Our sailing journey to Bergen

Follow my exciting sailing adventure from Portsmouth to Bergen, Norway, as we raise awareness of Yorkshire’s cancer problem. 

Our route: Portsmouth to Bergen, Norway

My incredible journey begins in Portsmouth, a historic naval city in the south of England. From there, we will navigate the seas all the way to the breathtaking fjords of Bergen, Norway. This challenging and rewarding voyage is undertaken to highlight a brilliant, innovative charity, Yorkshire Cancer Research. Every nautical mile brings us closer to our destination. 

Live updates from the open sea

Do You Know Where You’re Going Too….

Chart work is vital to ensure a safe journey so that you knowing exactly which bit of land you’re heading for. Navigation helps you achieve your goal. 

In a similar way, Yorkshire Cancer Research promotes knowledge of our own bodies. We promote screening  of breasts, cervix, bowels, lungs and prostates. If there is an issue it is better to find out earlier so that treatments are less intensive and the prognosis is far better. Navigating our own health is so important. When you get an opportunity for screening, book that appointment. It can literally be life saving. Know where you’re going in life. 

Connecting our journey to vital research

Sailing Through International Waters

Just as our racing yacht sails from the English Channel and into the North Sea, heading through international waters, our research has attracted national and international interest. 

Firstly the Leeds Lung Health Check has been so successful through using lung screening to identify early stages of cancer, leading to subsequent treatment. The NHS has is now using this strategy in other parts of the country  to help target those with possible lung problems. 

The Foxtrot trials results show that trials using chemotherapy before an operation, followed by radiotherapy, can lead to better outcomes for patients. 

Luxury Accommodation

Challenger 3 - The 5 Star Experience

No expense spared on the luxury accommodation. 
Thin hammock through which your spine can feel every slab of wood. 

 

 

 

 

Gordon Ramsey inspired kitchen- swearing optional. 



 

En suite toilet to share with 15 others. Showering optional over the sink if not impossible when sailing. 

Sofa for 16 of us to share. 

The Journey

We set off from Portsmouth and were blessed with sunny, calm weather. Within the first hour we had practiced a ‘man overboard’ procedure and got the offending body back on board. We were then split into two groups of ‘watches’. That means that the day is split into 4 hour chunks so you’re cleaning, cooking or sailing until  it’s your turn for a 4 hour rest. Then at night you are working on a 3 hour rota so the mind numbing lay cold wind doesn’t completely finish you off. At night you still have to steer the boat and change sails, all in the dark. 
Non stop sailing for 5 days and showers when we finally reached Stavanger. Blissful hot water. 

Destination Norway

 

Stavenger proved to be my favourite stop. A lovely small town with coffee shops, pubs and restaurants. After two nights there we cruised around the fjords - submarines, warships as well as beautiful scenery.