BBC Newsline

MONDAY 20th - At sea, GPS position: N 43°33', W 61°49'

Depart Halifax in the magnificent parade of sail under clear blue skies and a good wind. A spectacular sight as the tall ships sail out in a long line, accompanied by hundreds of small yachts and motor boats. Two fire ships spray jets of water high into the air and tens of thousands of spectators line the shore to bid us fair winds.

Having been unable to move the skyscraper, Dave the satellite engineer joins us onboard to test the satellite - and it all works! My 1st broadcast for radio goes without a hitch. The TV broadcast for BBC Newsline, though, causes a few missed heartbeats back in Belfast. No problems with the satellite - instead it was the laptop battery going dead just as I went on air. Quickly found a long extension lead to plug it back in, and managed to re-establish contact with Donna and Noel. I will make sure all the batteries are fully charged before my next broadcast!

First night aboard Europa was a bit of a contrast to my 2 nights in a hotel. The 6 berth cabin is smaller than the king size bed I had been getting used to. Don't share it with 1 snorer - but 2! The watch system has begun - I am on white watch - the others being red and blue, the colours of the Dutch flag (the Europa is from the Netherlands). My first watch runs from 2000 to 2400 with duties including lookout, manning the helm and moving sails to catch the wind.

The first trainees suffer from seasickness and retire to their beds - but so far my sea legs seem to be working ok. As we lose sight of land for the next 3 weeks, we see whales off our bow, a beautiful sunset over the horizon on our stern, and a night sky full of galaxies and shooting stars. What a way to end the first day of this Atlantic sailing adventure!