Morning Report from the Warriors of Red Road at Sea on the Gulden Leeuw: August 14th
Yesterday, Sunday, August 13th was Lazy Sunday. We didn’t have happy hour (as per usual on Lazy Sunday) and had a coffee house/talent show/open stage night at around 8:00. Yesterday was sort of crazy with the weather. It was off and on sunny most of the day, occasionally raining but mostly cloudy. We had fun with the talent show, a lot of people being very nervous at first but easing into it quite fast. We were also given letters from our loved ones at home, which had a lot of emotions coming up in the room. We’ve been heeling a lot the past two days, but thankfully we’ve been going about 10 knots most of the time, thanks to the wind and the work of the crew and trainees.Yesterday was a good day.
Cheyenne and Alassua
TTC Note: We weren’t sure which Cheyenne…lol…so we include them both here!
UTC DATE/TIME: Monday, August 14, 2017 09:30
BOARD DATE/TIME: Monday, August 14, 2017 08:30
POSITION: 50º 12′ N, 25º 29′ W
COURSE: East – South East
DIST TRAVELLED LAST 24H: 215 nm
TOTAL DIST TRAVELLED THIS VOYAGE: 1770 nm
AIR TEMP: 13 C
SEA STATE: small/medium waves
WIND FORCE BEAUFORT: 4
SAILS CARRIED: flying jib, outer jib, inner jib, t’gallant, upper topsail, lower topsail, course, main staysail, main sail, main topsail, mizzen
From the Professional Crew of the Gulden Leeuw
Aug 11th 2017
(Almost) halfway there!
We are well on the way now and you can feel it in the air. The trainees are getting more and more responsibilities from leading small manoeuvres on their own to choosing a cleaning master for each day for happy hour. We have sailed more than 1100 nautical miles. We have seen dolphins and whales, watched films and sang together, we’ve laughed and cried. We are learning more about each other and changing our routines to facilitate the differences.
The differences are starting to show; some people come closer together, some drift apart. That’s life, and group dynamics – you cannot avoid problems in such a large group. I think though that we are dealing with them quite nicely and everyone is scheduled to arrive in Le Havre very happy.
Happy thoughts are being transmitted through the “Happy Box”. The red tin can is getting full. Everyday there are fresh nice thoughts in there: thoughts of support and thankfulness. Earnest, honest, sometimes funny little messages.
Little messages are always given during debriefings. After each watch we sit down and talk about our time. At first those meetings were short and to the point, before they became more honest and heartfelt. Sometimes they even last up to 1,5 hours, when somebody feels like they have some important issue to discuss with the watches.
The watches have changed their shifts; since we’re here for more than three weeks, everybody gets to try three different working times. We’ve also changed the time again, which means we are now only one hour before the Greenwich time. We are also almost halfway on our way, which means that from now on time will probably go much faster. We expect to be in port in about two weeks and some trainees are already really excited to see the land – and France. So far though there’s nothing but the horizon 360º, with occasional vessel appearing for an hour or two, before they seemingly slip off the face of the Earth again – like the Blue Clipper just this morning.
Anna Gudarowska
Half way! Way to go Warriors. Hugs hugs hugs. Waching the daily blogs. Uppigivatsi. I am proud. Qujannamiik (thank you). Iqaluit Nunavut.
Hug my Girlie Girl.
Thank you for the awesome updates. It is wonderful to hear the news of how things are going. I really don’t worry about my child but your messages are comforting for the parents of the Warriors of the red road at sea. What an adventure of of a life time! I am truly grateful to you all for supporting each other and working together to make this a positive growth experience for the youth and our future.
Smooth sails and fair winds,
Shelley Forbes aka Saimaniq’s Mom
Love reading these blogs , and hearing about your days and sights you see along the way , so happy for my son (billy) to be able to be part of this journey with all of you. A totally great experience for everyone on the ship , thanks for keeping us posted , am sure as one that checks the site 3 times daily to see another blog lol welalieg , love you billy!
I am really enjoying the updates. Thanks very much and just want to say we are so proud of the sailors!
Is this where I leave a message for my daughter on board? Trusting it is, here is my message for my daughter Megan Dicker:
Megan, I am constantly thinking of you. Through tosses and turns throughout the night, and walks to work, or just looking out our window I wonder if you’re okay. I know you are, but I can’t help but wish I could speak with you. I wonder if you’re having a cup of tea, or if you’re seasick or homesick. If you’re taking pictures of a beautiful sunrise/ sunset. I miss you more than anything and I love you more than I can ever tell you. I am counting down the days to hear your voice and get one of your wonderful hugs. Sometimes I am even counting down by half days. I can’t wait to hear your stories, and learn about your new friends! 10 more days my Beaut. I love you. Love, Mom
I’m sure there are many emotions that everyone is feeling. Just as those left behind knowing their loved one(s) are taking this trip. I know the youth will grow in ways they’ve not foreseen. I’m proud of them all but Siamaniq and Cheyenne from Kingston most of all.