News

Pirates of the European trip ‘09
Posted by administrator (administrator) on May 23 2010
News >>

“Pirates of the European trip ‘09
‘Admiral Sam’s Log’

I recently had an adventurous holiday, a two week sailing trip from Rostock, Germany to Leith in Scotland and back to Delfzijl in Holland, on board the tall ship the ‘Lord Nelson’. This ship is designed and purpose built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side by side on equal terms. The Lord Nelson is equipped with the latest communication systems and navigational aids. She also has features such as wide decks which facilitate access for wheelchair users, lifts between decks for those with limited mobility and a speaking compass to enable crew with visual impairments to take the helm. On board the ship there is a “buddy system” which means another crew member assists people with limited ability. As I have cerebral palsy and use a wheelchair I brought my own “buddy” with me.

On the 9th of August a motley crew of 39 (incapable but willing) joined Captain John Etheridge and his permanent crew on the good ship the Lord Nelson in Rostock.  We were a multinational bunch of landlubbers, from Ireland, England, Poland, Germany, Holland and Denmark.

Aboard the Lord Nelson there were no passengers; everybody sailed as a crew member and was assigned to one of four ‘watches’. Each watch was ‘on duty’ for a period of time every day or night taking responsibility for many important aspects of sailing the ship.

We transited the Kiel Canal with smiles on our faces, unaware of what lay ahead in the North Sea. We thrashed around for several days, encountered oil rigs, rogue ships and sea monsters to arrive in bonny Scotland in the port of Leith. After two great days in Scotland we retraced our steps, to arrive in Holland, tired, well fed by cook Gerry’s multinational culinary skills,  looking like pirates, but happy and with many new friends and experiences. We sailed a total distance of 1076 nautical miles. The highlight of the trip for me was being able to helm the ship through rough seas using a joy stick and compass. It was an exhilarating experience. It was a brilliant adventure and one I hope to repeat!!

                                                                        Sam Mc Carthy.

Last changed: May 24 2010 at 8:45 PM