Page 86 - QDG 2023

84 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
Ex FJORD EAGLE
In the middle of August, an unlikely crew embarked on Exercise Fjord Eagle, a sailing adventure that would transform a group of novices into competent sailors, all under the expert guidance of Corporal Sims, the skipper. Cpl Sims led Corporal Fletcher, Trooper Williams, Trooper Woolley and Trooper Flood-McCann on a memorable journey through the cold and vibrant Norwegian waters, spanning from Stavanger to Nedstrand, Jorpeland, and Sandnes aboard a Hallberg-Rassy 310 kindly chartered to 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards from the NATO Joint Warfare Sailing Club in Stavanger.
As the crew set sail on this picturesque voyage, camaraderie and laughter were as abundant as the stunning Norwegian landscapes. One of the most humorous moments came when Tpr Flood-McCann decided to take a spontaneous dip in the waters off Nedstrand’s harbour in front of a crowd of locals eagerly watching on. It didn’t take long for him to realize that, despite Norway’s summer charm, the North Sea was still a bit too chilly for comfort. His rapid retreat from the water left the crew in stitches, a hilar- ious memory that would be recounted throughout the journey.
As if the voyage wasn’t adventurous enough, the crew encountered some challenges along the way. Sailing away from an ominous fog bank was a heart- pounding moment which led to the crew
Convincing Tpr Flood-McCann to jump in
success depended on their collective effort to arrive at the new location.
This sailing adventure exemplified the power of teamwork, shared expe- riences, and the ability to turn novices into capable sailors. As they returned to Stavanger, the crew carried back cher- ished memories of their laughter-filled days at sea, proving that even a dip in frigid waters or soaked through from the rain couldn’t dampen their spirits.
JJS
Has there ever been a more retention positive photograph?
having to take refuge on the nearest island they could find. The unplanned stopover only added to the excite- ment and made for another memorable chapter in the journey.
The Norwegian coastline presented a mix of challenges and rewards. Navi- gating the sometimes-harsh weathers and picturesque villages brought a sense of accomplishment, while the rugged cliffs and serene fjords provided breath-taking vistas. Each crew member embraced their roles, knowing that