill my up (fill me up), buttercup darling when you let me down (let me down)! - Crew Tecla (between Charleston and Boston)
Record of miles per watch!
3-07-2009 3:07
Smokingggggg!! Last night we set our record of miles per watch! We did 43 miles in the 00 to 04 watch!! Amazing! But everybody in this race seems to be doing very well and going very fast! Just now we tried to set the topsail again after gybing. We knew it would be tough with a lot of wind, so we used jumplines (small ropes around the sail to keep it together when you pull it up and when you pull on the sheet side of the topsail the lines come of and the sail sets itself) but the jumplines came of in a swing with a wave and so we tried to set it without the ropes.. but it was to much, so we took the sail down again. Without topsail we are still very fast and it was a nice exercise! - Crew Tecla
Like a rocket!
02 July 2009 01:18
Like a rocket! We like the gulf stream! We are doing 9.1 knots with a fine breeze and beautiful weather! Today was cleaning day, after cleaning the decks we left the saltwater running over the deck for some time to cool it down. The dog liked that too. With her feet in the water and almost a smile on her face she stood in the shade. In Charleston we brought our mainsail to the sailmaker to repair the small holes in the sail and restitch some of the old seems. Last night we had a short calm with flapping sails all over the place and already one of the repairs of the holes got loos.. waves and no wind is just not funny!! But the rest of the patch is still holding so we did not have to get the sail down. Luckily! - Crew Tecla
We caught a fresh fish!
24 June 2009 00:32
Today we finally caught a fish! Bit we threw it back in the water again. It was a Dolphin fish. And as we are almost in Charleston (;)) and where in the middle of our dinner, we thought it a waste to kill it and not eat it.. It was very big and put up a pretty good fight! Our trainee from Belgium, Gael, hauled her in and with that deserved an applause! During the day the white watch backed an apple pie which was gone within minutes! It said Tecla 1, because that is what we still where today. We keep on meeting wind calms, so we do not know what tomorrow will bring... Crew Tecla
Beautiful sunset at 21.30 BT
23 June 2009 00:15
Midsummernight was a succes. We started of with a beautiful sunset at 21:30 BT and after that told our midsummermurder stories. They where creative and fun, and a little scary. There were flying fishes that snatched away cookies that had caused wars, there where love proposals in a dinghy interrupted by a furies person from the Tecla (further names shall not be named, BooBoo) because she needed the dinghy to get to her love and she was assisted by the captain of the MV Butterfly... etc etc! After that we did some broodje aap games and then went to bed. But helaas, not everybody was able to sleep quietly as the mainsail ripped during a period of no wind and crazy waves.. So today was spend repairing the sail and we hope to pull it up later this evening. - Crew Tecla
We saw a coconut drifting today!
21 June 2009 00:11
We lost our first position to the Pride of Baltimore. It is a very exciting race, with switching places in real positions and on corrected time. So maybe we will be back in the front before long. Today we did a workshop about fire and what procedures to go through at a door and when extinguishing a small fire. Further more we did some games, mastermind was very exciting and after that some sea battles where fought. We saw a coconut drifting today, so the gulf stream can not be far away anymore! - Crew Tecla between Bermuda - Charleston
Well it is hot on board again
22 June 2009 00:59
Well it is hot again!! We have put up all sorts of wind catchers to get some fresh air in. And as long as this breeze keeps up, we will be doing fine. Last night our jib halliard broke so we had to do without jib for a few hours before it got light and we could bring up a new halliard. This was just as the wind was easing down a little and we thought we had had the worst of the expected strong winds. Today bugs landed on the Tecla, so we know we are getting closer to land. Tonight is midsummersnight! Longest day, shortest night! We are doing a theme night, first midsummersmurder storytelling and after that midsummersgames. It is to hot to sleep anyway!
The shipsdog is eating home backed dogbiscuit!
18 June 2009 00:09
Its nice out here! It is still warm, but less humid, sleeping is easier for us Europeans now!! The seasick are all better and everybody is getting into the rithme and routine on board. The compass is polished (Jessica (NL) and Stefan (NL) offered to do so as it looked horrible after the rain of the last few days!), a group of people is doing dishes out on the deck and a group is downstairs doing dishes. The dog has had her first home backed dogbiscuit!
She loved it! - Crew Tecla
Showers, shifting winds and bananas
17 June 2009 00:47 Race Bermuda - Charleston
Strong winds prevailed during the night, a lot of showers and shifting winds to go with that. Now the wind is gone again.. we are drifting and rocking as we have done for so many days during the last race. We have just heard the Europa on the VHF saying they have wind, so we are preparing to tack and hoping that the wind will reach us soon as well. We are number one in our class and over all! That was reason for a celebration, so we had banana 'vla' again! But now we are out of vla, so we will have to make banana bread the next time we have to celebrate and get rid of the Banana's.
Crew Tecla
Start Race to USA exciting!
16 June 2009 01:55
The start was exciting! We are with so many more ships and we actuallyy had
wind, a lot! Even before we had started we had already changed sails three
times! The waves are uncomfortably short, we have some seasick, but they
take it very well! Some people of the group that brought us to Bermuda are
still on board. As their legs are already shaken in, they are doing very
well. The old crew is being missed, after 29 days you get used to peoples
ways and voices, it is strange to not have them here. But with the new crew
we have new things to talk about, new stories to exchange! New adventures
and places to explore!
Crew Tecla
Start of the Race Bermuda - Charleston exciting!
16 June 2009 01:55
The start was exciting! We are with so many more ships and we actuallyy had
wind, a lot! Even before we had started we had already changed sails three
times! The waves are uncomfortably short, we have some seasick, but they
take it very well! Some people of the group that brought us to Bermuda are
still on board. As their legs are already shaken in, they are doing very
well. The old crew is being missed, after 29 days you get used to peoples
ways and voices, it is strange to not have them here. But with the new crew
we have new things to talk about, new stories to exchange! New adventures
and places to explore!
Crew Tecla
Whale Jumped out of the water twice!
08 June 2009 21:13
Wind has turned against us and increased a little.. Our speed went down and the waves went up! We hope to reach Bermuda somewhere in the night, but are not sure if we are going to enter the harbour in the dark. Today we saw a whale! It was 200 meters away and jumped out of the water twice! This was definitely the best sighting we have had so far. As it came out of the water and landed on the water it made a real big splash and 20 seconds later it jumped again. We also saw two Bermudan Longtail's (birds). Some of the crew felt straight at home at the sight of the bird. They stayed with us for a while, swaying their long tail and gliding through the air like a welcome to Bermuda.
Crew Tecla
Tecla close to Bermuda
07 June 2009 20:56
We just hit the 200 miles mark, we are now technically in Bermuda! Or Bermudan waters at least. Spirits are high and we hope to be in Bermuda tomorrow night. Nele our German trainee is getting a lesson in English
(female) literature, she is reading Jane Eyer, and is about to see the movie Emma, after the book emma of Jane Austen. We ate Oma Macaroni, which is a specialty macaroni of my grandmothers and all together we tried to write a Tecla song for the Crew parade about all the different nationalities on board. So today was a very international day. Further more, there is not much news to report. The wind has picked up, but from the wrong direction, so we are sailing almost right into it, but it makes the sun less hot! We saw some birds, some flying fish, a boat and a rain shower past a stern of us. As is daily life on the Tecla.
Jolie Brise first place, Tecla second!
02 June 2009 21:56 Message from Tall Ship Tecla
We came in second.. it must have been very close! Harry came back at 15:15 UTC with the announcement that the results would be a little late. By that time al of us already gathered around the radio, to hear what he had to say, so we where a bit disappointed! Then at 15:45 (or something) he came back with the announcement that the results of the last vessel had just been reported and that the race director would come back to us "shortly"..
Finally at 17:00 UTC the results came back, Jolie Brise one, Tecla two..
arg!!! In the meantime nobody dared to go to the toilet, put on a bathing suit (because we where going to go swimming after the results) or even get a drink, until the results came back! We opened the Lambrousco wine to celebrate and shot the corks as far as we could, just to leave a part of us behind on the spot we had finished (as we had not moved since the finish, due to no wind!). So now the motor is turned on, we just had dinner and tomorrow is another day.. hopefully with some wind so that we don't have to motor all the way to Bermuda!
Tecla a winner!
01 June 2009 20:53
We are number one again! The rest seems to have no wind, and we at least some..! Today was cleaning day and making up our inventory regarding fresh food and cookies! We cleaned outside and just as we finished spraying the deck we saw some whales/dolphins. We could not really decide on which, it was between a pilot whale and a sort of dolphin, but in the end they both are a sort of large dolphin anyway.. They seemed to have been sunbathing as they lingered at the surface. And we talked to the Bark Europa today! Through the HF we had contact for a while. They where enjoying a steady trade wind and doing a lot of miles per day. They will try and keep in contact with us and race control, but during the coming schedule we could not reach them anymore. It was really cool to all of a sudden hear a Dutch voice and a familiarly name calling us!
Update form the TSAC
27 May 2009
Hello there!
Race positions remain unchanged from yesterday’s report with Jolie Brise (UK) maintaining the lead overall on corrected time. In second place is Tecla (Netherlands), with Kruzenshtern (Russia) in third and Spirit of Bermuda in fourth. The leading Class D on corrected time continues to be Urania (Netherlands) with Xsaar (Belgium) in second, Peter von Danzig (Germany) in third and Rona II (UK) in fourth.
On the water, Peter von Danzig remains the leader with Spirit some 75 nautical miles behind and looking to be closing the gap again. Urania is still in third and Jolie Brise in fourth. The fleet are keeping fairly close together with just 430 miles between the leader and the back markers.
All are making fairly good time in the east-south-east 7 knot winds and are on target to reach Bermuda before the beginning of the festivities on 11 June. Should this not look likely at any time, the Race Committee, who are constantly monitoring the fleet’s progress, will shorten the race to enable all to get to port in time. This is not likely to happen for some time and even if they choose to do so, as long as all the vessels are still racing their projected finish times will be taken into account and they will be eligible for a placing.
The news from Peter von Danzig today is that they are enjoying light winds with lots of sun and have just eaten a very good meal of fresh tuna, caught by their watchleader an hour before! They are watching whales passing and also enjoying deck showers, all of which is making for a fairly happy party boat at the moment.
Tecla!
24 May 2009 21:47
Update:
Today was a rest day, no workshops, no maintenance, a real sunday! During the afternoon we did however do some excersises (lead by Loes) to keep our muscles and mind busy and in shape. Hilariously jumping around on one leg and hip shakes as practice for dancing during the parties on Bermuda! The blinddate game set up by the Jolie Brise is really getting a grip on our crew. 6 crew members of ours have already been matched to crewmembers of the Jolie Brise, Xsaar, Belle Poule, Etoile and the Urania! Now we not only await the 15:15 comm schedule for the placings (we are still number 2!), but now also to know who is matched to who! Today we had a day off from the Banana's as well, tomorrow I am making Jelly as desert, with banana's!
Jet Tecla
News from the Tecla!
37'07.7 N 012'12.7 W 18:30 UTC
We are still on a roll! With some lighter winds the waves have decreased a little, and we don't mind! All that rocking and heavy steering is fun for a while, but not for to long! We have 550 miles to go to the finish and are almost on course straight for Tenerife! The weather is fine, some clouds, sun and about 18 degrees! And what everybody would like to know of course, our position in the race.. Well that is another story.. They put the Kruzenshtern in the B class (this is a very large square rigged vessel with almost 300 cadets..) and now he is first in our class and first over all..
we are second in our class and second over all.. So actually this is first place..! We will do all we can to get our first place back!
Jet
Crew onboard the Tecla
News from the TSAC!
"we hebben de sokken er goed in" is what we say in dutch, which would translate as "we have got the socks in good".. Or maybe better to say, we are on a roll!! With waves in every direction you look and a wind that has veered from NW to NNE we are currently on a number one position in our class and 2 over all in the race!! Of course it is to early to say anything about the rest of the race, but we did the 'wave' on our aft deck! We altered course this afternoon and are on a postside tack, which seems to agree better with the crew. We have some sick on board, but after a day they are getting better and better. Will let you know more when there is news to tell!
The Tecla
Underway from Vigo - Tenerife
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Always wanted to experience an international exchange?
We organize 7 exchange on board of Tall Ships this summer. Four exchanges will take place during the Tall Ships Races and three of them outside the Tall Ships Races. The nationalities will differ per ship.
The following exchanges are during the Tall Ships Races:
On the Bark Europa will be youngsters of Italy, Sweden, United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Norway, Portugal and the Netherlands. The Lord Nelson will have British, Portuguese, French, Spanish and Dutch youngsters on board.
We also have an exchange during the Tall Ships Races on board of the Kaliakra. On board of this ship will be nationalities from all over the world.
We still have some places left on the Bark Europa for Italian, Belgian and Swedish youngsters. On the Lord Nelson we have some places for youngsters of France, United Kingdom and Spain. And as said before on the Kaliakra are places for all nationalities .
Are you between the 15-25 years old and ready for an adventure this summer? Be quick and book now!