SINES

The much anticipated arrival in Sines, Portugal did actually come too soon...

Wandering the quaint streets of Sines

Although by now I had huge bags under my eyes from lack of sleep and also kept falling asleep on the night watches, I did in fact want to keep sailing as now we were in Sines, it meant the wonderful journey was coming to an end. I was of course looking forward to going back to London and sharing my stories with my family and friends though the lifestyle of living in London is something, I learnt, that should not be taken lightly. The pollution, the bustle and the rudeness of Londoners was certainly something I was not looking forward to returning to. 

We arrived in Sines on the evening of the 26th April though unfortunately, the workers at the harbour had either gone home or were busy haha. We then ended up spending one more night anchored in the harbour before being escorted the following morning (27th) by the tugboats to the dock. After anchoring up and then having a crew meeting on deck of how things will now be running that we had arrived safely (no more watches thank goodness!!!) - we were free to go and explore Portugal! 

Before the meeting came to an end, the Captain announced he was to give out our certificates. One by one we shook hands and showed our appreciation to the Captain and crew for getting us there safely and allowing us aboard their home. It was a proud moment to say the least.

Giulliana, Lettie and I put on our flip flops and made a break for it!!! 

Just kidding haha. Touching concrete for the first time in a week and a half was slightly odd. I had gotten used to the smooth wood that surfaced the ship. It was however very satisfying. 'I've never been so happy to see land,' Lettie exclaimed as the three of us wandered off towards the town. The dock area was slightly industrial and not as pretty as what I had originally imagined my grand arrival on land to look like, but I wasn't complaining. After having a wander, we headed back for the BBQ lunch that had been arranged on board with everyone. Those that wished to attend were more than welcome, while some others (Old Americans- if you know, you know) were the first to pack their bags and book a hotel ashore. It was a lovely afternoon, leading up to the shenanigans of the evening to come... 'Sailors love to drink' is not just a rumor, I assure you!

You can tell this picture was taken by a sailor! Crooked!

So real celebration was overdue and now ashore, we were all allowed to drink! The ship had previously been 'dry' due to the nature of the tasks we were to complete and you had to be pretty alert whilst on watches etc. The evening of the first night was one to remember, arguably the best night of the trip. Not only was it just filled with love, and joy and alcohol but the anticipation leading up to it was what made it so great and we already had been told how crazy the Norwegians could get when there was booze involved. 

We sang and drank and danced and drank and chatted and laughed and everything in between. The poor locals of sleepy Sines hadn't known what hit them! One word... SUPERBOCK.

Our celebrations carried on into the night until the Norwegian trainees had to head back in time for their curfew. We as 'customers' technically didn't have a curfew and were left to roam the streets with the other trainees and crew members. After contemplating a trip to Lisbona for a night of clubbing, we decided to go for a drunken dip in the sea instead.
Task: Attempt getting into a hammock tipsy, whilst on a boat gently rocking with the waves- not for the faint hearted.

The following day was not received with hang overs, but rather excitement to actually see the small town. A group of us set off by foot and spent the day in and out of cobbled streets, shopping for souvenirs, eating lunch and of course a complimentary shot of sangria was involved.

Credits: Chris Williamson

We met another group later on at the beach and spent the afternoon sunbathing, swimming and once again drinking Superbock. It seemed like a nice life, sailing from pillar to post, seeing the world, meeting new people and understanding the basic needs in life (that being happiness, friendship and beer). It was a lifestyle I felt gave you real purpose as you woke up each day with a task at hand, get to your destination wherever it may be. You ate no more than you needed to as there was always food, yet you weren't ever really that hungry. You slept without problems as you worked so hard that you had no time to think about sleep, rather you just slept and of course you celebrated like it was the only cause worth celebrating because it was a true accomplishment to overcome the ocean. Many people fear the ocean because it is the unknown and so did I till it was all I could see around me, no land. When I looked around I felt a love deeper than any love I had known and a slight intrigue as I was slowly learning all about the unknown.

Once again we headed home, had some food and got ready for the night ahead. There was more of us going out on the second night and we were ready to rock it. At some point during the night we bumped into a man called John. He was a man of phew words that had sailed with us for the duration of the voyage, who in fact had a mega camera with an even mega lens. In our drunken sailor state the (approx.) 15 of us, in chorus yelled ' Johnnnn!' and next thing we knew, he was buying each and every one of us a round of drinks. Oh John, we can't forget you!

The final day was oh so bitter sweet. It was the day of the festival organised by the Tall Ships Regatta, where all the ships involved in the race would parade through the town and finally into the church yard ruins for the prize giving ceremony. 

Later that day we would return to the church yard for a huge party with free drinks and food! Woo Hoo! It was a day and night to remember.

The Sunday came around too fast and it was sadly time to go. Much like a movie it was pouring down with rain and we knew nothing about how we were getting to the airport. Greenwich council had forgotten to give us any details and so after Chis done some ringing around, we found out that they had forgotten to pick us up! Sad we were leaving our Norwegian companions we bid our farewells and walked with our heavy bags to the meeting point and eventually found the coach. We were finally on our way to the airport and absolutely drenched. 

Thank you for the pic Pierre! Haha!

It goes without saying that I made friends for life on this trip, who although I haven't seen in a while, do keep in contact with every now and then. I learnt so much from the Norwegian trainees on board about confidence, bravery and determination as they all work so hard to achieve. I also learnt a lot about myself, whether it be partially overcoming my fear of the dark or being a daredevil up on the rig. Sines was about coming together as a family. We were all once strangers and then slept, ate, relaxed and worked together to achieve a collective goal. We celebrated together once achieving this goal and formed bonds that will last a lifetime. Thank you Royal Borough of Greenwich for being my sponsor aboard the Tall Ships Regatta and thank you to beautiful Christian Radich of Oslo for this magnificent experience. 

Peace & Love,
Willow

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The Sweet Life On Deck

Two weeks aboard a fully rigged Norwegian tall ship...

Christian Radich of Oslo

 After sleeping for the first time in a hammock (yes it was uncomfortable), I woke up feeling excited for the day ahead. We were still docked up in the Thames but it didn't seem to matter, as this was now my home... and I couldn't wait to really get to know everyone. I had spent the previous day playing cards and eating a very tasty portion of lasagna. It had been a great welcome meal. Today was our orientation day, as we would be setting sail for approximately 4pm. Everyone aboard, including the crew had been placed into watch groups around the clock... two 4 hour shifts a day. This would ensure that the ship was safe and secure consistently, as well as not sailing into danger. Your watch would become your new family as you would be spending the majority of your time aboard together, whether it be working, relaxing or sleeping... yes, you slept in your watch groups to avoid waking the others! I was assigned watch 12-4. Some (well many) referred to it as the Dog Shift, as you found yourself having to sleep at odd times and also to stay awake during the morning shift was exceedingly tricky. Once the watches were sorted, and we had met our team it was time for safety training. Funnily enough, it was not all about life jackets, though of course they were in the mix. We learnt about the very basics of the vessel, what to do in emergency circumstances and then yes... rig training! Splitting off into our watch groups we grabbed a harness and for the first time (well second for me) climbed the rig. It must have been a peculiar sight, seeing so many bodies upon the rigging of the ship, but no one was hurt and we got to climb as high as our hearts desired. Myself, along with a few others climbed to the top (yesssss) of the 40m high sails. How thrilling!

So I want to take a moment out to tell you about climbing the rigging on board. The ship was fully rigged, which meant it had three sets of 4/5 sails, stretching as high as 40m up. When all the sails are down (after a lot of hard work from the crew) it is a very beautiful sight. The process in which it takes to get there however is one not to be taken lightly! So crew members do have to physically climb to the mast that the sail hangs from (how else would they get up there?!) and either tie up or let down the sail. Baring in mind the height these sails as they need to actually catch the winds, as well as the size of them- in order to actually power the ship across the seas, you can begin to create a picture of what one is up against. There is no time for fear of heights, just climb! I do have one very fond memory of climbing up the rig later on in the trip with Martin, one of the students. He had explained to me how confident he had grown over the 7 months they had been on board with climbing and of course other aspects of life. I couldn't resist but to praise his bravery and humbleness in which he simply returned with a laugh, 'Thank You'. None of these guys had any idea how I admired their work, their bravery and their lifestyles in general. They lived such a simple yet fulfilling lifestyle. I adored it!


Diary Entry from Rig Training
Rig training- which I climbed over 30 meters high!! How exciting ay! Although I have to admit as fun as it was going up and down, it certainly was not fun balancing on that thin piece of rope we have to share with everyone else up there (once out on the mast). Oh my, honestly it is very very scary!! Any time someone wishes to change their footing...bam, you have to be ready for the weight shift etc!! Oh anddd your harness is practically useless considering you don't actually hook it while you're climbing haha. Only once you move up/down a platform or onto a mast thingy.

We then got to chill out as we left London for Torbay, ready for the race to start... the food was soon to be ready- salmon, salad and potatoes...YUM- we all dug in and then chilled out downstairs. Side note, may I add the food here is amazing. I have not been hungry once and it is literally of such a high standard! Night snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner- alla them! I don't think anyone can complain at all!

Looking around, and seeing nothing but ocean for the first time was a strange feeling. By this point we had crossed the start line of the race and we were well on our way. It wasn't long of course till something went a little wrong... a fishing net had got caught in a propeller and caused the whole boat to come to a stand still. This cost us valuable wind time and was in actual fact the reason we came in 2nd place! However, once sorted but the very efficient crew members, once again we we well on our way- hot on the competitions tail!

As mentioned before, I was part of the 12-4 watch and watches were a very big part of the whole experience. You spent 8 hours of each day on watch, ensuring the ship was secure and sailing in the correct direction haha!
Here is a diary entry of my first night watch...

Writing the morning of the 18th. My goodness, it is now pretty much 5AM and my first watch ever was pretty much close to torture. I was very cold despite having 4 fairly warm layers on... but only when I realised it was my turn to go on LOOK OUT did I become slightly worried. Those two words will haunt me for this entire journey. My mindset is things can only get better as we are moving into warmer waters... and weather I pray. I was the lucky one though, as I left my hour position (2-3AM) it began to rain heavily and the wind was blowing so hard that it felt as though I was being shot in the face 1000 times. Note to self... next time bring a warm f****** raincoat and waterproof trousers. You can never over pack, as a wise Norwegian told me on board!!!! I felt so sorry for the poor bastard that followed me on the final lookout watch. He must have got it bad. Aside from being cold, I was alone in pitch darkness at one of the highest above deck areas of the ship...alone...surrounded by what was now becoming the English channel. Fek. I was so scared. I was scared of the dark as it was and next thing I turn around and think I see a man standing there... meanwhile it was the ventilation system pipe thing- not a human. I had even started shouting out to see if it would respond. Obviously not. My gosh...if I had (caught a shock and) jumped back I could have tripped over a rope and fell into the sea. You best know I clung to the centre ropes for dear life...ensuring a body part was always in contact with the ropes while looking out for tiny lights in the distance- that could apparently mean danger or something- it was a very hard job I must admit. I was so glad when the next guy came on time!!
Afterwards we (those who didn't have a job to do) sat and drank water, tea and coffee and chatted... politics of course. A poor lady began to feel sea sick and I felt so bad for her. I am currently in my hammock praying I don't get it too, even though I am currently feeling a bit woozy. Humph.
I need to sleep though as I am up at 11:15am, for my next watch. Yippee. Ciao x

I woke up this morning around 8AM after having 3 hours sleep, yet I feel refreshed! Maybe it was the shower last night or maybe I'm just feeling more confident, now being a member of the team on board... whatever it is, I feel good! I have another shift watch at 12-4PM where I will likely have to climb the mast and open up the sails...very nervous as it is so cold and windy once you're up there. Plus, as I said your footing on that tiny rope is not great. Once I had gone out after getting ready for the day, I was happy to see a bright and welcoming morning. It was now around 8:45AM and the sky was a beautiful blue! The waves were a dark green/blue colour, teal maybe? And boy, were they crashing against one another! This is what it is all about! Beautiful! The sun was also beaming to add the the lovely scenery. A good morning...now for brunch :D and then on to my next watch.

These two diary entries were from the first days on board and as you can see it wasn't always plain sailing. The trip, I soon realised was about pushing my own limits and overcoming my fears. Nature is (most of the time) on our side and the sooner we try to work with it- rather than against it- the better! Nature was what was taking us from London to Portugal... and I trusted it with my life! My fear of the dark soon vanished (as I had no choice haha) and becoming closer with the people on board really heightened my overall experience. I fell in love with sailing that morning, and I definitely knew it wasn't going to be the last trip I made by boat.
The food continued on to be flavoursome, inventive and satisfying throughout the whole trip, although I had definitely had my fair share of cured hams and cold meats. One of the highlights with regards the food was the 3PM snack times. From freshly baked Danish Pastries and Cinnamon Rolls to juicy Melon and Pineapple- we were all in for a treat. 
The chefs did not spare us of their love and passion in the kitchen, that was for sure! Even when it was one of the trainee's 60th birthday, two very large fresh cream sponge cakes were ready and waiting for us to sing and send our blessings. Every single dish was made with great ingredients and an even better heart, but why was I surprised?! I had been told by Greenwich council that Christian Radich was had the best food!

Our days were spent eating and climbing, yes but also relaxing and enjoying the time we had together as a crew. There were over 10 nationalities on board, with everyone interested in everyone's lives. It was fantastic. There was of course some characters in the mix but it was all part of the fun.

Those that stood out to me and made the journey extra special are now poeple I deem to be life long friends. From midnight chats with Olave, to bum bum lips with Benjamin and Ken or reenactment stories with Kenny (oh my goshhhhhhhh!) and punny ad-libs made by Chris- followed by sarcastic comments about Chris' ad-libs by his girlfriend, Becca... we all had such different personalities that mixed perfectly together and made a tasty bowl of Radich soup! So shout out to Bermuda for being amazing... he is still sailing around the world as he signed up for the entire race! From London to Portugal, across the ocean to Bermuda, up to Canada and the back over to France, he is spending over half a year sailing like crazy! Of course I haven't mentioned everyone that made my journey special as there is just too many names to write but of course I must mention my loves Guiliana and Laeticia. 


Here are two diary entries about these lovely souls;

Giulliana

I remember first meeting Giulliana on the bow and she just had this radiant smile and glowing skin. I was like oh great, she is gorgeous and I bet she is a super nice person too. Of course I was correct hahaa. On a serious note, she is literally one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. Her heart is so gentle and kind... and her looks are jaw dropping. We have really began to bond and are basically in a girl group with Lettie. We are also kitties (don't ask haha). I love that she is calm and mature yet she has this playful streak that amplifies her youth? I admire her a lot and I really do hope we stay friends for a very very long time.

Laetitia

I first met Lettie on the press thingy at Woolwich before the voyage. She was so so funny and naturally beutiful! Being on the ship together has made me feel as though I have come on board with a true friend, and we are experiencing every step together. She says stuff sometimes that I was thinking and I' there like tha fuqqq. Girl I agree 1hunna. Hahahaha. She is so genuine and I feel we too are really bonding. She is also one of the 3 kitties and one of the girl band members :P. Fun times hahaa.  Lettie is such a kind person who's sarcasm gets me every time and I really can't wait till we go out in London together.

My good friend Bum Bum ;)

In the evenings after dinner, all the young people plus Pierre (a handsome Swiss 50 year old living in Sao Paolo) would snuggle up with our snacks and watch movies in the homemade cinema club. American Pie was usually the theme though on occasion we would switch it up...

My best hammock Buddy <3

My nights were mostly spent on watch, and this although to begin with seemed like a curse, turned out to really be a blessing. There is nothing like looking up at the nights sky and seeing the entire galaxy... and the milky way staring right back at you! You then look down into the water and all of a sudden hundreds (yes hundreds) of dolphins are splashing in and out of the dark blue water, playing in the waves. One night for about 45 minutes we were joined at approximately 3AM by what looked like 150 playful dolphins, all going crazy! The plankton in the sea water made sailing through the waves a magical experience in itself, as it lit up the water with thousands and thousands of little florescent lights dancing in the waves. Along with our visitors, who also done their part in lighting up the ocean as they cut through the waves, it meant that I was somehow caught up in my own magical fairy tale at sea. I could have dropped down right then and there, and I would have been able to say I was at my happiest.
I don't have any pictures of this fantasy like experience, but sometimes, somethings are best kept to ourselves... with words filled with passion and emotion, being the ultimate way to share an experience.

Diary entry about the Norwegian trainee sailors [23/4/2017]:
Yesterday during the day, once again the watch was a lot of fun. Our watch was not at all busy and we pretty much lay in the sun the whole time. I did go up to a really high mast though, once again with Martin who I wished I had taken a picture of up there. He was clinging onto that yard with every muscle in his thighs and stomach I swear. He was like it for around 20 minutes too while he taught me how to tie a certain knot around the sail, so high up in the sky. I remember looking at him and thinking you're so extraordinary. All of these guys here are. They don't even realise it. Some still struggle to talk to girls, some are typical immature boys- but in the best way of course, but all are pushing themselves above and beyond while making this trip special for us! The funniest thing is I am sure they are all looked at and stereotyped in different ways yet no one would ever think that they do the things they do and have seen the things they have seen. The are all so modest about it as well! I have SO much respect for each and every individual on this ship. Each person is really really special. Thank you Martin for giving me that moment of reflection 35 meters above.

Arthur and I high in the sky!

After around a week and a half of sailing, sleeping in the hammock had actually become very comfy however my sleeping pattern itself had worsened as me, along with the others did not want to miss out on the last couple days of fun. We would soon be docking up in Sines, Portugal and be getting ready to celebrate, with our experiences on board slowly becoming memories of what once was our time at sea.

Sebastian's hair cut

Lil ol Me

Ken Doll

Colgate Model Giullianna

Credits to this beauty: Lettie Inett! I hope youdon't mind I used ya pics haha <3

Giullianna's bella piece

Peace&Love,
Willow

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Rendez-Vous Tall Ship Regatta 2017 - Somewhat of a Summary...

The Tall Ships Race from Greenwich to Sines was an experience I've been finding hard to put into words. Not only because the whole experience itself was beyond sublime, but the lessons it taught me where like none I have ever come across. All in all it helped me to view life through a more relaxed and loving perspective. It is so easy to get caught up in the bustle and hustle of fabulous London... but is it really what life is about. Certainly not!

Some trainees I became very well acquainted with...

I began the race on the Christian Radich, a Norwegian Tall Ship from Oslo, on the 30th April 2017. I had signed up for this race almost a year ago now... so the fact that I was finally sat on the very ship that would take me safely to Portugal seemed insane. 

I was surrounded by the very people that may possibly become my life long friends and of course I couldn't remember anyone's names haha. There was a large mix of ages, from 18 up to I'd say 65 (there was definitely some old fogies) and we were all in the same boat. Most of us had never sailed before although there was in fact a handful that had fallen in love with life on the ocean, and had made tall ship regattas a regular thing. Aside from us trainees, there was of course the crew who made up around 1/3 of all members on board. 

Among the crew were maritime students of ages 18-24 that were training to become real life sailors ( I found this so amazing, though when I expressed my intrigue the response I received was usually along the lines of, 'We're only sailors!') and of course the fully qualified crew mates. 

12-4 watch crew, back left to right: Iver, Olave, Benjamin, Robin, Martin front left to right: Paul, Allan

It seemed like a lot of people to fit into this 73m (including Bowsprit) vessel however this was not the first regatta they had embarked upon, and it was definitely not going to be the last.
We set sail on the afternoon of the 17th April, along the Thames River and out onto the English Channel. We used the engine to motor boat it to the race start line which was located in the sunny seaside resort of Torbay. On the 19th April in Torbay the race began. 9 Tall Ships from all over the world utilised the forces of nature and sailed soley by wind from Torbay across the English channel, to Sines, Portugal.

Upon my Norwegian Tall Ship I was delighted to be surrounded by kind, intelligent, charismatic people from all corners of the world, some sponsored and some paying for the magical experience that awaited us. The journey itself pushed us to limits that I can say, I have never encountered- that including coffee drinking limits (the coffee was gross but was one of the only things that would keep you awake during night watches!) Alongside the great company came great views of blue choppy oceans, just meters below. The thought that you could potentially topple in at any given moment (whilst above deck) was a looming fear for many, I'm sure, however knowing that you are surrounded by professionals, that take their role very seriously was of course a bonus.

Our arrival in Sines came on the 27th April around the evening time, although unfortunately there was nowhere for us to immediately dock up, so we spent the entity of the night anchored a few meters away from the dock. The next morning the whole crew (trainees and shipmates alike) were above deck ready and waiting for the well anticipated arrival of the Christian Radich in Portugal! I had spent the last week and a half aboard a tall ship with strangers and we were now strutting our stuff (yaaas)... off the boat as friends for life. It was an amazing feeling. The race part of the journey was fun, yes, but what I learnt from the maritime students was priceless... and the two wonderful ladies, Guiliana and Laetitia, that I befriended have left a mark on my heart forever. The next few days were spent celebrating our arrival... although our time was limited as flights back to London Stansted were booked for 30th April. We had a huge festival to look forward to as well as lots of bar crawling...with sailors- and believe me, you have no idea how much sailors drink! Hahaha!

I haven't spoken much about the journey itself... so please, delve deeper and have a read of The Sweet Life on Deck and of course about the festivities in Portugal (and the drinking ha!) at SINES.

Peace&Love,
Willow

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Two Weeks Before My Sailing Trip

'Yes, a sailing trip... well actually a sailing race from London to Portugal,' ... 

'Really have you ever sailed before?' ...

'Errm, no but hopefully I'll enjoy it!'

Hahaha, so yes. A sailing trip and no I have NEVER sailed before unless you count a day trip on a boat in Turkey. How exciting right?!?!

Why? You may wonder and well for me...an adrenaline-loving, inquisitive soul searching almost 20 year old I guess it was just curiosity. Ha. Curiosity killed the cat. Yes, yes but I am willing to take a leap of faith. The ocean is oh so vast, swaying from side to side with open arms and it is pretty much waiting to be explored. It appears as completely foreign in my understanding and I suppose I would love to have a chance to understand it that little bit more. Two weeks is probably not nearly enough but I guess this is me dipping a toe in or testing the waters hahaha :P :P :P. Bad joke, I know. Being a part of this experience will, of course, teach me lessons and skills that I will take onboard for the rest of my journey through life and I may love it or hate it out there. However, as long as I come out of the experience with a smile, ready to tell the tail... I would have achieved something I would have never imagined I would! Yes drama queen but it is true! 

Just under a year ago, before I move to Greenwich/Deptford (I'm on the border) and before I even knew I was going to university, I applied for the Royal Borough of Greenwich's Tall Ships Regatta 2017 from London, UK to Sines, Portugal. It had said on BBC News that there were a number of sponsored places available on board the ship, or you could pay. I then proceeded to do some research as I thought, this does sound like fun! I realised that the only way to get a sponsored space was if you lived, worked or studied in Greenwich and of course I did not. I lived, worked and studied in Essex. The non-sponsored places cost around £1.5k for accommodation, food etc etc. I thought well you never know, circumstances change all the time, I could become a millionaire... not. I actually just figured that life has a funny way of working and if it is meant to be it will be! 

And for sure... it was meant to be!

A couple months later I found out that I was accepted into Goldsmiths, University of London, how exciting. As I hadn't actually decided if I was 100% taking the plunge into academia until I had been accepted (mid August), I hadn't sorted anything you're supposed to such as accommodation, student finance and anything else you can think of so I was panicking! I managed to get my ass in gear and by September I was almost ready to begin the new chapter. I was placed in student accommodation around a 20 minute walk from my university in Lewisham and about an 8 minute walk into Greenwich town centre, and for those of you who haven't been... go to Greenwich!!! It is beautifulllll.  I will give you a guided tour myself :P. 

Now around 2 months after moving into my accommodation I received an email asking me to pay the first instalment for my voyage to Sines. Oh shit, I'm not a millionaire yet and I definitely cannot afford £1.5k now... I'm a student! I had to explain that unfortunately my circumstances had changed and I may have to back out of the trip... however, I decided to slip in the fact that I am in actual fact now by complete chance, a resident of Greenwich (well borderline Deptford but I sprinkled some sugar on it)!! I explained how I've sadly become a poor student but would still be very interested if there were any sponsored places still on offer. To my luck?? the lovely man on the other end of the email replied and explained that they loved how enthusiastic I was right from the start (I had a great application) and they would be happy to offer me a sponsored place - right after my interview! Yippieeeeeeeee. From then on the only way was up baby! 

Here I am now, just under two weeks to go sat with my handbook for the Norwegian Tall Ship; Christian Radich. I've read it from cover to cover and will use it as my bible. 

For more information about the Tall Ships Festival please check out: http://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/tallships

Peace&Love,

Willow

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