Before embarking on a voyage from Vigo, Spain aboard Challenger 2 with the Tall Ships Youth Trust we had no idea that plans would change, leading us on an adventure, filled with unexpected twists, turns, and unforgettable experiences. Join me as I share the highlights and challenges encountered during this 851-nautical-mile journey across the North Atlantic Ocean.
Day 1: Anticipation and a Long Journey
My journey began early in the morning from the UK with a whirlwind of travel - a ride to Manchester Airport, a flight to Lisbon, and coaches to Spain, finally arriving at a hotel in Vigo just before midnight. I was exhausted but excited as I prepared to join the crew of Challenger 2, eager to embark on this voyage.
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Day 2: Exploring Vigo and Waiting
The next morning I awoke and ventured to the hotel restaurant for breakfast where I met up with fellow crew members for the first time. Word came that the boat hadn't yet arrived in port after delays from its previous voyage. We were instructed to wait at the hotel.
After a short while of waiting and tracking the boat via GPS online, we took the opportunity to explore the famous fishing port town of Vigo and bond with our fellow crew members. Little did we know that unforeseen challenges lay ahead, testing our patience and determination.
Later we received news that the boat would not arrive that day and we were to book dinner at a local restaurant and another night in the hotel.
Day 3: Delays and Setbacks
As we anxiously waited for the boat to arrive, we received updates about engine problems and the crew's relentless effort in battles against winds and tides as they endeavored to deliver the boat to port.
Meanwhile, we had breakfast together again and spent time in the hotel reception playing card games and waiting anxiously to start our planned adventure. Now two days late for boarding our vessel, we were getting weary.
The boat arrived in port that day with an extremely battered and exhausted crew and a broken engine pump. The Tall Ships head office had organized for a replacement part to be flown out with an engineer from the UK the following day. It was another night in the hotel and a trip to a local pizza bar to lift our spirits.
Day 4: Setting Sail and Overcoming Adversity
The engineer arrived with a new engine pump and was able to fix the problem and get the boat ready for our voyage. We joined the boat and helped make the final preparations before departure from Vigo to our planned destination, Tenerife.
After briefing from the ship's Skipper and kitting up ready for the elements we finally made it away from the port to begin our voyage, little did we know what challenges awaited us out in the Atlantic!
Day 5-7: Battling Seasickness and Finding Serenity
Seasickness struck hard during the first 24 hours of sailing, forcing me to rest in my bunk. I was heavily dehydrated and exhausted from our wait in Vigo. Our Watch Leader had come prepared with hydration sachets and was able to help me, as the days progressed, I recovered and found solace in the beauty of sailing again.
The winds were in our favor, and we were merrily sailing our way to Tenerife. We spotted pods of dolphins who curiously came playing in the waves at our bow. We saw the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the kind of things poets have mused about for millennia.
We had a watch system that rotated hours of work and rests for the crew. There were two watches and the days were split into 4 and 6-hour shifts through day and night. This way we could keep the boat sailing 24 hours a day for us to be able to cover some 900 miles to reach our destination in the planned timeframe for people to be able to depart and make their flights home.
Day 8: Catastrophic Engine Failure
I was on deck enjoying the scenery whilst our watch leader was at the helm, most of the crew were either relaxing or preparing food below deck. All of a sudden the engine coughed and spluttered then cut out completely. It was then I realized we were in for an adventure! To make the situation even more interesting the wind also died down and we were left adrift, bobbing quietly upon a calm ocean some 100 miles away from land.
A few hours went by without a hint of wind, meanwhile, the experienced crew frantically went through the process of engine checks to try to get us going again. There was nothing that could be done to get the engine started. Tensions began to rise among the crew and you could feel a sense of fear creeping through. We were briefed and told to conserve energy and water. It was at that moment I felt, for the first time, the real danger that could potentially lie in front of us.
That night we were surrounded by an otherworldly lunar aura. It was like an umbrella of hope amidst the vastness and blackness that surrounded us. We spent time sitting in awe of it. With no option but to surrender to the whims of nature, our watch bonded telling tales while we waited for a sign of wind.
It wasn't until the end of my watch, early hours of the morning that the wind finally filled our sails once again and we were back on our way. I remember the excitement of watching the ship's speed tick up to over 7 knots! The skipper made the decision to head for the nearest haven that could provide the necessary repairs - Madeira. For him the safety of the crew and the integrity of the vessel were paramount. The journey to Tenerife may have been altered, but our spirits remained unwavering, ready to embrace whatever lay ahead.
Day 9: Triumph over Storms and Arrival
As winds picked up and our sails filled once again, we set our sights on Madeira. But to get there we were confronted by a Force 9 thunderstorm. Lightning illuminated the dark squall that surrounded us, providing an awe-inspiring yet terrifying spectacle. I was frightened to hold onto anything metal which is near impossible when you are sat atop a chunk of metal surrounded by water! It got too much for me at one point and I had to go below deck, I broke down. I was overwhelmed by this point, from the delays in Vigo, the toll of seasickness, the engine failure, and now the fear of this storm, it was too much. The crew helped me through and I managed to get some sleep.
By the time I awoke, we had emerged from the storm, and greeted by the sight of land and the warmth of the sun, we had sight of Madeira. After days of not seeing land this was magic!
Later that night, and with the help of the Portuguese coastguard, we reached the port of Madeira. As we had no engine power we had to be towed into the harbour by two ribs. The rescue was exciting not just for the crew but for the coast guard too. They took photos of our vessel, we later spotted these in their local news and social media. Our heroic rescuers wished us well before leaving us to take stock of what had happened over the past few days.
The Vigo to Madeira journey has left its mark!
This voyage was not just a journey across the Atlantic, but a transformative experience that forged unbreakable bonds among the crew. As we faced challenges together and celebrated triumphs, a sense of camaraderie blossomed, creating a tight-knit community that would leave a mark on each of us.
When the time came to part ways, there was a bittersweet feeling. Tears were shed, hugs were shared, and heartfelt goodbyes were exchanged. We had become a family, connected by the shared experience of conquering the elements and embracing the unknown. The crew of Challenger 2, along with the Tall Ships Youth Trust team, were deeply moved by the depth of our connections.
Today, our journey lives on through a shared WhatsApp group, where we continue to support and uplift one another. The bonds we formed during those unforgettable days at sea remain strong, a testament to the enduring power of our shared experience.
As we navigate through life's adventures, we carry with us the lessons learned, the memories cherished, and the connections forged on that remarkable voyage.
