By Fleur Malcolm
On o clear but cold Friday night the Lady Nelson left her home port in Hobart and commenced her two day, two night adventure sail. The ship was carrying ten adventurers and eight crew. The crew were all old friends and it was like a family reunion as we met again, some of us the first time in months. After a ships muster with life jackets etc, we motored for three hours to our overnight anchorage on Bruny Island. The sky was full of bright sparkling stars including at least one shooting star and the lights of the city were just lovely. Our new propeller worked a charm and it was noted that our speed had increased when compared with the propeller just removed.
Saturday morning was bright and clear but with not even a slight breeze to sail by, not perfect for sailing but just right for learning basic sail handling skills under controlled conditions. We spent a few hours teaching the adventurers how to climb aloft to free and make up gaskets, make up lines, raise and lower yards, set and hand sails and just generally how the ship works under sail. After all the training was completed, the weather gods cooperated and gave us enough wind to fill the sails and move us along at a dignified pace. The ship must have been a lovely sight with almost every stitch of sail set and we had more than one vessel come to say hello and take a picture or two. Our adventurers were a perfect crew, picking up skills quickly and obviously having a very good time as well.
Once more we anchored in one of Bruny Islands many secluded bays and commenced putting the ship to bed. Putting all the sails away was a big task as there were nine of them to be furled and gasketed overnight. Vivian had prepared a fabulous roast dinner for everyone and I'm sure not a scrap was left as the sailing and climbing had left everyone with huge appetites.
After dinner the entertainment commenced with poetry readings all with nautical themes and varying degrees of nautical accents, some funny and some just lovely. Well done Barbara, Robyn and Jan. Following the poetry we had a sing-along with Vivian providing not only the music on her piano accordion but printed lyrics as well. Its amazing that so many people can fit in one small space and have such a good time. Eventually the 10 pm curfew came around and a tired but happy group went to their beds.
Sunday morning came and what a change from the previous morning, we were completely surrounded by dense fog. Its a very strange feeling to stand on the deck and see nothing, even a motor yacht moored near was invisible. It was so quiet with just the occasional bird call breaking the silence. It was decided to use the time while waiting for the fog to life to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and clean the ship prior to its return home later in the day. Some of use just waited to get that “perfect picture” as the mist started to lift. After an early lunch we commenced our journey home, managing to set all the square sails and sail along the River Derwent.
Back alongside, the ship now shipshape once more, we gathered at T42 for a final gathering and to say our fond farewells to everyone who are now classed as friends and able crew.
This was a lovely voyage, good friends both old and new, good weather and a good ship.
