Leg 1 of Exercise MU has successfully concluded in the Spanish port of Vigo, bringing to an end a demanding and rewarding offshore passage for the crew of St Barbara V.

Departing the UK south coast, the team sailed an impressive 1,125 miles, tracking west along the English Channel before turning south into the Bay of Biscay. The final phase saw an early departure from A Coruña, rounding the Iberian corner and heading towards their destination, with a final peaceful night spent at anchor in a quiet bay. Even the fishing rods couldn’t compete with the local wildlife—much to the crew’s amusement, dolphins beat them to the catch.

Throughout the passage, the crew encountered a range of conditions and challenges that tested both seamanship and resilience. What stood out most, however, was the team spirit on board—plenty of laughs, strong camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose carried them through the miles.

As the crew now disperse, they can take great pride in their achievement. A huge thank you goes to all involved, including the team at Royal Artillery Yacht Club for making Exercise MU possible. We wish fair winds and following seas to the crews taking on the next leg.