Chilli Oyster - We're off!

'KIDS!' that all it takes and I am out of bed looking forward to the day ahead, I start with filling the water tanks and then move on  to other odd jobs that I am asked to do. At 10:30 mum and dad turn up, they stayed in a hotel last night; I wonder what they got up to? Hehe, and they help to get the boat ready. Times passing quickly now and the time soon comes to say our good byes, set up some slips and leave. I was surprised how emotional the good byes were and mum and I both agreed to keep it short, both hating long good byes. So the engine went on and the ropes were dropped.          St .Lucia here we come. Mum was standing on the harbour wall, taking photos and waving us good bye. The adventure really had begun. I have attached a picture of me as we left the marina.BANG. Its 12:40. read more...

Chilli Oyster - My first 3 days at sea - by Indy Sparkes

Day 1Today was quite nerve racking as it was the day we started to do 18 days at sea non-stop. We got prepared and did the last few things then had a crew photo for the ARC - Oyster magazine. When we were finished getting ready we said our goodbys to Nanny & gramps and Marg, our crew mates wife, it was all very dramatic as there were lots of tears. We went out of the marina with people waving and cheering and then all we could see was baots, then a horn beeped and we set off, we had nanny's spaghetti bolognaise, then I went to bed at sea.  My thoughts for the day - the best feeling in the world although nervous. Day2I woke up at 9.30. Mom and Dad were awake and Sam & dave were just going for a snooze, Jordan was asleep in the salon so I tried to be quiet. I had my cereal, cleaned. read more...

Chilli Oyster - Getting into the rhythm

November 24th  Day 2Its 12:45 in the middle of the night and my night shift starts in 15 mins; I am out of bed and up on deck as quick as a flash in just pyjamas and a hoody even though its quite chilly. Trying to stay awake is really tough. Dad and I decided not to bother to wake the skipper up after four hours and so I am on watch from one at night to half eight in the morning. The last few hours are the hardest trying to stay awake, it has become a challenge that I was starting to lose and not even the coffee was on my side any more, its 8:30 in the morning and after a lovely well deserved bacon butty I am off to bed. I don't wake up till about midday when there isn't a lot else to do except for school work and listen to my iPod. At about four o'clock I am semi awake sunbathing when I. read more...

Chilli Oyster - A calm day

Day 3 - November 25thI am doing yet another night shift. It's really cloudy, there are no waves, there is no wind and most annoyingly there's no stars. I would usually keep busy by star gazing and making wishes on the hundreds of shooting stars I would normally see. The only light is that of the phosphforescence all around the boat as it is new moon, although I probably couldn't see it if there was because of the clouds. Its now about four in the morning, I've been on watch since one am, the sea is like a mill pond only flatter and out of no where comes the sound of a blow-hole and a splash on the starboard side of the boat but by the time I've got the torch it's gone. Was it my first whale?The night slowly becomes day and the magnificent sun slowly rises over the equator. I am reading. read more...

Chilli Oyster - catches its first fish!!

Nov 267th - 12.30!!! About blooming time, it has taken us well over 3000 miles and roughly £500 worth of gear but we have finally caught a nice size dorado!! I think it weigjhs about 5lb and is about 1m in size. We've taken loads of Photo's and will show you all in St Lucia. It was a group effort!! It was Dad's kit, but I put it out this morning and Sam reeled it in so we've agreed it is a boat fish!  Mum is going to cook it for lunch. I am so chuffed, I was cooking pancakes at the time and I even forgot about those for awhile!  Author - Jordan Sparkes, Chilli crew mate age 15boys fish. read more...