Page 15 - The Light Blue Volunteer 2019

Ex BLUE CYPRUS
Upon arriving at RAF Akrotiri, we were plunged into a multitude of briefs. Consisting not only of how we could die at sea, but also be murdered by terrorists, poisoned by scorpions, or drugged at any bar on the island... so much for plain sailing. We took our yacht, the Jennuau 36i, ‘Meltemi’, and headed out for some practice sail hoists and man overboard drills before returning for the night.
On Tuesday the real sailing began as we hoisted all sail to make the 50nm
to Larnaca. For my first time skippering this was a tense day as the crew were inexperienced and heading downwind left us at constant risk of crash jibing. However, with the help of level-headed mate OCdt Dixon we soon had a preventer line rigged and averaged a good 6kts. The next day was much more relaxed despite the increased chop as we tacked upwind to Zygi. Mooring in the marina was somewhat of a nightmare but we made it with time to go for a dip with large loggerhead turtles!
From Zygi we made upwind to Akrotiri Bay where we swam ashore. Upon returning to the yacht, we had a last hurrah reach with all sails set into the force 4 before making our way back to Akrotiri Mole for the final night.
JUO Alcock
THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER 15