Day 35

Day 35

A Jolly day of Piracy

I will start with an apology for the length of the post but loads happened and I like writing.

After the harrowing long passage to Wick we spent the night and set off with expectation for the Orkneys. Moral and excitement were high as we were about to cross the Pentland firth one of the most notorious patches of water around the British Isles. The Skipper and first mate planned a route and discussed it with local sea fearers who gave advice from their local experience. We slipped lines slicker than a wet otters nose and left the Sleepy village of Wick and Steve P.B behind us. We set off and some slight doubt about the tides and local knowledge ensured a plan B was in place before we crossed Pentland firth to the Orkneys. We could not afford to mess it up in unforgiving seas. As back up plans were completed we hit an expected eddy locals had told us about which sped us to the start line at Bang on 09:04 much to Dan’s delight as this was his time to be at the departure point for the crossing. This was all thanks to Chris ensuring we hit the deadline by taking his time getting himself back onto spirit from the tender. So well done Chris for your professional procrastination and ability to make the first mate look good (he needs the help).

We crossed the Firth with little issue and made it into Scapa flow with sunshine and fair winds all the way. We turned to see how the Crews of September and Quivera were doing, they had manged to delay slipping lines just long enough to ensure they could enjoy the squalling rain we had missed as they crossed the firth as the seas became rougher adding to value to the adventure.

We found a Bay and dropped our anchor for lunch. With moral high from a sound crossing and glorious weather our minds tuned to mischief and we deployed our catapult ready for the arrival of Quavira and September. If the next part sounds a bit childish that’s because it is. We have a water bomb catapult capable of firing 300 Feet and a Lt Col of artillery on board so it seemed rude not to test out our weapon systems. After a quick practice we waited patiently until our chance to attack arrived. Our initial attacks were successful but we soon found out that Quavira had the ability to return fire. It became a battle that will be talked about through the ages due to the fact that 25 fully trained Veterans were unable to land a single water bomb on target. As the fun from the water bomb died away the crew of spirit spent time in each other’s company. Friendships were made and strengthened, stories were shared and the day felt very “turntostarboardy”(I make no excuse for making up words and will be doing it again).

The round Britain challenge had always seemed like it should be like this. Due to challenges faced and the adversity overcome together we had a shared experience that allowed our bonds to grow. We had sailed through the long nights under the careful guidance of Dan, Tamsin and Shaun and we had arrived in the sunshine to the half way point of the trip with tales to tell. We lifted anchor and sailed into Stromness where we would stay the next day.

There is another post to write about over coming these challenges but I think it is best saved for a reflection at the end of this story.