Tackling the tall ships

摘要

Summer 2004, and the Stavros S Niarchos was my home for 12 days as it sailed between Crete and Monaco. I had sailed on a tall ship once before and so this time went back as a watch assistant, which I was very apprehensive about, fearing that I wouldn't be able to remember where anything was, or how to set a sail. The kit list was a general one for all European voyages throughout the year and recommended that I packed lots of jumpers, windproof layers and waterproofs. Anyone in their right mind would reason that these would be completely unnecessary on the 'Med' in July, but in my excitement I packed far too many fleeces and pairs of trousers which, needless to say, didn't leave my locker. Experience onboard its sister ship, Prince William, last summer, led me to pack plenty of chocolate for those long night watches when there are no biscuits left in the pantry.