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