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 !