Dolphins and whales were the highlight of Rachel Doughty's voyage from Charleston, South Carolina to Boston, Massachusetts this summer, though she did enjoy the company of her human companions aboard Tecla, the Dutch gaff ketch participating in the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009.

A total of eight trainees (five Bermudians, three Europeans) and five permanent crew under the command of captain Jan Bouwman, took their turn on watch, maintaining the course on helm, writing in the log book or setting the top sail.

They also helped with meal preparation and washing up, assisting the cook, Jet Sluik.

Rachel was on the four to eight watch, "the best watch", she explained, "because you get sunset and sunrise."

They left Charleston in the parade of sail, given a good send off by "lots of smaller boats and hundreds of people on shore", and encountered a range of weather, from rough weather and stiff breezes to no wind at all during the last two days.

Rough weather Rachel described as "nerve wracking because we had to take down the top sails and jibe while the deck was heaving. At one point I was holding onto the boom with two others trying to furl the sail and keep my balance at the same time. I almost flew off".

They arrived in Gloucester, Massachusetts after a week's sailing, joining Europa, Urania and Picton Castle (which was not actually racing) in the port for two nights before heading on to Boston, their final destination.

The Gloucester residents were very friendly and threw a party for the crews of the four vessels.

Accommodation on the family owned and run vessel was comfortable, with crew and trainees two to a cabin which each had a combined head/shower.

"Normal food" that could be made in a pot — stew, chilli, spaghetti bolognaise — was on the menu, though there was a variety of cold cuts for breakfast, typical of Dutch cuisine.

Asked if it was a good experience, Rachel responded emphatically, "Definitely. I would do it again."