It’s odd that the part I had most concern about turned out so well . I would definitely do Tall Ship sailing again .
I’d try to scrounge a Cat Swinging cabin next time .
It only works because you’re worked hard embracing sea air and you can just about sleep anywhere. Just as well as there was 8 inches of headroom above my bed .
It’s a grey dawn as we see the lighthouse and monument known as the “Tower of Hercules” in A Coruña. Sort of amusingly ( or not ) we can’t land as our passage was so fast we are 36 hours early !
So we sail past and anchor in a quiet bay overnight and for the first time the bar is opened as we are not in motion . Party !
Showing versatility- The Ships Chaplain – Rev Richard in bar action 
It’s clearly welcomed and Storm gear is left on in the rush to the bar by the last watch .
It’s clear that calm professionalism is in evidence by the crew as next morning we motor into the main Corunã marina and they start the docking procedures by 1st Mate Rob ( loves Guinness 
) launching the RIB as the pilot assist boat .
and we watch as Captain Ariane smoothly reverse parks this huge 120 year old tall ship like we would park a large camper van .
Super Skill
When asked what would happen if it hadn’t worked out so well he responds in that laid back laconic Dutch accent “Is no problem we just come up with new plan” 
It’s just the start of the frenzied activities of the first 2 hours. I’ve said before “Never underestimate the organizational capacity of resourceful semi retired people with time on their hands” .
The welcome committees (plural) organised by head of that resourceful #TSCI24 Hezbollah in the rather fetching Beanie – Andrew Christensen – included everything except a Brass Band and a Rabbi .
In these 2 photos we have as far as I could divine are most of the State ( Xunta de Galicia ) Diputaćion of Galicia. The urbane and pinnacle invite – tall with peak cap – The Actual British Ambassador to Spain HMA Hugh Elliott, his wife María Antonia Martín.
We were met by a news camera team. Reporters and several different quangos and diplomats.
National and Regional news reports covered our voyage and its meaning. The first of its type in 500 years.
https://www.g24.gal/-/fan-o-camino-ingles-desde-cornualles-a-bordo-dun-bergantin-de-mais-de-cen-anos
https://galiciaartabra.es/archivos/341833
and also this one
This is also us on CRTVG, Televisión de Galicia, Galicia Noticias, “Morgenster” [minute 22:21 – minute 24:15],
https://agalega.gal/videos/150473-ok-galicia-noticias-14-06-2024/
With articles about our “pirate” 
ship in the regional press
See what I mean – these are not every link – you would need a full on PR Agency to attempt this coverage and even then they’d manage 50% – not a problem when you’ve got Wiley enthusiasts with years of experience, too flight connections and compelling expectations the media would simply fall in line – 
and they did.
And an escorted tour that evening by the director of the vast industrial Estella Galicia brewing dynasty Oscar Lopez Cernadas from Estrella Galicia MEGA Mundo.
The Fair had certainly arrived in town.
And we listen to speeches , sing hymns , launched flags , were presented with state and corporate gifts and finally move our gear onto the dock.
We get to finally say a meaningful and heartfelt goodbye to the permanent Morgenster Crew .
On the ship there are the following Permanent crew :
Arian – Captain Calm , Rob – Dutch 1st mate François , Leon & Magnus – French , Dutch and Danish – all unflappably courteous, fun and passionate about sailing – Lisa ( Captain in waiting) . Natalia – French chef – actual Admiral – personal packing advisor – knows the same places as I do on the Nice , Toulon , Marseille Côte Mediterané
As they wave us goodbye
.
We couldn’t have asked for a better team of patient , fun instructors for a first time – Trans North Atlantic adventure.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgenster_(ship)
@mundoestrellagalicia
@UKinSpain
Fame at last! What huge organisational skills to get this done!! Glad you’re well xxxx
what a happy conclusion to the sailing leg of the journey.
fabulous pics get a real sense of the mood.
onwards
Buen Camino xxx