Spirit of Discovery blog

Hello Saganauts!

Captain Darin here onboard the beautiful Spirit of Discovery on our return from sea trials. 

Everything went well with our performance runs, with technical and equipment functionality checks all successfully completed.

On Tuesday we were sitting off Margate testing our Dynamic positioning system and launching our life boats, tenders and fast rescue boats. We also manoeuvred on our Dynamic Positioning or “joystick”. This system provides increases safety over just anchoring, as we are able to provide a substantial lee for our tender operation. In Margate there were 22 knots of wind, and a building sea state; the operations were smooth and safe.

One of our tenders coming alongside the tender platform. Our tenders are out-fitted with a radar and electronic chart plotter. We can track the tenders from the bridge using AIS technology.

One of our two rescue boats being launched. They have water jet drives and can obtain speeds of over 22 knots.

The Tilbury Pilot working with 2nd Officer Adam James to guide the ship up the River Thames.

The abandoned forts in the distance along the River Thames. These are odd-looking structures built in 1942 during WW2, designed to help deter and defend against German forces.

One of the many container ships we saw in transit on a beautiful morning. Great to be back at sea!

Back in port and the team is continuing to prepare the ship, including painting and varnishing. Cadets Eleanor Doolan and Jake Tatchell, and Quartermasters Jerry Ladaran and Genesis Lopena, cleaning the Bridge windows.

For my next Blog we will have a look behind the scenes at the Hotel and Technical Departments.

Captain Darin William Bowland