Home sweet home - 30-31 of July

Last 24 hours all ship crew and trainees all the night were on their feet. It was because of that, that there were left not very much till the end of the race, but wind was not very good for us and every minute we had to be prepared for tacking and very fast come to battle station.

And in the middle of the day we have had tacked twice and in the afternoon of 30 of July we have crossed the finish line of the race. That evening the sunset was incredible. The rain was coming and we saw sun between horizon of the sea and rain clouds. It was amazing!!!!

Everybody in the ship just stopped and they were enjoying of the sunset... After that has come the final results – Christian Radich in the class A – FIRST!!!!!!

After that Captain gave order to pull up the sails and last hours till we reach my hometown Klaipeda was started. In the last our watch (00.00-04.00) we were so busy that I haven't felt when all preparation jobs where finished – all night we where preparing ship for hers staying in harbor. In that watch we had nice surprise – Grete and Vivi has made pancakes in Norwegian.By the way – this night was the first night when I had possibility to feel what does it means to be in the sea when the rain has come...

After interesting day and short watch we all went to sleep. An I awoke then, when I had possibility to say -”Welcome to Lithuania!” :)

 

Rima, number 70 

Radich Watch Up date: 8-12 Watch 30th July

This morning we awoke with nervous anticipation of what was going to happen on our watch. The previous night we learnt that we were still first in our class, and that the finish time for the race had been brought forward due to the adverse winds. As it turned out we had very little time to wait as we were waiting the tall ship behind us to tack. When she did this we tacked to cover her. And so began the endless trimming of the sails and halyards to make sure that the boat was travelling at the fastest speed possible. Once this was finally over we just had to sit and wait for the end of the race and for the commands from the captain.

 

This was a long wait with very little activity as the wind did not vary very much. So little trimming of the large square sails that power the tall ship along through the water was required. At 1600 the captain gathered us on the main deck an told us that we would have to wait and see what the results of the race were.

 

 

8-12 watch update 29th July

We just wanted to share with you the best memories from the sunset yesterday, we climbed up to the top of the main mast where we stayed for approximately 45 minutes. The view was more than marvellous the open shimmering sea quite with no other ships on the horizon and the key to this view was the other ships on the horizon. We were watching it from the start to the finish with people sitting on the yards talking taking thousands of pictures or just in silence enjoying the end of the day from the birds view.

 

In the evening before the sunset we did even common titanic which means some friends at once were standing on the bowsprit.

 

Amazing moments that connect people. During the night we were supposed to tack, so everyone was expected to be awake and ready to do their duty with the ropes but fortunately nothing like that happened. We managed to sail within the whole night and then after quick breakfast we did the fastest tacking the captain had ever seen. Then the second after 3 min and all the tall ships were behind us. We are first now passing the light house at the end of Gotland. Lying on the foredeck practicing the winners song just in case of the event, the warms us, even if we are in half dreamy dead, because of the murderer’s game which started an hour ago. Let’s see who wins!

 

Last Day Racing , Murder Game and outline of the next days ahead

Last night when the race results came in the Captain told us that we are still first in our class which is good to hear, we celebrated with applause and then went onto our night watches. News also followed that due to the winds and the fact that many of the ships had not yet passed GOTLAND the race would finish early so that we could grantee all of the ships were able to be in port for the events in Klaipeda

 

Sailing during the night was good and we had easy watches, allowing for fun and games. One game that was played was the bear game. In this game to people pretend to be PARENTS and give birth to a baby bear. However the parents have to try and stop the baby from being born, whilst the baby has to try to be born. In reality a person has to push through two people who are lying on top of each other and trying to stop the person pushing through the two of them.

 

Another game which started yesterday is the murder game: here below are the rules:

 

A GAME OF MURDER

IS ANNOUNCED

·        Everyone aboard is invited to play

·        The idea of the game is that each person playing will receive a victim (someone else playing the game), a location and weapon which they must use to “kill” their victim.

·        Once you have killed someone you then have the task of killing the person they should have “killed”.

·        The winner is the person who survives by “killing” everyone else !

 

Some rules

 

1. You can not kill anyone whilst they are on watch, or doing a job / task for the ship.
   
   
2. A murder shouldn’t disturb people sleeping in the accommodation.
   
   
3. You can enlist the people who have died to help you kill someone.
   
   
4. If you kill someone and their victim was supposed to be you, you must come and see Chris, Carl or Sophie who will assign you a new victim.
   
   
5. You must get permission to use a murder tool if the item belongs to anyone aboard the ship and from one of the ships crew if it is a piece of the ships equipment.
   
   
6. If there is a disagreement over a murder this will be settled by the mentors
   
   
7. Sadly, once the game has started it is not practical for new people to join.

 

With over half of the crew playing “murders” have been happening all over the ship, and as the death toll rises there have been more and more accomplices involved in killing people !

 

Finally after days of racing at 16:00 today we finished our race at sea – as with many of the vessels in this years race the winds made it impossible for us to reach the finish line in the required time. Having celebrated as a crew (there is a good chance we may have won some prizes) we started to take sails down and prepare the ship for port.

 

Tomorrow (Friday 31^st) a pilot will join the ship at 0800 and guide us into port. Whilst the racing is over we still have several days of fun planned. Most of Friday will be spent cleaning the ship and making it “ship shape and Bristol fashion” ready for when the ship is open to the public. Saturday will be a busy day, as a reward for a hard work racing we plan a late breakfast, after which we will have the Second ever Egg Drop Competition aboard Christian Radich. Following the egg drop (see next blog post for the egg drop rules) we will have lunch and then prepare for the Crew Parade through the centre of town which will finish at the prize giving ceremony (perhaps Radich will have a few trophies to take home… who knows!).  Once back to the ship there will be chance to shower change and then the whole crew can enjoy a party organised for the crews of all the competing vessels.

 

Sunday morning the whole crew will be up early (perhaps some will not have even been to bed!). Wake up will be 0700 and by 0745 all bags must be packed and on deck. Once the accommodation is clear of bags and personal items, breakfast will be served for everyone and then the big ship clear up will begin. Then by 0930 the voyage will be over, and after what are sure to be many goodbyes and possible tears the crew of Radich will head home to the lives they had before the voyage!

 

Chris – Mentor aboard Radich, Baltic TSR ’09 Race 2

 

The Great Radich Egg Drop Rules

THE GREAT RADICH

EGG DROP CHALLENGE

2009

 

 

The challenge is to transport a raw egg from the platform on the fore mast as far back on the ship as possible without the egg breaking.

 

• You may use any materials aboard the ship, however you must have permission of the person responsible for them (eg: bosun, engineer, cooks or the sergeant)
  
  
• There is a good chance that your egg may end up overboard – so ensure that you only use things you can afford to loose
  
  
• The egg and it’s protective packaging must be thrown from the platform and can not be attached to any part of the ship, or another person
  
  
• Teams should be between 5 & 7 people and as international as possible!
  
  
• Before the egg drop, each team will give a presentation about the science of their design – points will be awarded for the best  presentation
  (to be the best you should include all of your group and make it as funny as possible)
  
  
• Finally to win the egg must be whole and raw when it is collected from the deck (this will be tested!)

 

Radich At Sea Voyage: From Joining to the Race start

So we have been aboard Christian Radich now for over four days coming together as a crew of 58 trainees from many different countries.

 

During this short time aboard our crew (made up of over 14 nationalities) have learnt how to climb aloft, set 27 sails, tack a ship and live together in an open Banjeren (the area where we eat and sleep).

This area (the Banjeren) is the full width of the ship and during the day is a large open space where meals are served and people can sit and talk, however at night over 40 hammocks are hung from the ceiling where crew members are gently rocked to sleep by the motion of the boat.

 

Alongside the challenge of the race, which we take very seriously after all Radich has an excellent reputation to maintain; our stand-by time has been spent learning about each others cultures and countries. During the night watches on the evening of the 27^th each watch took part in the pride and prejudice exercise with great success. The idea of the exercise is to gauge what beliefs and pre conceptions exist amongst the trainees with regards to each country and help to correct them. In turn trainees from each country stand in front of the white board whilst the rest of the watch call out facts and information which they think is true of that country (so for the UK the following were some of the suggested items: Full English Breakfast, The Queen, Monty Python, Top Gear, Pubs and of course Fish and Chips) At the end of the watch we all were left with a better idea of each others countries and looking forward to using our new found knowledge in Lithuania.

 

For many people one of the most notable challenges of life aboard a tall ship is the fact that crew are needed to climb and work aloft in the rigging, usually once the initial fear and in trepidation of being high aloft is overcome the act of going aloft becomes one of the most sought after tasks for the extra challenges that are posed. However as much as we will always need crew to climb aloft it is important that we have persons on deck who can slack on lines and help the people working high above in the rigging without them we simply could not get tasks done.

 

For the start of the second race Radich found herself in an ideal location for crossing the start line, a position which also afforded us a great view of the fleet, and saw the press boat taking pictures of us. As a result we couldn’t help taking a photo of the photographers taking pictures of us – especially the well known Man in Black aka Max (www.maxphotographer.com where you can see his tall ships pics).

 

Many different ships have their own traditions; one of these for Radich is to fly their Pirate Flags whilst racing. These flags have been captured as trophies from many different participating vessels in the race throughout the many years that Radich has participated.

 

In addition to great food, hot showers a constant supply of fresh coffee there is a great amount of fun and banter (as you would expect when 80+ young people come together). Today one of the trainees was challenged to draw a picture of Radich (see the picture) after an hour we had a fairly accurate depiction of the ship really – what do you think?

 

Finally at the time of writing this we have rounded our last way point and are now on a direct course for the finish line, whilst the forecast suggests that we could have a lot of tacking ahead of ourselves the going looks good and there could be a suitable reason for a party when we reach port !

 

If reading these posts you decide that you want to come and join the fun, sadly you have missed out on your chance for this voyage and race, however AT SEA SAIL TRAINING have many trips scheduled throughout the year why not check their website www.atseasailtraining.com or email info@atseasailtraining.com

 

Fair Winds,

 

Chris – Mentor Aboard Radich Race 2 ‘09

Radich Update: From Tuesday 28th July - news from the 4 - 8 Watch, Tacking, Napping and learning

We wake up at 0330 and started our watch at 0400, we saw a beautiful sunrise whilst members of the watch stood look out I had safety watch (which involves checking the ship for fires and making sure that all is well below decks). Some people from our watch made presentations about their countries, so we learnt something about Italy, Finland, Lithuania and France. After that we took a nap, then the Bosun told everyone that we we’re taking and should take our stations. Following the tack the Captain said that it went very well and that we should be happy with our current placing in the race.

 

Mustyna 55

Zofia 54

1st Day Blog Which got lost in the system ! Apologies

25.07.09 Day 1 Blog Entry

 

We arrived at the Christian Radich in the morning very nervous and found our sleeping places (hammocks!) Once we had unpacked our luggage into the lockers, one of the mentors gave a demonstration of how to get into a hammock which was very amusing.

 

We then took a walk to see all the other ships and sail boats, that were moored along the river and with so many sail boats it was a long walk.

 

We all ate dinner together at the ship and then we had some get to know each other games. In the evening we had time to explore Turku and visit some of the bars. Some of us found the hammocks quite uncomfortable while others had a good long sleep !

28 Jul - 8 to 12 Watch - Day three - A night of racing, tacking and continued learning

Today we woke up at 0700 in time for breakfast. The watch started at 0800 where our first task was to tighten some of the sails. As we were so fast at this task we started to learn some of the important knots that are required for the ship.

 

This turned into a bit of fooling around when Chris, our mentor tied our hands together with ropes linked together like two parts of a chain. We had to try and escape from this, which led to many interesting attempts that failed.

 

That took even the “smartest” of us at least half an hour before we were begging for help. There was some more problem solving before we had lunch. The captain let us know that we were in first place in our class in the race, yeah!

 

Aleksi, Nenna, Eileen, and Konstamikko

 

Race Day - Updates from the 8 - 12

Today is the starting day for the race. Everybody was excited from the early morning, good weather then not too strong winds, good words from the captain which encouraged us to do out best to prepare all of the sails and get ready for the start line.

 

I was so lucky to have the 8 – 12 watch which allowed me to help with setting the sails – it was more than awesome to be one of the few at the top of the masts and while working to enjoy the other ships which were close to us.

 

Everyone was getting closer to the start line, we couldn’t be too fast, just not to cross the line before the mid day start, but also we wanted to be very close to the start time even if we had an 20 minute start window – this we managed!

 

It was much greater than I even expected crossing the start line at 12:02:30 seems more then perfect doesn’t it? The whole crew took part in setting the sails and pulling on the ropes (even the cook) then with the great time, speed and big smiles we could take thousands of pictures of the others who were BEHIND US !

 

These memories will be in my mind forever - what a spectacular event!

 

So many huge ships with all sails set – so close to each other, all trying to be the first across the line.

 

Well, the direction of the wind is not the best for Christian Radich now, but we will do our best to keep the first place. There is a lot to do over the next few days and nights but we have to remember also that the most important thing is the good atmosphere of the event – so keep your fingers crossed for the Christian Radich and her international crew.

 

With the sailors greeting AHOY

 

AGNES (From Poland) 32

 

Monday, 27 July 2009 4 to 8 Watch - Steering, Climbing all before breakfast

The 4-8 watch woke up about 3.30 a.m. to get ready for our first morning watch. Everyone was sleepy and only half wake. We changed over on the main deck with the 12-4 watch, had some food from the mess. The look out went to the front of the shop for one hour before they changed. The safety watch walks around the ship twice every hour checking for any possible fire. The safety watch then changes every hour. We proceeded by climbing the mast and unpacking the main sail and afterwards we repacked it for practice. We also learnt how to set the sails and the names of some of the endless amounts of ropes. We were taught what ‘tacking’ was and how to do it as at first it seems to be quite complicated but it turns out to be rather easy. I was even allowed to steer the ship which was an amazing experience, I had to follow a course of 090 degrees which is much harder than it sounds. Finally we changed watch with the 8-12 watch on the main deck and afterwards we had a delicious breakfast. Following breakfast some people tried to get some sleep or discussed with others the different cultures they come from and the music they enjoy. At 10.30 a.m. we had a talk with the captain where everyone should be positioned when the race begins. When the race started we let down the sails and pulled on many heavy ropes. We passes the start line quite fast and now we have a good position in the race. At the moment we are surrounded de dozens of other tall ships which gives us an amazing view, plus we are always comparing our position and speed with the other ships. At the moment we are also sailing upwind which means we will be constantly beating against the wind which will require a lot of work as the boat will be frequently tacking/turning which means we have to brace/turn the yards and re-trim the sails. Luckily the weather is still very good and quite sunny. Lets hope all continues for the rest of the race!!

 

Joanna,

 

Sunday, 26 July 4 to 8 Watch - Leaving Turku feeling like a VIP

We left Turku around noon. It was amazing how many people were on the shore waving to us. The sea was full of small boats following us from all around and you could see tall masts of ships across the horizon. Even the president of Finland was there giving her greetings! I have never felt this famous before.

 

The first lunch onboard was such a thrilling experience: bread, raspberry jam, and Norwegian got cheese…yummy!! The most terrifying moment in my whole life was when we were supposed to climb up the mast. I have never been so afraid of heights before especially when we looked down onto the rolling waves although the support of the other trainees and the crew kept me alive. Climbing back down onto the deck was a lot easier than climbing up, and next time I might climb ‘even’ higher.

 

I had my first watch at 4pm. My special duty was to look out across the horizon for possible danger objects such as other large boats, buoys and fishing nets. If you spot something you have to ring an old-fashioned bell in order to warn the helmsman at the stern of the ship. We also learned to coil ropes and how to brace the yards (turn them).

We completed a lot of training so that we would be well prepared for the race tomorrow and win again!!

 

Johanna, Finland

Samu, Finland

 

The 26 June - an update from the 12 - 4 watch

It's been quite a day today at Christian Radich and we haven´t even finished for  for today!

 

This morning we got our last good nights sleep as we started the real work today, which meant dividing us into three watches. From now on there´s going to be hammocks hanging from the ceiling every hour of the day with grumpy, tired people inside them who have given their best in keeping the amazing ship in action, clean and safe.

 

We started the day with important themes like safety on board. The experienced crew also took us through a quick history of Christian Radich and explained the whole function of the ship. The trainees went through an evacuation exercise and we got to try on A-class life jackets and survival suits. At 12 o´clock we finally left Turku and millions of waving hands as enthusiastic viewers by the river Aura and on the islands wished us safe winds. Harriet said she felt like a celebrity waving back at them.

 

After the meal I was to overcome my worst fear: the fear of heights. The trainees got to climb up the rigging one by one and hang on top of the yard waiting for the others to reach it too. I think it   must have been one of the most frightening experiences of my life! I kept going on with tears in my eyes and tried to manage my shaking feet. Afterwards I felt proud of what I had achieved and everyone else seemed to have enjoyed the exercise as well :).

 

I´m now waiting for my 12 to 4 watch to start and listen to the snoring from the hammocks as the trainees prepare themselves for a long night. Excited...

 

-Viivi, number 68

 

27th June - An update from the 12 - 4 Watch - The Race has started

The race has started!

 

Yesterday we left Turku and sailed out to sea. I was starting to feel afraid about sea sickness, but what can I say now...I feel not very bad, but not very good at all!

 

Today in the morning 3.00-4.00 I was doing look-out. It was amazing!!!!! I had a possibility to see, how the sun was raising up and the new day was coming.

 

After a few hours of sleep, we all were woken up, because we had to cross the starting line. A lot of tall ships were around us and in the short breaks after doing some trainee jobs we had the possibility to enjoy the beautiful (again :) ) view around us.

 

In our watch time we had our instructor briefing about our position at sea, an interesting lesson about knot’s and...how to pull up and pull down the sails. They all are very huge and they look very, very nice from inside the ship and the from outside.

 

After some time, the captain was doing a briefing, where he said, that we have crossed line as he  expected and we all are very happy about this!

 

Now we have some free time, I think I use it for sweet afternoon sleep...because everybody from the crew is saying, that for the next few days will not have a lot of possibilities to do it.. :)

 

Rima, number 70

26 Jul 09 - From the 8 - 12 Watch - Day 2

After a breakfast brunch we had emergency stations and fire drills and it was funny to see everyone trying to put on the lifejackets.

 

We left the port with the help of a Finish tug boat named “Fart” to the cheers of the crowd, and along with the rest of the Tall Ships 2009 Baltic Fleet left the fabulous host post of Turku. Sounding a salute to the city we were all nearly deafened by the ship’s horn.

 

We were then shown around the ship and told about the rules of the ship. In the afternoon we had our first climb up the rigging, which for some was a very emotional experience, but great fun none the less. This was done to the sound of trumpets and the waving of the boats around us – making this an experience you never forget. The watch system also started with a gentle breaking in, including an introduction to the sails and the watches already starting to get competitive – at the time of posting this message we have just 30 minutes before we start our first watch !

 

 

25 Jul 09 - From the 8 - 12 Watch - Day 1

Arrived at the Christian Radich in the morning all very nervous. We were shown where we were to sleep in hammocks. This came with a very amusing introduction and demonstration of how to get into a hammock, which was filmed much to consternation of out mentor.  We then squeezed our kit into our lockers and then given some free time to wonder round. We walked around the boats which took along time to do since there are so many boats taking part in the event. We came back in time for dinner, which was followed by some get-to-know-each-other games. We then had some free time to explore the nearby pubs. Our mentor enjoying them slightly too much and not coming onboard till the early hours of the morning. Some found the hammocks slightly uncomfortable but others had a good long sleep.

 

It begins

Early Friday morning I flew out from London Heathrow bound for the Finish city of Turku, one of five host ports for this summer’s Tall Ships Race, managed by Sail Training International (www.sailtraininginternational.org).

 

Upon arrival I join the Norwegian Tall Ship Christian Radich to compete, hopefully winning, the second race leg for this year’s tall ships race. Joining me are over fifty young people from a variety of different countries, all brought together through an international exchange organised by ATSEA Sail Training.

 

Over the course of the race, when ever we have signal posts will be published to this blog giving you updates about life aboard Christian Radich and what activities we have been up to !