Sailing on the Queen Galadriel
Oh my god, what a week I’ve just had. I’ve been sailing on the Queen Galadriel, a former Baltic trader, from Gosport to Ipswich. It was an interesting journey which included a little sinking, a lot of vomit, and some fantastic memories. We set sail on Monday for the Isle of Wight, where we anchored overnight waiting for the high tide. However, in the middle of the night we started taking on water, a lot of water, far too much water for me to stay in my bunk. Out came the salvage pump to save us. Apparently it’s quite normal to sink, so they come prepared.
Anyway, after leaving the Solent we sailed in force 8 Gale’s for the next few days. I’ve never been as sick as I was. At one point I wanted to throw myself over the side and wait for the rescue helicopter. But after a few days, you get over the sickness, and when there’s only bile to coming up, it’s quite easy.
As the weather eased the sailing became fantastic, raising the sails and listening to the wind and waves. Being out in the middle of the sea gives you plenty of time to reflect, it changes you, I feel different. Funny thing is, I still feel like I’m on the boat, I still feel like I’m moving. Would I do it again? Definitely.
Things I’ve learnt:
- Don’t eat when you’re suffering seasickness, the lumps are nasty when stuck to your face!
- Unless you’re in a hurricane, all wind is good.
- A wooded deck is far more comfortable than a bunk below deck.
- Everything smells of diesel, rubber, and old rugby socks.
- A good cup of tea solves all problems, including sinking.
Queen Galadriel, the calm before the storm
The galley
My bunk
Trying to pump the bilges out
The crew using the salvage pump
During the rough sea this was where I was seasick and slept
I’ve just run out of bile to throw up.
Calmer seas near Dover
Yellow rubber, it’s wrong, but it feels nice.
The Queen Galadriel in port
Eastborne marina
And you think I’ve got clothes on under my oil skins
Just before the sail is raised
Sailing into the North sea
A beautiful morning
The mainsail is raised and we’re sailing
A little ferrel but a lot happier
This is an excellent post Andy!! Ohhh, my sides are still hurting, you make me laugh. Your style of writing appeals to my sense of humour exactly. I might save this post as a favourite to make me chuckle on sad days!
Although, on a different note I understand what you mean about time to reflect. I bet that was an excellent experience for you. You can’t go anywhere when you’re on the boat so it gives you plenty of time to think about your life, the lives of your nearest and dearest and put things into perspective.
This experience will be a great story for your children, and your children’s children for years to come Im sure.
I for one am about to read it again……..
Opportunities like this don’t come along very often, and I spent too many years turning them down when they did. So now I’m dipping my toes into the “Yes man” philosophy, and it’s a great feeling.
Sorry you had such a bad start. We had a fantastic sail to Alderney, sun gentle breeze, we’re doing it again next year.
Here we are on the link below
http://video.google.co.uk/videosearch?hl=en&resnum=0&q=queen+galadriel+youtube&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=2HkFS7-mBMz14AaG4LC5Cw&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CA4QqwQwAA#q=adur+sailing&hl=en&view=2&emb=0&qvid=adur+sailing&vid=-5609102135113180149
I have also just got back from crewing the QG from Gosport to Ipswich. I believe you had the same bunk as me. Bunk number 7 I believe, nasty beams above it that I always seemed to smack my head on. And I totally agree, the deck (and even the bowsprit) are much more comfortable than the bunks themselves. But a brilliant week none the less!
Hi i am comin on the QC on staurday the 23rd of april i am lookin forward to it coss i have never been on a boat before well i have once !! see you soon
Fab blog. Gave me a good giggle too!!My son is sailing on the Queen Galadriel with his school next week and I was desperate to see proper photos of the boat and get a rough idea of what was in store for him so thanks very much for sharing
My son is on that boat too!!! Setting sail on the 10th. I’m worried that he’ll feel sick but I’m sure he will remember this positively for his whole life.
I went sea fishing about 2 months ago and boy was I sick. But now I remember only the good side and would be up for it again. The body thankfully forgets. Thanks for the pictures!!