Page 19 - QARANC Vol 19 No 2 2021

The Gazette QARANC Association 17
Once the crew returned
onboard the yacht, mooring
lines were frantically hauled
in preparation for the next
leg of their journey to the Isle
of Skye. As the yacht set sail,
a pod of dolphins playfully
followed the transit past
the islands of Rum, Muck,
and Sanday. Puffins could
be seen gently floating on the horizon, and the thrilling sighting of a Minke whale appeared in the distance. Once the yacht had followed the curvature of the signature coastlines, the crew came alongside the Isle of Skye. With sea legs (the sensation of feeling as though you are still on the yacht) and a craving for food other than peanuts and cheese, the crew headed ashore for a delicious meal and a nice cold pint at the local pub.
The next destination was Tobermory; however, the change in wind direction had encouraged the waves to relentlessly crash upon the top deck. This, combined with a constant swell, resulted in the yacht ‘corkscrewing’ its way along the passage plan. Seasickness began to take hold of
some of the crew, an illness that can strike even the most weathered and experienced sailors. Before leaving, the crew was informed of this illness and so the right preventions and precautions were taken. Unfortunately, seasickness tablets do not always work, and enduring
the motion of the ocean when feeling unwell is a brave feat in itself. Despite the physical and mental challenges of this illness, all crew members demonstrated a high degree of selfless commitment as they eagerly pulled and winched the ropes to
ensure the yacht stayed
diligently on the course. For
those that could, 16 hours
were spent wrestling with
the helm against the tide. As
the winds began to settle in
a direction more favourable
toward the navigation plan,
an engine failure occurred onboard. It is not unusual for emergency situations to arise when sailing and the crew remained determined to reach the destination in good spirits despite
their exhaustion. The yacht was safely secured alongside the harbour, and with a sense of pride, the crew stepped ashore to explore another beautiful coastal town before their final transit back to Craobh Haven Marina.
This adventure training proved to be an excellent opportunity for unit cohesion, ensuring all personnel were pushed out of their comfort zones and able to apply military values and standards in the demanding environment which offshore sailing provides. Sails were hauled with enthusiasm daily, despite the diverse and challenging conditions
individuals faced. Lieutenant Commander Mellor and Colonel Frazer were exemplary skippers. They both ensured that adversity was always faced with good humour, solidarity, and the utmost professionalism. There is considerable
excitement within the unit for the next off-shore coastal sailing AT which is set to commence on 16 September 2021. Fair winds and following sails!
Lieutenant Woodcock JHG(N)
With sea legs and a craving for food other than peanuts and cheese, the crew headed ashore for a delicious meal and a nice cold pint at the local pub
the motion of the ocean when feeling unwell is a brave feat in itself