Et voilà. Training level 1 is done.

The week really just flew by. Not a single moment of boredom as there was always something to learn either about sailing, safety, technique, anything we could see around us or simply the other participants.

Thank you!

Absolutely fantastic day out on the water.

Very interesting is the fact how many things and terms are exactly the opposite of what I am used to from sailing in German. Real advantage for me is the fact that our skipper for the week also lives in Germany and therefore very well understands what is going on in my head when I try to understand or use the different terms. I guess it is just the same as with driving on the other side... 😂 You just need to be aware and get used to it.

After almost two days of intense training above and below deck we got the sails ready and are about to do our first MOB (man-over-board) drill with our dummy Lisa.

Everything you do or use has tipps or tricks that will make your life at sea easier.

Slow is smooth - smooth is fast.
Or
Less haste = more speed.

Those are the sayings that rule on board... Combined with training this will ensure a safe journey.

Fantastic start to the training.

Creating a safe boat to race around the world with takes some really smart and creative people. The simplest things like sleeping or going to the toilet have a whole set of rules based on lessons learned that come with them.

Did you know that you should always sleep with the feet to the bow in order to better absorb shocks if you were going through some tough waves? Or that all beds are purposefully suspended and have a sheet in front in order to make sure you don't fall out so easily when heeling?

On that note... Good night for now.

Finally the day I have been waiting for has come. On my way to Gosport now.

Summer just arrived in the Midlands so hopefully I will also take some nice weather with me to the coast.

I am very excited to meet the staff and crew for this week and finally see and feel one of the boats. Everything has been super well organised so now its all about learning and enjoying.

There we go ... a few steps closer to my training.

I arrived in the UK and am currently enjoying quarantine at home. It's all about the perspective :). The journey from France over the Netherland went well and I was able to stock up on stroopwafels (famous dutch syrup waffles) at the airport. All tests so far came back negative as expected.

As to the training, the last bits of kit that I wanted to have, should be arriving in the next few days and the rest of the bag is already prepared. I also started to read the pre-course material which is really well put together. The entire training structure is based on a person that never set foot on a sailboat and therefore very comprehensive. For me, it's a good refresher and a great way to learn the English vocabulary as I mainly sailed with german speakers.

Et voilà - I just took over another challenge for this year - Club President of the Global Passport Club https://rotaryglobalpassport.org/.

As far as training preparations go - I have sorted all COVID testing logistics that this training will entail. In total, I have had to book 6 PCR and 2 quick tests and will still need to fill out at least 2 forms simply to travel between France, where I currently work on a project, and the UK where the training will take place. Despite the hassle, I really look forward to the trip, time to spend with family, and of course the full bouquet of Level 1 training.

Why the 420 goal ?

Well its the equivalent to 15 USD raised per day of the 28 days I will dedicate from my schedule to actually attend this training. Secondly 420 is also the dinghy class that I used to sail as teenager. What a coincidence right?