How to find lifelong friends

When Tamsin Lambert (26) joined Pelican of London  (UK) in March 2008, she was on her way to a life changing experience.  Having sailed ten years previously on Astrid (Netherlands) she had made up her mind to carve out a career at sea, starting with sail training. Seeking a long voyage that would increase her knowledge and life experience, she joined Pelican of London in St Lucia, West Indies, and spent three months taking in various Caribbean islands en route to Bermuda and back to the UK.

Desperate to get back on board as quickly as possible, Tamsin volunteered for the Tall Ships’ Races from Liverpool through to Den Helder, one leg of which included an exhausting two-watch system due to the short number of trainees. 

Continuing onboard for the Funchal 500 Regatta, Tamsin’s favourite race was from Ilhavo to Funchal, helming out of Ilhavo in thick fog and into divine weather for the remainder of the leg. 

Along with the rest of the fleet, Pelican of London motored to the first two race starts (abandoned) due to the light conditions, but being a vessel able to make good progress in light winds, was able to sail on to the next race start (abandoned) and finally onto the fourth and actual race start.  From there they raced hard, finishing third in Class A on corrected time.

“It’s a fantastic experience and great fun for everyone, particularly young people, but learning the ropes is secondary to the life experience and great friendships that build up during the voyages.  You start as strangers and become lifelong friends” said Tamsin.

Tamsin is now applying for a cadetship with the Merchant Navy and seeking a sponsor.  She fully expects her career to take her onto all sorts of sea going vessels, but she will always return to sail training whenever she has the opportunity and hopes to put back in as much as she has got out of it.

Pelican of London will head back to Weymouth for the winter when she leaves Funchal but, of course, taking in various ports and new experiences along the way.