Ex COCKNEY SAILOR XL was a ULOTC Offshore Sailing exped delivered over a weekend, using an REYC yacht based in Gosport. This was our first weekend AT exped in a number of years and demonstrated the feasibility of pursuing similar opportunities in the future. These are cost effective opportunities to expose our OCdts to a unique and challenging environment, pushing them out of their comfort zone and testing their leadership skills all the while allowing an escape from the academic rigors of their university degree. We are grateful for the continued support from the Ulysses Trust and look foward to the future opportunities we can provide together!
Exped Diary – OCdt Day
Friday : The expedition commenced at 1400 hours with departure from Handel Street towards the Gosport Joint Services Sailing Club. Due to heavy traffic leaving London, we arrived in Gosport shortly before 1800 hours. After collecting the necessary supplies, we took over the assigned boat and began preparing for departure. At approximately 2030 hours, we slipped lines and set sail from Gosport, heading towards The Hamble where were alongside for the night.
Saturday : The day began at 0600 hours with boat preparation. After a breakfast of granola, fruit, and tea, we slipped from The Hamble and conducted a series of drills, focusing on “slipping” and “coming alongside”—also known as “pontoon bashing.” These exercises were followed by a 2-hour sail to Cowes, arriving at 0930 hours. We spent time ashore, exploring the town and enjoying pastries and coffee from a local bakery, before returning to the boat.
Following a brief rest, we set sail for Newton Creek, located 40 minutes to the west. During the transit, we practiced several manoeuvres, including man-overboard drills, tacking, and jibing, honing our fundamental sailing skills. Upon arrival at Newton Creek, we enjoyed a quick, albeit cold, swim before having lunch. Afterward, we set sail downwind towards Yarmouth, arriving alongside at approximately 1730 hours.
Sunday : The final day began early at 0600 hours with boat prep and a quick breakfast before slipping lines at 0730 hours. We sailed towards Cowes to enjoy a morning coffee and further practice dropping the sails and coming alongside in slightly rougher waters and stronger winds than the previous days. This provided an excellent opportunity to practice upwind sailing techniques, specifically tacking. It also provided an excellent opportunity to clean the heads (the nautical term for the toilet!) when the sink started back filling and flooding the whole room! After a quick coffee stop in Cowes we slipped lines around mid-morning and began our journey back to the Joint services sailing club. Upon reaching the Gosport harbour entrance, we engaged the engine and made our way back to the joint services sailing club. After docking, we thoroughly cleaned the boat and disembarked. We then departed for London at 1430 hours and arrived back at Handel Street shortly before 1800 hours.
