Travel down to Gosport and join the crew of Blackadder, one of the 60' yachts that Clipper use for training.

There are 11 of us on board: Brendan (skipper), Claire (1st mate), Bruce, Roger, Debbie, Patricia, Pieter, Sarah, Gary, Per and myself.

A great time is had by all, sailing around the Solent (though avoiding the other hundreds of yachts racing in Cowes week ) and a couple of overnighters down to Dartmouth and back. Unfortunately there's not much wind on some of the days but we achieve a great deal during the week.

One day off and then it's onto Part B training (still on Blackadder) when I get a message from my brother, my dad has had a major stroke and is in hospital!!!