Bounty's Journey Through England Continues!

Bounty's wonderful journey through England continues being met by thousands! We are overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response to her past and present. As "pirates" are the theme of the day, many, young and old, relate to her movies, most recently as the Edinburgh Trader from Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest.  Having character actors on board emulating Captain Bligh and Fletcher Christian helps remind our visitors of Bounty's role in British naval history.

While visiting Liverpool, Blyth and Newcastle, we assisted in the fundraising efforts of the Cutty Sark Conservation Appeal by donating 50% of our ticket sales.  The Cutty Sark is the only surviving tea clipper in existence. While the fire on 21 May set back their efforts, much of the decking had been removed to allow restoration work to take place on the hull. For more information, click on the bell photo or visit: www.cuttysark.org.uk.

We knew that our visit to England would also be a visit to Bounty's humble origins.  Not only did we visit Maryport, the birth home of Fletcher Christian, but we also visited Hull, where Bethia was built.  Bethia was Bounty's original name before being re-commissioned as HMAV Bounty in 1787 for Captain Bligh's botany expedition to collect breadfruit in Tahiti. 

Last Friday, we arrived in the great seaport of Southampton for the International Boat Show.  One of the show's celebrity guests is Tim Seely, the actor who played the role of HMAV officer, Edward Young in the 1962 MGM movie, Mutiny on the Bounty.  Mr. Seely is the only surviving member of the cast. The boat show exhibits are built on temporary barges and docks covering over 3km. Our first assignment was a sail past the waterfront and the hundreds of boats on display.  It was a great way to open the 10-day show.  

The visit to Southampton gives the crew a chance to change out, recharge, have visitors, see some of the English countryside or go home.  One of the crewmembers leaving us in Portsmouth is Marcia Fox, our cook.  She signed on Halifax, endured our trip across the Atlantic and been a part of our British journey. We will miss her.

Our last stop in England will be Portsmouth on 28 September. We will leave from Spithead just outside Portsmouth, the same body of water that Captain Bligh departed from on 23 December 1787. 

From Portsmouth, we will visit the Mediterranean, before continuing in Bligh's footsteps, in part, stopping in the Canary Islands and Capetown, South Africa, with an intermediary stop in Rio.  We are Tahiti bound!

As always, those looking for a sailing adventure are welcome to sign up on for a sail passage.  If you have the time, we have the voyage! Check the Bounty website for more information on how to sign on, costs, and berth accomodations. 

No experience needed - you'll learn as we go.