The 2004 Training Course Report
(September 2004)
The last minute cancellation of two trainees meant that we had a smaller group than is usual but this worked to their advantage in that tuition was more personal and informal. Unusually, the trainees were all under 25 years of age but again of very different backgrounds and experience. However, within days the group integrated well with each other and with permanent crew. The teaching programme was accelerated due to the early dry-docking schedule – this year KASKELOT sailed for Shoreham (near Brighton) for what turned out to be a largely routine pressure wash and anti-foul; very little caulking being required. However, Trainees were involved in servicing the anchors and chains and a host of lesser tasks in the dock and on deck. The passage back to Charlestown gave them a taste of ‘heavy weather’ - at anchor in Swanage Bay whilst waiting for a front to pass through they had a vivid illustration of the meaning of ‘long stay forward’!
The next phase was rigging up and preparing PHOENIX and EARL of PEMBROKE for sea. Lots of good experience aloft, reeving running rigging and bending on sails. KASKELOT, much modified for a big TV project, departed, destination – the Canary Islands. The ‘training cruise’ aboard PHOENIX was characterized by light winds and flat calms, but included a visit to Douarnenez, Brittany, which helped boost the sea-miles logged. Much useful work was done preparing the ship for later festivals, with all trainees pitching in between mini-lectures and tutorials.
The big ‘event’ of the season was flying down to Tenerife to crew KASKELOT back to Brittany and the huge festival at Brest. Again, useful work was done alongside in Tenerife and en route to prepare the ship for the festival. The passage back afforded some good sailing – KASKELOT sprouted such oddities as a ‘Jimmy Green’ and a ‘Whompah’. As one stage there was some serious discussion about stitching up a set of raffee royals! Second Mate Sune Blinkenberg also took advantage of the glorious hot weather to rig up a swimming pool on deck, which delighted trainees and crew alike. Lectures were not forgotten and the ‘class afloat’ explored the mysteries of such subjects as Ship stability, Meteorology and Basic Navigation.
Rather grey, overcast weather put a damper on Brest which was a huge gathering of ships large and small and afforded trainees an opportunity to wander through the maze of interesting stalls ashore. The floodlit procession of ships and firework displays did not disappoint and various day sails saw a vast flotilla working up and down the Rade du Brest.
The festivals at Douarnenez and Bristol subsequently were smaller but no less enjoyable.
The balance of the sailing season was absorbed in coastal cruises and day sails out of Falmouth and Fowey which were very successful. In all most trainees had logged well over 4000 sea miles and all had experienced working all three ships. Other highlights were visits to the Isle of Man (during the TT week), Lundy Island and the Isle of Wight for Cowes week. During August trainees sat their final, written and practical examinations, more stringent this year than ever, but still returned a very gratifying class average of 60%. One Trainee left the course prior to the final exam to take up a temporary post as 2nd Mate on ENDEAVOUR. Ben Gowland subsequently wrote to say that he had learned more than he expected at Square Sail and this training had stood him in good stead aboard ENDEAVOUR.
All in all a very satisfactory training programme which, as always, continues to improve in depth and scope. More tests and assessments were made this year than before. Trainees enjoyed the benefit of an improved Library and their own workshop. Several ‘kippers’ reached an advanced stage or were completed before the end of term.
Already, Square Sail staff are preparing for next year’s course with a bigger lecture room and improved facilities. The programme for 2005 will also include ‘field trips’ (Should that be ‘sea trips’?) to visit historic ships and docklands. Each year is different from the last and the inevitable Film and TV projects will largely determine how the year unfolds. Applicants for 2005 can be assured of one thing, however – it won’t be dull!
Josh Spencer.
Instructor
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