Last Blog from Rona II

Posted on 16. Aug, 2009 by admin in Latest News

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Rona II skipper Chris Matthews has sent in this their final blog entry on the past two days in Belfast:

“What a day, after breakfast some of the crew went on a tour and talk to the shipyard where Titanic was built. We saw the room where the plans were drawn up and then went out to see the slipway where she was built and launched.

“After lunch a live telephone link with the space station had been organized and Bryn, Toyin and Luke were able to talk directly with the Astronauts and ask them questions like “is motion sickness in space the same as on sea”. The answer is that people who get seasick do not always get spacesick.

“Then it was time to prepare for the crew parade. This was an extremely noisy and boisterous event through the streets of Belfast culminating in the prize giving ceremony. We won 1st in class for our leg, 1st in class overall for all the legs and a certificate to show that Rona II had participated in legs of the race. A fantastic result and one that the Project should be proud of.

“The award ceremony was followed by the crew party, this was for all the crews of the ships. Eventually everyone stopped partying and went to bed ready for the final day. What a day! Titanic tour, live conversation with the space centre and 2 1st prize awards.

“On our last day, everybody was up early to clean, complete final packing and say goodbyes. The minibus arrived and by 1030 we were on our way to the airport saying goodbye to our home and protector for the last 4 weeks, Rona II.

“To sum up this has been a most fantastic experience:-
A crew that have been the best
We have coped with every sort of weather the North Atlantic can throw at us except Sun.
The most wonderful experiences on land and water.
Many new friendships made.
And to top it all we won!!

“I feel that I have been privileged to have sailed with such a fantastic team and can only wish everyone fair winds and success in their futures.”