Crew Blog

Another leg over for the old boys

18 November 2007

Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper's Drew McLaren and Colin Sherriff exhausted by the race

Over the last few weeks on the Black Pearl, an ‘old boys’ (OB) group has formed which has allowed us access to the gramophone every six days or so. As the younger generation has taken great pleasure in dissin’ our music when we get these rare pleasures, here’s a little tale to prove that there is still fire in the bellies of the ‘old boys’ and more than fond memories of early missions and music.

One bright and particularly pleasant morning, a passing comment about the top speed achieved in the previous watch was overheard faintly by one of the OB’s. This was a challenge our honour could not let pass. Sunglasses flashing, the soundtrack from Top Gun blasted in the back of our minds with the thought, ‘Drive it like you stole it!’ Gradually speed picked up and records began to tumble like dice as the wind blew harder and the waves grew higher and higher. Eventually, Top Gun Cadet OB Fluffy topped out at 19.7 knots. Honorary OB Scintillator then declared a new mission, ‘Inbound Squall’.

Zimmer frames raced as never before as the OB’s prepared to ease the sails. Alas the squall huffed and puffed faster and harder and the boom entered the water as our trusty speedster, Black Pearl, broached. Frantic scenes ensued as operation ‘Recovery’ commenced led by Top Gun Instructor, Jack Sparrow.

With reef two in place and the squall moving on, eye contact was made with Cadet Fluffy who in his usual understated style was heard to say ‘ooh how my little heart is beating!’ before a huge grin broke out across his boyish face.

Our record was secured, the missions accomplished and the Black Pearl was in good health. The OB’s were shaken but, as usual, nothing stirred. Never underestimate us!

Credits

Black Pearl: Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper

Instructor Jack Sparrow: Hannah
Cadet Fluffy: Dafydd
Cadet Scintillator: Sian

Concepts: Andrew
Best Boy: Gorgeous Gordy

Script: Spider Dug

1. Andy Cole, Worcester 18 November 2007

This blogs are finally improving...congratualtions once again. Brilliant job racing into Durban. See you soon.
All the best
Andy

2. Grant Ferguson, The highlands 19 November 2007

Haven’t seen Drew like that since a rugger trip to Paris in the early 70’s, You must have been working him too hard. Go easy on him, he’s not as young as he thinks he is!

3. Colin Bell, Hobart, Tasmania 19 November 2007

To all on Glasgow: Scotland with style, well done on your current overall position, keep up the good work.
Regards, Colin

4. Robin Brunton, Glasgow 20 November 2007

Congrats alround you guys - fantastic effort - enjoy Durban
Message to Erica - I know the World Cup draw is taking place on Sunday - look out for Gordon Smith, Chief Executive of SFA, - he may visit the fleet - but Gordon is my pal and it was he who got the football and strip signed for the raffle in Glasgow - tell Hannah in case Gordon drops by and thank him - I did send a Glasgow Clipper thank you already !
See you all in Fremantle
Robino

5. Kathy & Greg, London, England 22 November 2007

Gordon - finally found out how to keep track of you and love the new nickname of Gorgeous Gordy. Lovely to see Ros yesterday and look forward to having a few drinks with you sometime somewhere next year!!! Take care and enjoy, lol Kathy & Greg & girls

6. Sue Scott, Glasgow 22 November 2007

Fantastic effort getting your 3rd place - again!! Bet you’r all enjoying the break!! Enjoy Durban. Love Hyacinth xxx

7. myke taylor, lala land 23 November 2007

on the top of the charts,foot down on next leg ,old boys sound like they are having funit all sounds SCINCILATING, thought a broach was something your granny wore but there you all ware kilts so who knows what has happend to you on this adventure.good luck daffyd,shorten your skirts early you wont have to ware a broach........

8. Jamie, Detroit, MI, USA 24 November 2007

OB Spyder - a fabulous script . . .there’s a strike on in Hollywood right now . . .could be a new career opportunity . . .a litle pirate script writing! Greta talking to you today.
Good luck to all aboard Black Pearl in the next Leg to Oz. Sail Safe!

9. The G'J's, cardiff 25 November 2007

ahoy the Black Pearl, So proud of your acheivements so far.Just know you’re up for the challenge. Bring home the bounty. Gower Watch on watch

10. Tod Baker, Isle of Wight 25 November 2007

Bon Voyage To Lisa and all on board Glasgow, have a great race. Best Wishes Tod

11. Mag & Den Burgin, stonehaven 25 November 2007

all the very best of luck for the next leg, sorry we did not get a chance to speak to the Best Boy again. Back to logging on everyday lots of love from Mum and the Burgin Clan

12. Gary Logue, 26 November 2007

Gavin Robb,

Hope you’re enjoying yourself. Things all okay at camp. Missing your home time calls.

Keep in touch,

Gary and all at the gang.

13. Chris Goodfellow, Burnham 26 November 2007

Congratulations Hannah and Team Scotland, in the lead plus overall,and you stopped to help New York! Keep focussed and uninjured! Well done!
Chris Goodfellow

14. Ros, Euan & Gemma, Edinburgh 27 November 2007

Doing really well Glasgow and Gorgeous Gordy, keep it up! No pressure but you have to be first into Freemantle; your children will burst if you’re not! Lol Fam Lawson (including your mum) xxxx

15. Steve, Bangkok 27 November 2007

Looks like you guys are doing pretty good. Hope you enjoy the big stuff coming your way and keep safe. Steve (Glasgow crew member 05/06)

16. Holly Sheppard, Brighton 27 November 2007

Fantastic to see your leading the fleet! Keep up the good work and enjoy the journey.
Safe sailing.
Holly S.

17. Terrier, Aberdeen 27 November 2007

Outstanding to see the Weegies out in front. Something we never quite achieved on Glasgow Clipper #1 (by a long way!) Go Fast, Go Safe. Terrier, Glasgow 2000/01

18. Chris Goodfellow, Burnham 28 November 2007

Well done Glasgow, glitch sorted and just a few miles behind track.
Hope you’re gritting back into the racing mode and up for it again.
There is more gain in the long term in the southern lattitudes, show em what you’re made of and dip down to the forties to get those places back!
Best wishes
Chris Goodfellow

19. Chris pover, liverpool 28 November 2007

To all the family and friends of the Glasgow crew, you must all be imensley proud of the crews reaction to the man overboard, im sure some are worried but this only proves the high levels of skill, efficiency and overall competence of the team on board. Amazing.

20. Derek McNutt and Janet Gray, Perth Western Australia 28 November 2007

To all the team on Glasgow
Congratulations on an amazing effort to rescue man over board. Listened to your pod cast Hannah, glad to hear you sounding so well and confident to get back to the race and we know you will beat them all to Freo. Looking forward to meeting you then.
Derek and Janet

21. John Diffenthal, Sandhurst, Berkshire, UK 29 November 2007

A pretty eventful start to this leg and it’s clearly nip and tuck at the head of the leaderboard. You have done brilliantly so far despite your mishap - a really excellent start. After 3500 miles you can relax again.

Go Glasgow!

22. Lesley McDermid, Glasgow 29 November 2007

Gavin,

Hope all is going well. Everyone’s keeping up to speed in Glasgow on your progress. Could you let Erica know that my in-laws (Harry & Evelyn McDermid) know her parents from having their yacht in Largs.

Happy sailing!

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