My Story.....

Tony Brooks - Offshore from Oban

At 40 something, alone and a stroke survivor I decided last year to book a trip on a square-rigger equipped to allow both Physically Disabled and also able-bodied people to experience sailing a tall ship. By the beginning of May it had all come to fruition. A beautiful run to Oban with a procession of lochs bounded by mountains, their peaks still white with snow gleaming in the sun, and all with a blue sky as a backdrop. This Scottish scenery, I saw sights that I had only previously seen on shortcake tins. The weather had been stunning so far one hoped for more of the same for the following week. The sail training ship was named the 'Lord Nelson'. It was named after the most famous disabled sailor, if not the most famous sailor.

At the welcome from the Captain we were told we were going to clear harbour to drop the anchor for the night. The intention being to get started early in the morning moving out as the weather report demanded. The ships permanent crew was introduced and gave their individual safety and comfort briefings. What to do if your mate fell overboard, if you fell overboard, if there was a fire. The smoking restrictions, lifeboat stations. Seasickness - usual stuff, if you are, do it over the lee rail, or you will make a lot of people very unhappy. The happy hour concept and how seasickness pills were located around the boat.

Afterwards Peter who had been assigned my 'buddy' and I met. Disabled people on board have an able bodied person to 'buddy' them. He asked me what I required of him, me being me, I told him as little as possible I hoped.

Stowed personal kit, and were subjected to our first "Board of Trade sports" (Lifeboat and Fire Drill). Found the list of 'pipes' (ship wide calls) that lay down particular routines for the day, in addition the schedule of watches laid out for the week and the list stating when you got your turn as messman (galley slave) during the week. So after this period of learning, we set sail at 1730. I helped with gangway and it's safety net then moved to the midships area to assist with the fenders. Ship went to anchor on the auxiliary motor, as zero wind. A glorious evening, did some static sail drill and then the meal was called. I can't remember the main course but had the most chocolatey chocolate mousse I have ever tasted!

After tea stowed my gear and made up my bunk, before going on watch at 2200. I had a period of thinking was this the right holiday? Should I be here? Would I be able to overcome my terminal shyness with strangers? Nothing like a few first night nerves.

Turned out as a full group for a half anchor watch. A nice easy couple of hours from 2200 to midnight getting to know one another. We were the Port Aft watch and the smallest watch on board and could get smaller if we had to lose the girls for filming. Consisting of the watch leader, my 'buddy', two girls producing the film "Wish you were here", a grandfather, an engineer, and a stroke survivor ex Merchant Navy type (me).

The watch leader asked me if I would not mind taking the wheel for the first watch out to sea. This shouldn't be a problem for me. However it has been fifteen years, and a stroke ago.

Tuesday
All hands called for breakfast, a grand spread. The weather continuing fine. After breakfast we had our first happy hour. That complete we relaxed at 'Smoko' (jugs of tea and coffee and a big tray of biscuits). Followed by another Board of trade sports and this one timed for the logbook.

We had lunch and then went on the 1230 to 1600 watch. We were just clear of the sound of Mull and motoring up towards the 'small islands' of Muck, Eigg Rhum Canna and cutting through the end two. I didn't see too much of them in detail to comment on there topography etc. I was busy either helming or instructing on the helm for about half the watch. The 2/0 recognised I had helming experience. Set sail at 1600.

Wednesday
Went up for the 0000 to 0400 and again took first 'trick' at the wheel. At 0400 before we were dismissed struck sail because the wind had died almost and started up the motor to get us in position for our afternoon visit to the distillery.

We got up to wash and take breakfast and saw the large mountain range in the middle of Skye Island. Happy hour washing deckhouse windows to Smoko. More jugs of tea and coffee and large slabs of ship made chocolate and caramel shortbread.

After 'Smoko' hands were called aloft (up the mast), if you wanted to. The crew would help anybody. I climbed up to the first set of cross trees. I was impressed with Jubilee Sailing Trust. I had been expecting that I would have not been allowed to climb but given a ride up in the wheelchair lift only, I was after all technically a wheelchair passenger. Thanks to the bosun who made my journey so safe by accompanying me and clipping and unclipping my safety harness as I climbed. Admiring the view from the crosstrees. I looked around and there were all sorts of people on the masts in the rigging, it was as if we were doing a remake of a Hornblower Film! Came down in time for lunch.

Our afternoon trip ashore, via the DOTi inflatable boat. I managed this climb down into the boat without hazarding anyone else already in the boat. Yet again JST give what help a disabled person needs - they don't take over the job from them if they are happy with it.

Returned on the 1630 boat and went straight in to my spell as messman. Served the meal once the 'pipe' was made. I didn't spill anything or pour down anyone's neck or into anybody's laps.

Boat went into impromptu party mode thereafter for the night, with live guitar music from the Second Cook.

Thursday
Up early for another session as messman. Laid out tables for breakfast. After breakfast we left harbour under sail. For my part I was kept below deck peeling spuds, and preparing the ritual Smoko. More pots of coffee and tea and lashings of biscuits. The messman does not get the best job in the world it seems; still it is only one day.

We crept out on a light wind, which decreased as the day wore on but the sun shone. Having served lunch I was released from my mess duties I took advantage of us not going on watch until later that afternoon. My whole head was turned lobster red as I reclined, and cooked, in the Mediterranean like sun writing this journal.

After the ritual of consuming afternoon smoko with its inevitable cakes and gallons of tea and coffee. It's a tough life doing this ocean cruising. The shop opened its doors so I bought some souvenirs. The wind began to freshen. After an evening meal main course of beef stew. Don't worry any Vegans reading this, they cater for alternative diets. I went up on the last dogwatch i.e. from 1800 to 2000 hours. These dogwatches (the ships traditional four hour watches are split into 2 by 2 hour watches on the 1600 to 2000 watch) are really good; I could get used to two hours of work and with that half your day's graft done. After the watch we all met in the bar until time to turn in.

Friday
Called for breakfast and upon watch for the 0800 to1230, had a spell on wheel then look out until we were about to enter our second port Castlebay on Barra down the south end of Uist in the Outer Hebrides. I took the wheel while my watch mates disappeared up the mast to start doing sailor stuff we anchored in the centre of the bay.

The 1730 boats left on time and disabled or not I got into the first boat. Got splashed with some heavy spray on the trip ashore. Convivial evening and drier boat back. Just in time for a two-hour anchor watch.

Saturday
Got up early and on deck to savour the new day. Wind had dropped to a fresh sailing breeze. Seems a good day for sailing? After breakfast set sail from anchor. The permanent crew made it seem all so easy, either by briefing or by showing you and generally having eyes in the back off their heads it seemed to keep us under continual observation.

Set to sailing out of harbour and I was unfortunately working under decks again.

After smoko had been taken with its ritual of tea, coffee and masses of biscuits. More sail handling where we had a cameraman stood right in front of me filming a long line of us heaving up a sail, with authentic grunts and groans, I might add, and a chorus of '2,6 heave' calls. This is where I was filmed and appeared for about two seconds in the "Wish you were here" programme. I hope you videoed it - it will become a classic. The afternoon watch, throughout the watch about three or four 10-minute showers beset us not bad for the Hebrides in May. Practised sailing by the sail edge rather than by the compass.

After the watch ended split the time writing and handling sail, up to the evening meal.

During the course of the evening we were entertained by a large school of Dolphins and or Porpoises.

Sunday
Up for the 00 - 04 did a stint on the wheel and lookout. Quiet watch and the dropping off of the wind was cause to hope our next port stay later in the day was going to be a good one. Handed the watch over and helped them to heave up sails as wind had dropped.

Slept until 0730 then called for breakfast.

We arrived at our final port on island of Colonsay after breakfast and went straight alongside. There was a disabled lady who invited some of us to tour the island in her car. I went and she was the best tour guide ever, if you want to know about the Colonsay and its island she is the woman to contact. She even dropped me off at the Inn at the end of the tour as well. I joined some of my shipmates; we ate and chatted for the afternoon.

Got back and made moves to leave the dock. We had first watch out. I was asked to helm again. Sailed up back to Oban. Our watch sat close together and started to party. The cook provided a beautiful meal. Much hilarity all round as we had our last party.

Monday
Anchor watch from 0400 to 0600.

After breakfast we went alongside. Saw the paddle ship 'Waverley', a real veteran putting out to sea as we were coming in to port.

Here ends the one of best time I have had in all my experience of boating and I have had some pretty good times over the last 30 years!

A few final thoughts, in spite of the overeating I went and weighed my self after landing and I had lost 4lbs. Who said you couldn't overindulge yourself have fun and not lose weight? The holiday in a sentence a great adrenaline rush, the JST have a great philosophy about what they are doing, and a providing a great psychological boost for disabled.

I have included the contact details should you wish to get a piece of the action. If so I'll see you there. They can be contacted at :-

Thanks to Tony for sending in his experience. Anyone else who would like to share their story can send it along with a photograph (if you're not shy!)


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