09-02-12:Mike: Typing this as we slip between Dover and France on what mentally appears, so far, to be the home straight. Two cold shifts up top, but a bowl of porridge, bacon and a sausage sandwich later and everything seems fine. Martin is mighty fine cook/chef and if I had a Christmas card list, he’d most certainly be on it. However, as we all know, Christmas and Birthdays are organised by women, and as there are none on board, we have neither. Danny is still in the procession of my passport, he’s clearly not
looked at it, which proves my point. Still trying to play “check in” poker with a few farcebook friends – I think I’m winning now.

08-02-12:Mike:Bit of a strange one pulling in to port last night. In one respect, its respite from the constant battering the guys upstairs were getting, and in other respects it breaks the journey that you don’t really want to stop. Last night I was on dinner duty, so whilst some may think I got the deal of the century in being able to stay below, I nearly chucked and added extra carrots to the dinner again, but managed to hold on. Come the following day, our numbers have just sadly reduced. Don’t get me wrong,
I expect the next two days are going to be tough, but we’ve probably been more than lucky with the weather so far, and I did sign up to this, so I’ll stick at it. With some great guys aboard to look after us and no doubt some highs and lows ahead, I’m sure we’ll be fine. For me personally, to come this far and not chug through the lock gates at Albert Dock, I’d think I’d been short changed.

We are docked in Portland Marina having pulled in last night, The sea, the winds and the temperature against us. It was as cold as I have been since we run out of 50p’s one winter on Ings estate. The crew still has smiles on their faces, well I say smiles. It is how the faces have been fixed with cold since last night. 3 pairs of socks and still toes freezing. Inner layers, outer inner layers, inner outer layers and outer layers and that’s just for bed (the boats heating is out. Still spirits are high.
A good shower, hearty breakfast and lunch in the marina bar got us all going again, we are preparing to set sail, having said goodbye to the brass monkeys (they say it is too cold to travel)

We are all keen to get to Hull and as quickly as possible. Safety is paramount and the right decision was made last night to hold off. Even the dolphins have done one.

The marina shop has done a roaring trade in hats and especially gloves. We had to boil a kettle and pour the water over the helm to release Martins hands. He was steering in shorts, flip flops and a vest. Only joking but he did not have gloves on for long enough to nearly stick to the wheel.

It will be all hands on deck shortly for our departure and hopefully arrival in Hull within a couple of days.
We understand Clare has issued feedback form probably not the best day to do it. We are sure a couple of days back home and reflecting on the trip as a whole the response will be positive.
Homeward bound !! See you all soon….Chele, Ross, Ellie XXX

The one Hull is returning on Friday 10th February after four long months away.

As the Marina is closed it has to return to Albert Dock, courtesy of Associated British Ports.

Unfortunately this does mean that we cannot have the grand welcome it perhaps deserves.

However, it will be sailing up the Humber to get to the Dock so we can wave as it does a drive by – perhaps the best view would be in front of the Trade centre building / Humber Quays.

The tide on Friday is 7.00 pm which gives One Hull three hours either side to come into dock – they are aiming for closer to 4.00 pm than 10.00 pm but we may know more tomorrow – we will keep you posted.

Any queries, please contact us.

Clare

06-02-12-Mike:49:03,6:34- On the early(ish) watch this morning I decided to have the Beach Boys blasting out the speakers. Most surreal experience as we plodded along in a general north easterly direction with two reefs and a good way through my Trawler man apprentice scheme. I’ve suggested to Danny that we get a wheel house knocked up, but he’s not having it, so the next two days are going to be on the slightly chillier side of things. Maybe we should postpone just in case somebody trips on the ice? Plenty of rufty tufty Northern Dolphins about as we approach the English Channel, even had one playing chicken but he bottled it. (get it?) If Tim or Dan asks, it was the dolphins skip, honest, it was the dolphins, they made me do it. Other than that, my facial growth is coming along nicely. As I write this, Dan has just raised the subject of melting polar ice caps…….contentions stuff.
(I think it’s the dolphins making them melt)

06/02/12 -
Day 7-Sam, just finished my watch where we have just seen the biggest dolphins ever… dolphins on steroids! The Arnold Schwarzenegger of the dolphin world. This is comparison to the dolphins and porpoises that have been following us for the last couple of days. Amazing view watching them playing with the bow waves and jumping out.

These stream line swimming machines aren’t always as agile as they appear. Mike was rudely awoken to the sound of a dolphin banging on the side of the hull. Maybe he had bad eye sight or just was trying to get up close and personal with mike….Maybe he should of gone to Specsavers.

Since I have recently passed my Yachtmaster Offshore in October I had been given to opportunity to progress and work towards my Yachtmaster Ocean. This will mean another shore-based course when I get home. However an important aspect is to learn how to use a sextant and take accurate sun sights but this would have been easier crossing from gran Canaria to st Lucia where the sun is always out. From Azores to Hull, it is a lot more difficult when the sun only comes out when it feels like it, so I have to take the opportunity when I can. My first ever Mer Pass (when the sun is at the highest during the day) sighting as only a small 0.9Nautical miles away from our correct position. Even Tim, our local expert, was impressed!

Mid February Christmas is awaiting when I get back to the real (cold) world of hull, Christmas presents is waiting on my bed if my brothers haven’t got there first and my mum is doing a Christmas dinner. Will be a real Christmas with it snowing and being -8 degrees, a lot different from the
Christmas I’ve just experienced.

05-02-12 the RadMan aka Little Joihn... OLDIE BUT GOODIE! Finally got through the Mal d'Mare and realising what it's like to being in the ocean with a crew insomniacs. For the first time i have been able to
see a night sky full of stars as well as amazing sun sets. the dolphins make it all a real treat as they play around in the bow wave. Making this my last hurrah as a 69 year old... God Bless America!

2-3-2012 Glen – just come off deck after breaking my 10knott cherry…all witnessed by dolphins, Its pitch black cold and windy. I have not had a good sleep or a good wash(or even a wash). Imagine falling asleep in a caravan and someone pushes it of a cliff that’s what it’s like sometimes when you’re in bed. I have got a bruise on every part of by body having bumped into every corner on the boat. Apart from that it’s absolutely great. Last night we had a bit of everything , wind all over the shop, rain in your face. I was at the helm loving it all, what a buz….a big two pair of underpants job !

We have a crew of amateur chefs…not had one bad meal yet. My turn tomorrow so we will see about that…

Chele, Ross and Ellie……..love you lots and miss you loads XXX

PS have a look in the Marina and see if there is a 30 footer for sail under £100

PPS Mike has just passed and as for me to tell his wife to throw away the Trawler Man application

04-02-12-Mike: Written from 45:30,14:59. Finally appear to have got my appetite back after battling in getting my sea legs for a few days. Picked through a bowl of pasta and bolognaise late last night on deck and managed to down all of breakfast this morning., followed by lunch. Winner. Now down to wearing a t-shirt and people are asking, “are you cold?” Yup, things are returning to normal. We counted down through 1000miles to go earlier which was a nice feeling, and we can see the South West Coast and channel on the maps being used to plan our route, which again gives a nice feeling. If you’re waiting for us to pop up on the AIS, it will hopefully be in the next couple of days.
 
I’ve said I’ll jump off the boat and kiss the floor at Albert Dock when we get back next week, although it has been suggested that might not be the best idea. So what really comes to you when sat on deck during the day is that you can’t see any other kind of civilisation at all except for the odd ship and the occasional aeroplane which goes overhead, although that will start to change in the next couple of days as we head in to the English Channel. Missing all three of you and look forward to seeing you next week.

If I get the chance, I’ll be sure to “check in” on Farcebook, just to beat all the boring people who ‘check in’ at Kings Cross railway station and the like. ZZZZzzzzzz

 

04.02.12 Russ
One lost hat
Couple of Buckets to chuck ( fortunately not me so far) Three reefs in and three shaken out. Now making good ground flying downwind NE on a clever slingshot round a high pressure system with dolphins around
again this morning. Don’t let anyone tell you they don’t have eye lids ….
That one definitely winked at me.

Four hours off watch feeling very well rested Five fat fingers…gloves a bit tight Six hundred and something miles to Start Point in the channel , less than 1000 miles to go. Taking sun sightings today with Tims sextant.

Seven shipmates and their skippers sailing this wild and serene sea. At leas t eight closet fishermen happy to take some credit for our tuna. Always good to have a good team around you I’ve always thought!
Ps hat found and hanging onto it tight Suspect a kidnap ransom was being planned but cant prove anything. Looks like its getting colder in a few days.

Hi to all my ARC buddies wherever you are.

Love to Sue Gabbi Dom and Seb and a special happy Birthday to Dom, 21
tomorrow. Have a drink on me and will catch up when I’m back. xxx

02-02-12-Mike-As people said this would be a trip of discovery; it has indeed been that but maybe not for the right reasons. As a trip that was suffering from a lack of that invisible stuff that makes a sailing boat
move, we have had to employ the services of a six cylinder Perkins oil burner to enable a slightly faster rate of propulsion through the wet stuff than would otherwise be possible. Now many would think that sleeping next to such a beast would be nigh on impossible, but alas that is not the case.

What I discovered is that Perkins beast is actually masking out all sorts of other noises, in the main, bangs, groans and all the other normal day to day communication that happens on board on a sailing vessel. So next time you hear anybody say they can’t sleep, tell them to splash out on said engine and stick it next to their lug hole. Run it at 1500rpm and jobs a good’un. Dragons Den, here we come. Written from 42:10,21:49.

Personally I appear to have been hardest hit be the seasickness bug, as I again had a session of driving the plastic bucket this morning. Feeling a bit better now, or at least good enough to write this, but off my food just a bit/lot.

Putting all that aside, sailing North East up the Atlantic today has been fantastic and fully justifies why you’re here in the first place. Reefing a sail in the dark whilst raining this morning was also, er, fun.

 

02-02-12-John Radings/JLo/Radical – Highlight of the trip to date was the catching of a BlueFin Tuna weighing in something like 8Lbs. It made a fitting end to the day because Martin, chef for the evening produced a wonderful Tuna Meal. The low part of the trip is the feeling of seasickness. Not actually being sick, just nauseous. Looking forward to entering the English Channel, where my family will be able to pick us up on the AIS system. That’s it now, as I’m not very good now. The first and last blog of the Radman. (Because I’m not very good with words !!!)

01-02-12 – Mike – Done one night shift and one early morning now. As people said would be the case, I’ve already lost track of what time or day it is, you just know what time your shift is.

This morning’s early shift saw us attract the attention of multiple shapes and sizes of Dolphins swimming off the bow (just like they do in the films). As quick as they arrived, they disappeared without trace. The fishing line has been deployed, but not a nibble yet. Thankfully the sea sickness is passing, within 20 minutes of going below deck to make the chicken casserole; I was driving the porcelain bus, except in this case it was a plastic bucket. I don’t think the rest of the crew wanted extra carrots, so thankfully let me go sit back up top whilst the worst of it passed. I’ve not bothered taking any more of the tablets I bought as clearly they are as much use as the proverbial chocolate fire guard.

So I’m writing this from N40,00:W26,10. The radar screen is empty, no land in sight, and not a single Tesco carrier bag or McDonalds wrapper either. When was the last time you experienced that? Even aeroplanes and their tell tail vapour
trails are lacking, with only two spotted so far. Hi to Elaine, James and Archie – all being well you should start to see us again
on the AIS Website off the South Coast in 5 days , so keep a look out.

 

Well done to all the crew who completed leg 3 'The Azores Challenge'!! we will be uploading the crew video as soon as possible so keep checking the blog!

The One Hull has now left the Azores and is heading back to Hull, leg 4 'The North Sea Challenge' is underway!!

31-01-2001-finally left Horta on route back to Hull. If we had stayed in port any longer we might not have left, great food, great beer and both very reasonably priced…we saw off Levi and Lee (AKA Blogman) and all hope they arrived home safe and sound.

Spending a day and half in the Marina flew past, they is always something to do. When Peter Kay talks about a “Big Shop” he has no idea. Ours took three able bodies 4 hours to do and 8 able bodies to get it on board. Hatches either have engine parts or food in them.
Within a couple of hours we had seen a shark, dolphins and a couple of crew looking into buckets but that soon seems to be sorted.

There is a great mix of ages and backgrounds. There is also a good mix of experience. Martin is the “Scotty” he knows every wire, pipe, pump and gizmo. 1st couple of hours was man over board practice. This was hard work but as a team we managed to recover the m.o.b quite well, the second time
was quicker and better executed, even though we managed to dunk Russ in the sea.
We have now been allocated watches 3 hours on and 4 off….that would be £90k a year at BP in shift allowances.

Tea tonight chicken, rice and veg…the Crew spend all day colouring Greens another colour, it’s the only way to get Sam to eat greens.
Happy birthday to Mike’s wife!

30/1/12
Blog Man- Final Blog…..
And so the Journey for Crew of the Azores has final come to an end. Only Sam, Tim and Danny remain to lead the fresh and ready crew, who have newly arrived today, for the voyage from the Azores to Hull.

It has to be said that my time on board has been memorable, even to the last hour meeting the new crew, what a great bunch they seem and what a great experience they’re about to embark on. It may not have the warm climate and the tropical commodities but it will have the rough and ready
waves and winds to satisfy.
I have made many a good friend on board and intend to stay in touch with all of them, whether it’s a beer with Captain Clarkson, picking up a packet of Piriton from Hilary or a game of Othello with Debs, all of the crew have been a great lot.
I and Levis are the last to leave and have helped to get One Hull ready for their next journey. We have also both managed to get our Competent Crew which was a nice qualification to leave with.
Thank you to all who made the opportunity possible and to all of the crew for their input into the experience.
Good luck to the new crew on board……
BLOG MANS COMING HOME!!!!!!!! 

Sir Robin with the team.

We had a visit today from our patron Sir Robin Knox-Johnston who has given us fantastic help and support towards making CatZero a success.

Sir Robin with the team.

The last blog and testament from Lee and Hils aka Blog-Man and Blog-Girl. We are almost there but not there until we cross the final line, anything can happen. Skipper has confirmed that we are all Competent Crew, although would like to have seen Captain Clarkson (aka...You know the rest) out of the galley and on deck more often. Franco thinks us English drink copious amount of hot drinks and last night had dreamt of being surrounded by Kettles.

We all think that the skippers have played a great role in helping to support us in all of our endeavours. Debs has been there for all of us, offering her knowledge of the Galley and keeping the watches fun and bubbly with her easy going and cheeky ways. Thanks also to the ‘batman and Robin’ duo that is Nigel and Sam our watch leaders, slim chance of another group like us!

Hold on to your seats Horta, here One Hull comes!!!!

Blog-Man and Blog-Girl fighting to get into internet cafes for your updates!!!

Lee –
 We have 329 miles to Horta, I can’t believe we have been at sea nearly two weeks! Jack Kerouac may have been ‘on the road’ but we have defiantly been ‘on the wind’ as we have sailed against the wind for nearly two weeks now.

We are hoping in these last couple of days, the wind will finally shift so that we can experience some downwind sailing into The Azores.
Life on board has been a barrel of laughs, simple things like saying ‘boil the Kettle’ results in a shout five minutes later “kettles boiled” 20minutes later and Nigel still waits for his cuppa.
Richard (Kryton, Smee, Captain Clarkson, Smoking Wigwam, Ricardo, Skinny Latte, and Bilge Boy) has without a doubt achieved the record for nicknames on board. The spot on fella that he is has told more stories than primary school teacher, all resulting in tears of laughter down our faces.
I have decided that I am going to try and achieve a qualification on board, Competent Crew, think if the opportunity is there I might as well take it.
I have been practicing my knots like mad and when I reach Horta I will have to row a dingy under oars….. How hard can it be??

I hope my brother and Sister in-law had a wonderful day and everyone enjoyed themselves, look forward to getting some signal on my phone to ring home for the news.

Our time at sea is nearly up but what a great time it’s been.

22nd Jan - Hils on night watch

 Sitting at the computer at the navigation desk to write this at 02.15  allows a pleasant interlude from sitting in the cold on deck! We're  travelling fast ( 7 to 8 knots) by sailing close to the wind on direct  course to the Azores. Just 550 miles to go so we are all thinking about  seeing land again. I feel we are also being particularly thoughtful and  helpful towards each other now that we have been at sea together 10 days  and are all dealing with our own challenges (mental and physical) like  sleep deprivation, damp clothes and trying to move around the boat without  falling or crashing into things. The smallest act of kindness and concern  or a smile or joke means such a lot to raise the spirits. I'm sure this is  something we will all remember when we get home. I find cooking in the  galley very hard and not something I enjoy however Richard manages to be  creative with cooking and produces amazing meals from the tins in the `day  packs' now that the fresh food is finished. Franchesco cooked a great  tomato pasta yesterday even though he was not happy that we had run out of  olive oil!

 Yesterday morning was another bad weather experience with gale force winds  and driving rain. I was on deck but didn't feel so frightened this time.

 The next watch team are getting up now for handover at 3am. We have 25mins  to get up and get all our waterproofs on. This has become quite competitive  between the two watch groups as Danny usually has to chivey our group along  so we're not late!There is lots of `thinking time' when on watch and my  thoughts have been on friends and family hoping you are all well and looking  forward to seeing you all soon. Thanks for all your love and support. Hils xx

21/1/12
Hi Lee and Mandy,

This adventure is turning out to be quite tough, but really rewarding too as we have done things that we never thought we would and even contemplate.

The sun rises and sunset are my favourite but then looking at the beautiful stars at night is a real treat as they shine so bright , the waves at times are really big and some reached 7-8 metres wow! Difficult to move about then , I tell you and the little things that we take for granted will be such a treat when we get back home – I am seriously thinking of eclairs and there is no chance of anything like that , tried to make pancake one day but did not have the right flour and all got a bit sticky so abandoned the idea ahahahah We are starting to look forward to getting to the azores and checking our bruizes ! ahahahah lots of them but they will remind us of how we got though real adversity and learned a lot from this challenge.

I don’t think I will change  career and become a sailor Lee…. But became wiser learning how they live and how much they can change the shape of young peoples lives by giving them new opportunity in life.

A team spirit is needed to see you through this and this we got from everyone around .

Thanks for giving me this opportunity and letting me do this with Hils knowing that you would be without me for a while, Mandy and Lee I am so proud of you too …. Will be there soon , fill the fridge up with goodies for me …ahahha love mum xxx

Choices shape our lives
I may not be there tomorrow but I would still like for this to be read or heard by the bride and groom on their special day or today.
I’d like to start by saying how beautiful Emma looks, I know I cannot see you but you look wonderful on every other day, so I can only imagine that you will look truly breath taking when you walk down the aisle.

I’d like to thank the parents of the bride for all they have done in the preparation of this special day. I am sure you have made Vincent and Emma’s day truly memorable.
I would like to second that thank you to my own parents as they will have been up sorting the venue for you all to enjoy. Mum will defiantly be giving the directions on this one.
Both Vincent and Emma mean a great deal to me and I know my absence may not seem to enforce that but they understand why I had to make the choice I did.
I think the choice is very much like the choice Vincent will make. He has the choice and opportunity of a life time, that being, to marry a truly amazing woman in his life and one that will indeed remain special to all of us in the family.
Vinnie, I couldn’t have wished for a finer eldest brother to look up to. Very few older brothers growing up would happily take their youngest brother and include them in their friendship circles. This made starting secondary school a great experience as I had a lot of older kids in high places. On many occasions I have sought advice and help from you and have never been let down, although all that know you will understand when I say I had to ask you twice, as you didn’t listen the first time!

Emma you again have already been a sister to me for too long and this day will only make it more official than it already is. You have always loved Vincent and have already given him two wonderful children and there is likely to be more, yet another choice you have to make in the future.
I wish you both the most heartfelt congratulations and the best life together; I love you both very much and will see you both soon.

Ps- Emma this doesn’t mean you get special big sister bullying rights.
PPs – over to you Steve, make them laugh brother and remember don’t mention
the time when Vinnie...

Levi 20/1/12
Wow!! Never would I have thought I would be crossing the Atlantic!! Up to
now I have found this to been a life changing experience. It has made me
want to do more with my life, especially Travel to new places, meet new
eople and Most importantly - live in the Now.
It’s crazy how much I will appreciate The small things in life when I get
home such as; showers, use of the toilet (which you can stand in fixed
position), being able to pick up the phone and communicate with friends and
family.
Living at sea to me is like living in a snow globe every time you shake it
reality becomes a blur you lose track of the time and date etc. However it
does mean you really get to know people and I have made some truly new
friends.
It has been harder than expected because of the sleeping patterns. Four
hours on/four hours off during the day and three hours on/three hours off
during the night. You’re so tired at the end of some watches that you get
in your bunk as soon as you can.
I am enjoying it so far. It has enabled me to reflect on what I want to do
with my life. I love being on the helm which I find very relaxing.
So tonight we had our Half Way Hat Party which was spot on. It brought
everyone together and boosted morale after some tough sailing. It couldn’t
have come at a better time with about 5 days to go.

19/1
Day 8 at sea and the 1000mile barrier has been broken. There is rumour of a  half way party on board to celebrate all the hard work so far or as Deb  seems to think "there would be nothing to look forward to in life if we  didn't go to the party". If this party is happening I'm going in my  Caribbean shirt (it's rather loud).

 The Sea is calm this morning and the lull of the waves are making it hard  to wake up. The Sun rose behind a screen of clouds that allowed a small  horizontal strip to seep through, look like the sun was wearing a burka.

 The experience has been amazing so far and I want to thank KC again and all  those that helped make this possible. I really can't believe Mr Cameron  thinks this Catzero programme is crazy, me thinks he needs to get on  board... Literally.

 I also have to say to my manager Steve and Phys-ninja-master-chef  (Philpott), you were both right about the whole toilet experience. It was  fine when the dress code was shorts and T-shirt but now I have my normal  clothes..Thermal layers..waterproof layers and life jacket, the task of  going to the toilet is similar to Hannibal Lector in his straightjacket  needing to itch his nose.

 I have also after my time at sea found muscles I never knew I had, this is  due to the amount of clenching I have done to keep me from falling off my  perch on deck. Debs name them my 'Boat-hooks' which isn't far from their  common name. Think I have a six pack on each cheek.

 Finally, as I seem to be finding more time to write these blogs now, Danny  the Skipper has taken to calling me the BLOG-MAN, he has changed the words  of the famous Beatles song 'I am the walrus'. I regularly hear "I am the  blog-man.I am the blog-man. I am the walrus...koo koo kaa choo!!"  I have a  feeling this will Tickle my dad when he reads this.

 That's all from the Blog man ?

18/1
Through the round window.
Blog writing is brand new, at least it is for me. If you don’t believe
this, read on.
For someone who, at 52 years old, has never, literally, for many reasons,
been on holiday in the sun; certain things are going to be pretty much
brand new. Think big jet aeroplanes, a lot of beaming hot sun & sea, and
some rum based drinks that have obviously been designed with the single
most important goal of making you want another seven of them, as soon as
possible. He was a very clever designer. That said, I do like a drink, so
let’s not over praise this guy, who, on account of his success has (I
suspect) rather more to answer for to a large number of people. As a
backdrop, and in an attempt to offer a perspective, I list the following as
being important things in my regular everyday life. My darling Akua, DeDe
& Tema, Guinness, girlfriends, smoking & work. Obviously not necessarily
in that order. Ouch, sorry sweetheart (s).
This is a trip, or more correctly, a voyage. For me it is a plethora of
ideas, a Smorgasboard of feelings mixed together on a palette that thus far
has allowed me to display some emotions, the type of which I didn’t know I
had. I am in the company of eleven other people; people from different
walks of life and from “other countries”. I reckon they too have already
found an occasional drop of salty water trickling down their cheeks, this
did not come from the ocean. This is a trans-Atlantic crossing by sail
power, organised by the Cat Zero team from Hull, Yorkshire, and I am a part
of it. This is not designed to be a chapter because I’m not sure what is
to come. Similarly it is not intended to whet your appetite; there is no
need because I know that you are already hungry. Although there will,
almost definitely, be more. Please wait and watch this space. For those
with patience, explanations will be provided for much of the above, which
will in turn hopefully produce clarity. Further entries may include: A load
of Bilge, How long is it now? Chefs and vomit, and loads of other “stuff”.
Love to all.
Captain Clarkson.-

Wed 18th
 At last a moment to record the crazy events of the last 48 hours! We have
 all experienced the full force of the Atlantic ocean in January. Now we
 know why some people said it would not all be easy.We were half way into
 our evening watch and the winds had reached 25 knots making huge waves and
 spraying the decks with surf, At times Onehull was healing over at 40
 degrees and we were standing on the high side with the toe-rail on the
 other side in the water. I was frightened that the boat would heel right
 over but Danny assured us that this Challenger boat was built for just
 these kinds of conditions and “she was loving it” When the next watch came
 up on deck later we all helped to take down the staysail and hoist the
 storm jib. The main sail already had three reefs in it. I was in the snake
 pit and feared for the guys at the bow battling the wind with sea water
 showering over them. We had to relay messages from Danny at the helm as it
 was impossible to hear against the noise of the wind. If I’m honest it was
 terrifying but now that it is over I’m glad that we can truely say we
 experienced the force of the Atlantic ocean. Just for staying on deck Danny
 has nicknamed me “Gale Force Hils”.
 Today conditions are much calmer and the sun is shining! We should reach
 our half-way mark and we are all more confident knowing just what this
 boat (and the crew) can conquer.

Ciao MAMMAAAA papa e filippo (gli inglesi ci prendono in giro perche' siamo  mammoni)! Finalmente un po' di italiano eh? Vi scrivo da 30 gradi 48 primi  Nord, 51 gradi 49 primi Ovest, siamo quasi a meta' tragitto e la nostra  cavalcata e' veramente eccitante! Sono sicuro che dopo la notizia della  costa crociere che si e' schiantata al giglio a mamma gli e' preso un colpo  eh?(lo skipper ha ricevuto una email che parlava di questo) State  tranquilli, qui nell'oceano sis ta benissimo e questo viaggio e' ampiamente  alla nostra portata. Tanti baci, Francesco

 Translation: Hi MAMMAAAAAA dad and brother (danny jokes with me that every  Italian man loves and also needs to speak with his MAMMAAAAA and everything  is ok when the MAMMAAA make the boy some pizza or pasta), finally a bit of  Italian in this blog uh? I'm writing you from 30,48 degrees Nord, 51,49  degrees West, we're close to the half of this passage and our riding is so  exciting! I'm sure that after the bad news about the sank of the Costa  Cruising ship near Giglio island, MAMMAAAA  felt scared for me (skipper  received and email about this) don't worry MAMMAAAA here in the ocean  everything is all right. Many kisses, francesco

18/1
Well I ended my last blog with "can't wait to see what else the journey  holds in the up and coming days", I think I spoke to soon as what we  experienced last night was something even Wes Craven (Nightmare on Elm

 Street) couldn't have imagined. Climbing out on deck to pitch Black and  thrashing waves with crazily strong winds of up to 43knots that had the  deck rocking wilder than ever, everyone on deck had to change the Stay sail  up near the bow to the Storm Jib (stronger sail).

 After the sail was changed and the other watch went down I spent the next  three hours freezing and scared to let go of the bar as the deck was  rocking so much and with the wind and spray it was hard to see even if I  wanted to, I was offered to go below deck warm up and change but made the  decision to 'man up' and see it through. I was the glued to my bar when i  was offered to helm by Nigel (which I usually shoot up to the helm for on  any other day) I said "think I'll skip this one", I think he caught my  drift that I wasn't budging.

 Today has been slightly better as we are able to see. Me and Franco kept  singing Nessun Dorma out loud for a laugh, skipper Danny popped his head up  thinking we had cats on board. The waves have been crazily high on watch,  some up to 10meters, impressive and exciting, but the One Hull ripped  through.

 I thought I could hear the click of dolphins this morning, so I was  excitedly looking about the waves, about ten minutes later I realised it  was the flag flapping in the wind. I felt that feeling you get when you're  waiting for something to arrive and the doorbell rings, you rush to the  door. and it's a salesman.

 By the sounds of it tonight is going to be another rough one. I'm  determined to give the helm a go tonight, I'll let you know how I get on.

Its 9:30pm on day five of the voyage to the Azores. We have travelled 885miles so far and each day has given me a new experience and memory to keep. Today has been the first day I have put my full waterproofs and oilies on along with the very trendy wellys. Good job really as it has been wet and wild and the sea rather rough along with the winds. Tonight has been one of the biggest adrenaline rushes for me, the wind was howling, the main sheet was rattling and the boat was on a 70⁰ tilt, we were doing about 10knots which doesn’t feel fast if it’s calm but felt like 70mph tonight with the wind blowing a gale. It was like a white knuckle log flume. I also then had to go and pump the grey tank (sewage) about 500pumps left me feeling ill, but least the water will drain in the heads again now. On a lighter note, today we surprised Ven with a cake and a card to celebrate his 30th birthday, he loved it.

Whilst today has taken a turn for the more wild the previous have been the opposite.  Sam caught a fish one afternoon which became dinner. Last night I had an astronomy session whilst on watch with Francesco the sky was filled with the stars and shooting stars too. Yesterday I decided to sacrifice my 4hours midday sleep to do a bit of sunbathing on deck while the sun was out and the sea was calm, I was joined by a few others and we ended up even having the music on, bit of ‘don’t worry be happy, everybody’s free to feel good, oh heaven is a place on earth!’ and other ironing songs. The outcome of which I now have lobster legs and Debs has started calling me Hot-legs. Also saw some more dolphins.

Can’t wait to see what else this experience holds in the up and coming days. Hopefully no more sunburn. Hope everyone is well and will see you all soon

 

16/01 

Next phase of our journey

We have travelled 700miles so far and have just completed a short period with the engine running as the winds were really light and the sea state moderate.

It has been sunny so no problem getting  us out on deck! We’re all acclimatised to the watch system now and Danny no longer has to give us a `count down’

to take over from the watch on deck! In addition to the work on deck there are other jobs we are responsible for e.g. navigation, engineering checks, cooking and cleaning. Never a dull moment but lots of fun and great teamwork.

I know my friends were worried that I would not be strong enough for the winch work! Not a problem – I’m building up plenty of muscle! At night sitting on deck looking at the stars and the moon reflecting on the water I have to keep pinching myself to ensure that it is all real – it is so beautiful.

Over the next couple of days we will experience some weather fronts coming from the north so it will get colder and maybe wetter. Bring it on – we’re ready!! So dear friends and family don’t worry about me – I’m loving every moment.

15/1/12
Celebrating my thirtieth birthday on board One Hull is really special for me. I want to thank my fiancée Tanya, my mum and dad and also all of my friends
for all the support they gave me. I love you and I think about you all the time. I also want to thank CatZero for the opportunity to join the North
Atlantic Challenge. The Admirals – Danny and Tim for their perfect organization of tasks and free time on the Caribbean and for navigating us safely so
far. Everyone else on board has been great, positive and fun :) The Challenge continues, but as they say in Saint Lucia…No guts, no glory!

posn @ 2345GMT 26 43N 56 39W