Farewells to fond parents…ship’s tours…radio and TV interviews…safety briefings…photocalls with the Mayor of Falmouth…food trips to get provisions…a tea-party for their sponsors…and a mystery package for Spain. All in a day’s work for Team Maybe 2023 when they went aboard on Thursday 17 August.
They were divided into two groups for voyage preparations. The first priority was to secure provisions. One group went shopping while the other went below to prepare quarters.
During the day, venturers – and indeed the skipper – were surprised to receive delivery of a packet for Spain by a man in period costume.
It turned out that Maybe had been hijacked for publicity purposes by Ian Woodford of Falmouth Packet Ship CIC.
Falmouth was once famous for its fast packet ships that carried mail, messages, goods and passengers across the world to serve Britain’s expanding empire. As reported in the Falmouth Packet, Mr Woodford’s vision is to build a full-size replica of HMP Walsingham, which served as a packet ship between 1794 and 1825 . He’s seeking funding and hopes his PR stunt with Maybe will help raise profile.
Venturers’ places aboard – and return travel from Spain – are paid for by generous local organisations and individuals, many of whom accepted our invitation to come aboard to meet their venturer.
Sadly the excitement of the first day was marred by the news that, thanks to Storm Betty, Friday’s Parade of Sail was cancelled and the start of the race postponed to Saturday. So skipper Steve used Friday for sail training.
The rest of Friday was devoted to cooking cottage pie, apple pie and curry. The weather worsened in the afternoon, but according to venturer Hannah on Friday evening, everyone is having fun.
Despite the disappointing cancellation of the Parade of Sail and the delayed start, they’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime sailing Tall Ship Maybe to Spain in the first leg of the Tall Ships Races Magellan Elcano 2023. We wish them all a great voyage to A Coruna.
Finally a message from the venturers and from RYST to the organisations who have made this trip possible: H Tiddy, Phillips Frith, Frost Builders, Classic Cottages, Challenge Consulting, Falmouth Harbour, Cornwall Marine Network & Academy, St Just in Roseland Parish Council, St Mawes Sailing Club, Flushing Sailing Club and Team Maybe 2021 & 2022.
