Summer Cruise 3 - Thyboron, Denmark to Hartlepool, UK [Sunday 25th July to Sunday 8th August] We left Dauntsey's at 1130hrs on Sunday 25thJuly travelling to Harwich in the minibus to catch DFDS ferry to Esbjerg in Denmark. We got there in plenty of time and had a bit of a wait so that we could be loaded on to the ferry last. This meant that we could get off quickly at the other end, as the minibus had to get back on to the same ferry to take Cruise 2 crew later that day! We met them half way between Esbjerg and Thyboron, and having transferred our bags and provisions for Jolie Brise on to a coach they had hired for the purpose, we were soon on our way to Jolie Brise. Upon arrival to JB we quickly packed away the fresh provisions and set off to Norway. With a good breeze on her beam JB quickly ate up the miles and an over night sail saw us within touching distance of the rest of the Tall Ships fleet, who were enjoying a cruising round the fjords of southern Norway. We arrive in time to be invited to a BBQ on Christian Raddich, which gave us our first good social of the trip. At the BBQ we met several crews from other tall ships who we would be competing against. We met crews from many different countries and we heard fascinating stories of their travels up to that point. The following day all the ships travelled together up towards Kristiansand. We travelled through many inner fjords where we saw hundreds of local Norwegians; we were lucky enough to see their beautiful villages and towns while at the same time following an array of magnificent ships. We moored alongside the Wylde Swan at Grimstad, a newly completed ship competing for the first time in the tall ships race. Skippered by Jurgen, a friend of Toby's, we were invited on board to be made envious of their air conditioned bunks and enjoyed a meal prepared by their full-time chef. Some Jolie Brise crew members were "sold" to the Wylde Swan for a day where they entered Kristiansand singing and dancing amongst the Dutch crew. As is custom of each Tall Ships port, a party is provided for all the crew taking part in the race. Kristiansand pulled out all the stops in this respect and with a spectacular venue of a cove leading onto a small beach. Following the live music there was a foam party featuring a great DJ and two turrets that fired jets of foam into the dancing crowd. Dancing when waist deep in foam is certainly a memorable experience and the lingering smell of chemicals on our clothes go to reinforce the memory! However, after these parties the crew's minds turned to racing as Jolie Brise took part in the parade of sail out to the start line. With much organisation the entire fleet was able to sail in impressive formation, surrounded by Norwegian spectators in small motor boats and overseen by helicopters recording for television. Due to Toby's tactical skills and our sheer determination Jolie Brise set off in full flight above the rest of our class setting us in good stead for the race. The race consisted of alternating six hour day and four hour night watches in order for us to use our maximum brain power and concentration. On the final night of the race all the crew slept on deck. During this time we were lucky to witness a mixture of pilot whales and dolphins. The race was finished early and due to JB hitting a hole in the wind we were left stranded 6 miles short of the finish. Sadly there was plenty of wind further back on the course, so we were pipped at the post by the Norwegian vessel Wyvern for the win. Upon arriving in Hartlepool we put this disappointment behind us by fully embracing a busy social schedule. After three days of fun and intense sailing all the crew were happy to head back home to a well deserved sleep (bobos).