After yesterdays attempted test sail, the officers of the ship decided that it was high time that the crew was given a day off. Considering that all of the crew are volunteers and many have taken time off from work to undertake the voyage, this seems only fair. It’s also a great day to be killing time – the sun is shining and the views of the wild Islay coast are spectacular. It seems that since arriving in the Orkneys, 'Sea Stallion' has shaken off the curse of bad weather it suffered in Denmark and Norway.
The boat is moored next to the famous Islay distillery of Lagavulin, however the distillery is closed for the summer, much to the consternation of many Vikings! This has not stopped many tourists and locals calling by to take a look at the ship and meet the crew.
Not whisky galore as the Lagavulin distillery is closed!
Most of the crew are taking the opportunity to relax and catch up on their sleep, as well as dealing with domestic issues that take a back seat when sailing, such as cleaning clothes and showering. After being on watch last night Axel was looking forward to taking a bath after not having been able to wash for a week: ‘I am planning to go into the city, a mile away, and get myself a long and great bath, change my clothes and feel human again’.
However, work never really stops on 'Sea Stallion' and one ‘room’ is always on anchor watch – to make sure that the boat is secure and does not suffer any damage. These modern Vikings also have other tasks to attend to: Hans Jacob was going to be spending his day off editing film clips for the Viking ship museum website, and Louise was also busy writing a blog. Whilst the unfortunate few were working many of the crew went their separate ways – the chance of being alone for a day is a real novelty when you are living in less than a square metre for weeks at a time.
Lagavulin's deluxe sauna facility
No Viking campsite would be complete without its own sauna, which the mainly Scandinavian crew constructed from driftwood and canvas. Later there are plans to build a big bonfire and heat the stones needed for this makeshift piece of home-from-home. Dylan for one will be relishing the prospect. No one knows for sure when we plan to depart, and as always Carsten and the crew are at the mercy of the winds. With Northern Ireland visible on the horizon, the home straight to Dublin beckons.
