Saturday 13 July was the first dry and sunny day for what seemed like ages: perfect weather for team-building at Polkerris Beach, bringing Team Helen Mary R together for the first time.
Nine of the 10 venturers were there – Phoebe was unable to join that day.
The venturers were greeted by the Polkerris watersports team and by Billy Billington, Mark Osborn and Juliette Leach of RYST.
After donning wetsuits and introducing themselves to the group, they were each assigned a paddle board.
The first task was to build a Jenga style structure with the boards, piling and securing one on top of another.
Climbing aboard wasn’t that straightforward.
But eventually they settled down.
They paddled off together along the coast and disappeared around a headland.
After some time, back they came, this time each on his own board.
After lunch Billy introduced skipper Matt Barraud and watch officer Vicky Barraud, the husband and wife team at the helm of the Morvargh Sailing Project who operate the Helen Mary R. Matt and Vicky told them a little about the voyage and what to expect. Then Mark explained how each venturer had a sponsor and told them a little about each one.
The afternoon was spent kayaking around the coast where they had fun racing and splashing each other, jumping in the sea and exploring a cave.
Before they finished for the day, they climbed aboard a mega sized paddle board to see who would be the last man standing after pushing everyone else off.
It was a great day and friendships were made ahead of the 10-day voyage departing on 25 July.
