Reports from the 2004 exchange
Laura Richardson
The Australian Exchangee was Laura Richardson, from Woori Yallock, Victoria. Laura sailed on Lord Nelson from Las Palmas to Southampton from 22 March to 14 April 2004. This is her report.
ASTO Australian Sail Training Exchange 2004
15th March 2004
My journey began with a dinner at home to celebrate my sister's 18th birthday and my going away. Close family and friends were there to give us their best wishes. This made my leaving almost unbearable. After a lot of tears it was off to the airport with my sister and boyfriend. As I boarded the plane for the longest journey of my life, I started to fear the unknown, the places I was going, how I was going to cope not seeing my family and how I was going to live at sea for three weeks.
After a very long flight I finally arrived at Heathrow Airport where I met Kate Kynvin, a previous award winner, waiting for me and wearing a Young Endeavour t-shirt. With no hassles we were on our way to Kate's house where I could rest my head before starting the next stage of my journey, i.e. joining Lord Nelson in Las Palmas.
16th March 2004
After a rough night of battling with emotions and jet lag, Kate dropped me at Gatwick Airport to catch my next flight. Scared and alone I arrive at Las Palmas Airport wondering what to do next. There was no one there to pick me up, and no-one around to help me as well as a big language barrier. After pondering for half-an-hour and no one having arrived to pick me up yet, I jumped into a taxi and pointed on a map to where I had to go. After dropping me miles down the quay from where I had to be, just to earn himself an extra buck, he then ripped me off with my change. At this point I didn't care, I was finally there. I started the long walk back up the quay with my bags to the ship, to stand there yelling for 5 minutes for someone to let me on board. Luckily, one of the permanent crew was entering the chart room to speak to his wife and saw me standing there (thanks Pickles.) He took me down to meet the Captain and the rest of the Crew.
17th March 2004 - 21st March 2004
I spent a week in maintenance before the voyage, which was definitely an advantage as it helped me get to know the permanent crew and the routines. It made you feel a lot more confident and settled before setting sail. I helped sand drawers, paint the deck house and had a bit of fun with the permanent and maintenance crew. After saying good-bye to the maintenance crew it was time to welcome my fellow ship-mates aboard. Straight away we all bonded and you couldn't get a word in anywhere.
22nd March 2004 - 14th April 2004
Day one to three
The big day has finally arrived, setting sail for the Azores. I was so excited being asked to help out on the dotty boat getting the ship out of port. We got an hour out into rough seas and the excitement soon turned to seasickness. Even the permanent crew were seasick, which makes you feel a bit better. I only had it for 24 hours this time (thanks Lyn, medical purser). We got into our routines of watches, happy hour, mess duty, eating and sleeping. The weather had lapsed for now and we actually had a really nice day, laying around on the deck working on our tans, enjoying life and no seasickness. But it didn't last long.
Day four to nine
We had a lively sail for a couple of days but we missed the force 10's that were predicted only a few days before. It made for very cold and wet night watches. In weather like this it really brings the group together, as we are watching out for each other and making sure everyone is OK and hooked on. We didn't want to lose anyone overboard, definitely not in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The weather eased as we got closer to Ponta Delgada, our port at the island of San Miguel, but not without taking a few casualties before arriving. A case of serious concussion and a few lots of stitches saw a crew member leave the ship when we arrived. Coming alongside was an interesting task, our berth was alongside a tug. We made the gang plank out of whatever materials we could find, which was the most comical act seen yet. Finally we all got to touch feet on land and we all enjoyed a fine meal with a few drinks afterwards. Most of the Voyage Crew went back ashore the next day. Some went in taxis to have a look inland, as there was plenty to see; hot springs, the blue and green lakes and some beautiful countryside. We again set sail into windy rough weather, which makes for very exciting meal times trying to hold onto your plates and glasses.
Day ten to sixteen
We experienced up and down weather on our way to Southern Ireland. The sails especially were up and down. We had 30 knot winds and squalls that kept appearing. Once the swells had died down over the next couple of days we were powering along, even made a top speed for the day of 10 knots. But yet again the seas took another casualty. Our first mate, Dave with a little help from one of the other voyage crew, cracked a few ribs on the chart table. We passed Fastnet Rock, which left us all a bit wind blown but it was a good day for sailing. Late that afternoon we anchored for the night just outside of Cobh.
Day seventeen to twenty
I had an early morning anchor watch, which I didn't mind because when I arrived for watch the sights of Southern Ireland's rolling hills were spectacular. The morning was spent harbour-stowing sails and yet again Lord Nelson took another casualty. This time it was in true Sarah style; while the ship was at anchor, with no wind and no movement at all, Sarah tore the ligaments in her elbow hanging from the mast waiting to get up onto the platform. We motored up into our berth at Cobh. It is such a beautiful town and the houses are so colourful. The next couple of days were spent ashore seeing the sights of Southern Ireland. The cathedral was just amazing. I couldn't get over the size of it, standing on top of a hill and looking over the township of Cobh. The nights were spent tasting the finest Irish beer that Cobh had to offer along with a nice meal. Again we set sail and onto France we go. The wind having disappeared we motored along to Cherbourg.
Day twenty one to twenty four
I was on watch when we were due to come alongside in Cherbourg. The high point of my voyage was when I was asked to helm the ship into port. My initial response was excitement and then fear, the fear came from being told that I would be receiving orders from the captain. I wasn't scared of the captain but of getting an order wrong or not knowing what an order was, but I got through with flying colours and the captain told me that I did an excellent job. My watch and watch leader were so proud of me, it made me feel really special. We spent the afternoon at the diving museum and the French nuclear submarine immediately adjacent to our berth. That night we went to see what Cherbourg had to offer in the way of fine food and wine. Most of the shops were shut due to it being a bank holiday.
We yet again motored away from another port, heading down the English Channel. Night watch was far from boring, that's for sure. I have never seen so many container ships in my life. Our watch was positioned all over the ship. Finally it came to our last night. We were anchored near the Isle of Wight. We had a fantastic night, all together. We now all have a new family and many best friends. After 2484 nautical miles we arrived back to Southampton to be greeted by a warm welcome from a large group of people.
I would like to thank ASTO, The Australia Britain Society, Young Endeavour Youth Scheme, Australian Sail Training Organisation and the Jubilee Sailing Trust.
Laura's flight from London to the Canaries was kindly donated by Bath Business Travel.