Thoughts from the Mother Watch
Julie (or Jules as we all call her) has been the PSP Logistics victualler since leaving Gosport and has travelled with us on Leg 1 and Leg 2. Jules
has also filled in on many Mother Watch duties when others have been unable to
spend the time in the galley due to seasickness or other duties. The Mother
role requires 2 members of the crew, one from each watch, to spend a 24 period
tending galley duties and producing breakfast, lunch and evening meal for the
rest of the crew.
In this blog, Jules outlines some of her observations and
provides us with her thoughts on what can be a very demanding role onboard:
No such thing as too much TobascoWho knew that custard and tinned fruit could be
so popular?No matter how many spices you put in the food -
the crew will always ask for the saltDespite knowing the answer, 'customers' will
always ask if there is an alternative.You can always count on Stian to finish off the
left oversBen, Clive, Chris will always ask for secondsRyvita with Nutella and peanut butter is the new
Snickers BarNigel Holcombe will always maintain that
mayonaise can go with everythingRed lighting adds an air of mystery to what is being
served (on deck in pitch dark adds further to this)Reefs and gybes will always be called just as
the watch is being served dinner1st sitting (ongoing watch) is less likely to
get seconds than the 2nd sitting (to avoid running out)Male 'customers' will always open a new jar
rather than go looking for an already opened oneChopping things on an incline is an acquired
skillDisposal of cutlery and bowls, along with the
dishwashing water, should be avoided at all costs (especially in the fist half
of a leg).As Mother Watch, your one luxury is a full night's sleep. However this is seldom the case as bleary-eyed watch keepers will always
wake everyone including the Mothers by mistake!And lastly, Mothers should always remember that:
You can please some of the people all of the time, or all of
the people some of the time. But you will never please all of the people all of
the time!
Chris Parnell
Julie Spicer - Victualler (and boat's 'Mother') PSP Logistics
