Last night we were still on our way towards the Isle of Man in a good wind. The events of the day were still fresh in all our minds and everyone was keen to get as much sleep as they could.The waves remained strong and every now and again a wave would splash over the side giving those trying to sleep nearby a little surprise. However the sailing was good and a following wind meant there wasn’t much activity required to sail the ship which made it very peaceful. At about 10pm dark clouds appeared behind us threatening heavy rain and we all prepared for the deluge. Those not on watch put on their waterproofs again and pulled tarpaulins over the ones sleeping. In the event, the rain chased behind us for the rest of the journey but didn’t catch up with us until we arrived at the Isle of Man.
The night shift on storm watch
Although the wind was good, we now had the tide against us. Having wind and current in the opposite direction causes the waves to be higher, but by this time we were in the shelter of the Mull of Kintyre and the result was only moderate waves. I stayed awake until the end of the midnight shift, by which time it was too dark to film a thing, and then attempted to get some sleep. Not being part of the regular crew means that I’m not attached to a particular room (section of the ship). Space is at a premium and at first I couldn’t find any unoccupied space or a spare blanket. After attempting (unsuccessfully) to sleep sitting on a box in the kitchen area I managed to find a space in the mid-ships where one of the crew members, Martin, has had to go home early.
I now had a blanket and could half stretch out on the laid-down oars. Needless to say, oars don’t make a particularly comfortable bed and everything was cold and damp. Also, your head is right up against the side of the ship and you can hear water rushing past just inches from your face. Added to the constant creaking and shifting of the ship the effect is quite disconcerting. However, when you’re tired enough you can sleep just about anywhere and I managed to get a couple of hours of disturbed sleep. The biggest problem was the cold and I woke shivering but still achingly tired. The two impulses – to stay lying down and try to sleep or get up and move around to get warm – were equally strong. Not a moment too soon my dilemma was solved by the announcement that we were 20 minutes away from Peel Harbour on the Isle of Man.
'Sea Stallion' moored in Peel Harbour
Yet again, 'Sea Stallion' was arriving in the dark. That was particularly awkward here because Peel Harbour has a narrow entrance, barely wider than 'Sea Stallion' and its oars, which turns through 90 degrees. Thanks to the efforts of the rowers, who managed to put in an impressive show of strength at 5 in the morning, we negotiated the gap with ease and were soon moored – just as the sun was coming up and the rain starting.
The next few hours were a chance for everyone to catch up on sleep and see a little of the town. The sun was shining and the beach looked very inviting. Tonight there was a reception at the local sailing club where the President of the Manx Parliament and the Mayor of Peel both greeted the crew. Arriving somewhere new is always a happy event and after the trials of yesterday the arrival here feels particularly sweet. I hope we’ll spend some time here as there’s a lot of fascinating Viking history here and we’ve already received a warm welcome from the Manx residents.
