Level 3 Clipper Training
Level 3
Day 1: Doom & Gloom
After a good 10 day break, including two days with Alok, exploring London, I was raring to sail again. Doom and his twin, Gloom, had other plans that involved pointing out just exactly what 100 things could go wrong on our race. And then recounted real-life episodes to back up their narrative. Of course most of these things did not happen on a Clipper boat. But then again, keeping Clipper’s strong tradition of safety live and kicking, they proceeded to scare the shit out of us
We learnt how to handle all kinds of on board disasters, from fire to flooding, to that perennial bogey, the MOB.
The day did end relatively quickly though, with us being assigned boats early that evening. The Skipper, in what seems to be Clipper tradition, already had dinner ready and we were set for an evening out by 1930.
I chose not to drink as we plan to sail with a spinnaker tomorrow. But that didn’t stop the conversation. We’re a good mix of under 30 and over 50 people drawn from Romania, Ukraine, China, US, UK, India, and a homeless guy who’s sold his house and put his furniture in the warehouse to sail around the world.
So we talked about politics in each of our countries – yes Trump is a bad choice but Clinton was worse, Modi is a great guy so what if he has blood on his hands, Putin really messed up travel in Eastern Europe, the Chinese were fast asleep, so no comments; movies on India – Lion is a tear jerker and the little kid a scene stealer, Slumdog Millionaire should be seen with a gunny bag worth of salt; books like Shantaram which give real insights on Bombay and about the author; artificial intelligence – it’s a game changers and scares the very people working on it; trying to ensure a green world for our children – we recycle on our boat; and, the impact of digital data and its ability to zero in on each one of us.
We did try our hand at saving the world, but alas, Castle Tavern closes at 2300.
Day 2: Long time no sea
For all the scaremongering yesterday, it was wonderful to be back on the water today. A beautiful day, we spent it reviewing all our earlier learning and rounded up back in the marina around 2000. Long and satisfying day at sea. With a team which is completely new to me and where the Skipper and first mates – we have 2 as there is more than 12 crew. – are probably half my age. The age and the experience gap though is evenly divided, so by the end of the day we had bonded easily, relying on each other to work though sail evolutions and our young Skipper’s enthusiasm. Once we had hoisted the main, the Stay and the Yankee, I lost count of the number of tacks and gybes we did.
Thankfully we don’t have watches in this level, so all of us get a good night’s sleep.
Day 3: Tidbits
The weather turned Brit on us and went from sunny to damp and dreary to biting cold, dappled sunshine. At 20 knots of wind and tall seas, we just could not raise a spinnaker. That leaves just two more days for Lady Luck to make an appearance.
On days like this, it’s the little things that bring a smile. Since Level 2 we have had to shower in the ‘mango people’s’ shower rooms in the boat yard. Earlier we had access to the ‘posh’ marina office showers. So when a crew mate helped me sneak in to the latter, I felt like cleopatra I her bath of milk and honey.
It’s funny though how small cultural (?) differences can introduce a discordant note. Two of us were on Mother watch today and the dinner menu was chicken curry, naan bread and poppadums. Or at least that’s what the menu said. However, here in the Motherland, typically curry must be accompanied by rice, and naan bread is just an accompaniment. Any curry maker worth her salt is assumed to know this. Big oops.
The best way to manage walking on deck with the tether on? Pretend you’re Paris Hilton, on her stilettos, walking her pet poodle. Trust me, I managed just fine after that. Besides, three weeks on the boat and I know layout well enough to not trip on the ankle breakers, travellers, winches, handles, sheets, whatever!
The slightly worrisome thing for me was the nausea while cooking today. Lunch was ham and cheese sandwiches. Boring, so I decided to fry up some bacon bits. Bad idea, especially when the boat is on a roller coaster, hell bent on dropping over to visit France. The nausea hit me immediately and I could not eat, let alone do the dishes, post meal. Which meant dinner became a 2 hour exercise with 2 rounds of dish washing.
It’s so easy to manage with such few possessions. I can already picture Dilip, nodding his head in sage agreement. If I were to revisit my packing list today it would include
2 dry fit, long sleeve t shirts (so your hands don’t tan, and because it’s cold)
1 fleece jacket (it’s comfy, reminds me of bear hugs, keeps me warm)
2 pairs of shorts ( the follies one has to wear over them are good protection)
1 set of night wear (to make you fall asleep to the thought of home)
1 set of off boat clothes (for dinner, for a free day, for travel)
1 pair of waterproof shoes (more than rain, it’s the waves you want to watch out for)
2 pairs of women socks and 2 pairs of regular socks
1 pair of deck shoes (any closed shoes that you’re ok wearing in a shared loo)
1 pair of sneakers (so it’s easier to walk and save on travel costs when on land)
1 water proof and warm sleeping bag
1 quick dry towel
1 hat (one with all round cover is better as it’s shields the back of your neck and protects it from chafing from the life jacket)
1 pair of gloves (though your skin will still feel funny when you shower and will peel later)
Toileteries that include anti sun tan cream, cold cream, wet wipes, deo, lip balm, shower gel, tooth brush and paste.
iPad and charger (so I can read and write)
Clipper will provide a light jacket and the wet weather gear so that’s not on my list. But yes, my bag for Leg 2 is unlikely to cross the Clipper baggage limit of 20 kgs. .
Days 4 & 5: Simply sailing
2 days of absolutely glorious weather made for some awesome sailing. We tacked and gybed and reefed till all of us were dropping in exhaustion. A good feeling, sailing into the marina, sailing done, sails tucked away, the aroma of dinner wafting through the hatch and the sun painting watercolour masterpieces across the sky.
We did evolution after evolution and rotated our jobs so everyone got a chance to manage every role on deck, besides of course our daily assigned duties. It was great racing weather but too windy at 25 knots for us to put up the spinnaker.
And then, just like that it was time for our team dinner. Deep clean tomorrow and Level 3 will be done too.
3 down, 1 to go!
Day 1: Doom & Gloom
After a good 10 day break, including two days with Alok, exploring London, I was raring to sail again. Doom and his twin, Gloom, had other plans that involved pointing out just exactly what 100 things could go wrong on our race. And then recounted real-life episodes to back up their narrative. Of course most of these things did not happen on a Clipper boat. But then again, keeping Clipper’s strong tradition of safety live and kicking, they proceeded to scare the shit out of us
We learnt how to handle all kinds of on board disasters, from fire to flooding, to that perennial bogey, the MOB.
The day did end relatively quickly though, with us being assigned boats early that evening. The Skipper, in what seems to be Clipper tradition, already had dinner ready and we were set for an evening out by 1930.
I chose not to drink as we plan to sail with a spinnaker tomorrow. But that didn’t stop the conversation. We’re a good mix of under 30 and over 50 people drawn from Romania, Ukraine, China, US, UK, India, and a homeless guy who’s sold his house and put his furniture in the warehouse to sail around the world.
So we talked about politics in each of our countries – yes Trump is a bad choice but Clinton was worse, Modi is a great guy so what if he has blood on his hands, Putin really messed up travel in Eastern Europe, the Chinese were fast asleep, so no comments; movies on India – Lion is a tear jerker and the little kid a scene stealer, Slumdog Millionaire should be seen with a gunny bag worth of salt; books like Shantaram which give real insights on Bombay and about the author; artificial intelligence – it’s a game changers and scares the very people working on it; trying to ensure a green world for our children – we recycle on our boat; and, the impact of digital data and its ability to zero in on each one of us.
We did try our hand at saving the world, but alas, Castle Tavern closes at 2300.
Day 2: Long time no sea
For all the scaremongering yesterday, it was wonderful to be back on the water today. A beautiful day, we spent it reviewing all our earlier learning and rounded up back in the marina around 2000. Long and satisfying day at sea. With a team which is completely new to me and where the Skipper and first mates – we have 2 as there is more than 12 crew. – are probably half my age. The age and the experience gap though is evenly divided, so by the end of the day we had bonded easily, relying on each other to work though sail evolutions and our young Skipper’s enthusiasm. Once we had hoisted the main, the Stay and the Yankee, I lost count of the number of tacks and gybes we did.
Thankfully we don’t have watches in this level, so all of us get a good night’s sleep.
Day 3: Tidbits
The weather turned Brit on us and went from sunny to damp and dreary to biting cold, dappled sunshine. At 20 knots of wind and tall seas, we just could not raise a spinnaker. That leaves just two more days for Lady Luck to make an appearance.
On days like this, it’s the little things that bring a smile. Since Level 2 we have had to shower in the ‘mango people’s’ shower rooms in the boat yard. Earlier we had access to the ‘posh’ marina office showers. So when a crew mate helped me sneak in to the latter, I felt like cleopatra I her bath of milk and honey.
It’s funny though how small cultural (?) differences can introduce a discordant note. Two of us were on Mother watch today and the dinner menu was chicken curry, naan bread and poppadums. Or at least that’s what the menu said. However, here in the Motherland, typically curry must be accompanied by rice, and naan bread is just an accompaniment. Any curry maker worth her salt is assumed to know this. Big oops.
The best way to manage walking on deck with the tether on? Pretend you’re Paris Hilton, on her stilettos, walking her pet poodle. Trust me, I managed just fine after that. Besides, three weeks on the boat and I know layout well enough to not trip on the ankle breakers, travellers, winches, handles, sheets, whatever!
The slightly worrisome thing for me was the nausea while cooking today. Lunch was ham and cheese sandwiches. Boring, so I decided to fry up some bacon bits. Bad idea, especially when the boat is on a roller coaster, hell bent on dropping over to visit France. The nausea hit me immediately and I could not eat, let alone do the dishes, post meal. Which meant dinner became a 2 hour exercise with 2 rounds of dish washing.
It’s so easy to manage with such few possessions. I can already picture Dilip, nodding his head in sage agreement. If I were to revisit my packing list today it would include
2 dry fit, long sleeve t shirts (so your hands don’t tan, and because it’s cold)
1 fleece jacket (it’s comfy, reminds me of bear hugs, keeps me warm)
2 pairs of shorts ( the follies one has to wear over them are good protection)
1 set of night wear (to make you fall asleep to the thought of home)
1 set of off boat clothes (for dinner, for a free day, for travel)
1 pair of waterproof shoes (more than rain, it’s the waves you want to watch out for)
2 pairs of women socks and 2 pairs of regular socks
1 pair of deck shoes (any closed shoes that you’re ok wearing in a shared loo)
1 pair of sneakers (so it’s easier to walk and save on travel costs when on land)
1 water proof and warm sleeping bag
1 quick dry towel
1 hat (one with all round cover is better as it’s shields the back of your neck and protects it from chafing from the life jacket)
1 pair of gloves (though your skin will still feel funny when you shower and will peel later)
Toileteries that include anti sun tan cream, cold cream, wet wipes, deo, lip balm, shower gel, tooth brush and paste.
iPad and charger (so I can read and write)
Clipper will provide a light jacket and the wet weather gear so that’s not on my list. But yes, my bag for Leg 2 is unlikely to cross the Clipper baggage limit of 20 kgs. .
Days 4 & 5: Simply sailing
2 days of absolutely glorious weather made for some awesome sailing. We tacked and gybed and reefed till all of us were dropping in exhaustion. A good feeling, sailing into the marina, sailing done, sails tucked away, the aroma of dinner wafting through the hatch and the sun painting watercolour masterpieces across the sky.
We did evolution after evolution and rotated our jobs so everyone got a chance to manage every role on deck, besides of course our daily assigned duties. It was great racing weather but too windy at 25 knots for us to put up the spinnaker.
And then, just like that it was time for our team dinner. Deep clean tomorrow and Level 3 will be done too.
3 down, 1 to go!
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