Crew Blog

Jamaica: Once you go you know!

21 May 2008

Durban 2010 and Beyond's John helms under spinnaker

Having safely navigated our way through the Panama Canal without too much delay, (some boats have to wait months!), the Clipper fleet assembled some 50 miles north of Colon for its Le Mans start. With all ten boats lined abreast, sailing behind an imaginary line, a countdown commences and on starters orders a hive of activity commences as the crews compete to hoist their headsails and helm their most efficient course towards Jamaica.

Durban 2010 and Beyond, true to its latest form unfortunately only managed to cross the line in 10th position, but gradually after some determined sailing picked its way through the fleet and by nightfall was comfortably placed mid table. During the night, after endeavouring a number of heavy squalls , storms ,rain and some “dodgy” evolutions we found ourselves once again to the back of the field. With the Dawn however came a renewed vigour and determination, with some more precise trimming and helming we soon found ourselves where will belong in the upper half of the table. Nevertheless with this being such a short leg the margins for error are obviously reduced and as I write we are all conscientiously doing our best to “get our act together”.

To all of our followers and especially the little people, thank you once again for all your positive and supportive comments. To the pupils of the “Academy” especially I know that you will have been trying your best recently, in your assessments, and I trust you will be rewarded accordingly. To friends and family, keep blowing those special winds, especially at this final stage into Jamaica; “ Once You Go You Know” and after our 48 hours pit stop in the Land of Bob Marley an Reggae I expect its once you’ve been you’ve seen! And then its New York, New York.

Until the next time when we will be homeward bound, I trust that with fair winds and safe harbours we will see you all again soon, possibly from that Podium position that we all deserve and continue to work hard for.

John (Big Guns)

1. Kate Gray, Solihull 25 May 2008

You certainly do deserve that podium position after all your efforts. In any case , on your return you will be able to say “We went, we saw and we conquered !"Good luck for this last leg to all the Durban crew and a special hello toJohn (Big Guns) Gray and all the Round the Worlders. Go Durban Go !!

2. Barbara Walker, Port Antonio 25 May 2008

It was lovely having you. Happy and safe sailing from the entire team at Hotel Mocking Bird Hill. And for our Jamaica crew: Go! Go! Go! We are already loking forward to Clipper 2010 and thinking of ways to make your Port Antonio stay even better! Cheers and good luck all!

3. Tim Maltin, Wiltshire, England 25 May 2008

To James Maltin and all the Durban crew,
Good luck between here and New York, we are thinking of you all the time. Best wishes from Tim and all those at home xxx

4. Alida du Preez, Illovo Beach 27 May 2008

Oh my goodness, please don’t follow the Sharks hey, not the ones with the fin swiming in circles, but the ones running with a ball. Not a good example to follow. Come on guys and girls you can do it, DBN has been in front for a long time, you need points, so pull it out of the hat, I know somewhere you have the reserves to do it. Have fun, what ever you do and get there safe.

5. Theresa Evert, Atlanta Georgia 28 May 2008

Hello Michelle Evert and the Durban crew, go well and safely,take time to watch those sunsets and sunrises...see you in NY first over the
line”. If not enjoy anyway. Love Mom

Page 1 of 1 pages