Abundance of Wildlife on Training Sail

This trip has been the exact tonic that I needed! After the trials and tribulations of the past three months it could not have come at a better time. The outcome is that I have been reminded of exactly what it is I love about sailing.

There has been wildlife in abundance, changing moods of the sea and skies and varying emotions. It is a long time since I have seen such a variety of wildlife and been able to enjoy the moods and experience without the pressures and high intensity of racing.

In the Irish Sea I sailed through a swarm of jelly fish ranging in size, colour, shape and texture. Leopard was surrounded by them for as far as I could see. I hate jelly fish but I was mesmerised by them at four in the morning as they were migrating south in the tranquil and still waters, subtly illuminated by the early morning twilight.

Further south, near Lands End I was entertained by a pod of about twenty dolphins. It never ceases to amaze me that after seeing so many dolphins over the years I am still as excited now as I was when I first saw them. This display was made special by the electrical storm that was lighting the sky.

Finally and most impressively came yesterday afternoon when two twenty five foot sharks circled Leopard. They are a magnificent fish and I had to stop the boat to enjoy and savour the moment. They stayed with me for about twenty minutes before getting bored and disappearing into the depths to find more plankton.

The variety off moods of nature and wildlife in just four days at sea has been superb. It is this that originally gave me such a passionate love for sailing. Something I think I had forgotten over the past few years whilst being wrapped up in the excitement of racing. Now I look forward to the Round Britain and Ireland race with a boosted enthusiasm and have re found my passionate love for the sea.

As for the training, well that is another story. My other crew member decided to jump ship and abandon me (it is ok, he did wait till we got ashore in Penzance). He said he had issues at work to sort. I am not sure, I think I may have offended him and suspect that asking for my breakfast in bed was possibly one step too far!

So for the last 200 miles I have been enjoying my first proper experience of single handed sailing, my first night passage on my own. It has been very interesting and I have loved the opportunity and experience. I am full of admiration for the single handed sailors. I do not know how they do it both physically and mentally. Total respect.

Lessons learnt; Drink plenty of water! Dehydration creeps up so quickly and affects performance so badly. It made me extremely tired and grouchy (what is new there then)? It is so unnecessary to get dehydrated, it just takes discipline.

Last thought; are there any aspirations to become the next up and coming single handed talent? Not likely! I love sharing the wonderful moments and emotions with other people. I love the team work aspect of sailing, the interpersonal element and camaraderie is the final ingredient that makes sailing special for me. Not to mention that I have had to do my own cooking and cleaning!