Crew Blog

Greg’s blog

14 March 2008

Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper's Greg in the snake pit

Those who follow the blogs and Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper know that 6 new crew members joined in Qingdao, and it is now my turn to share a few thoughts and impressions about life onboard while riding the Giant.

We have actually stopped sailing overnight as we are now motoring the last 600 miles to Hawaii (we have secured 3rd place and 5th podium since Liverpool). The time to deep clean the boat came earlier than expected, and a few noticeable moments far from shore are happening: emptying bilges, cleaning bunks and communal areas; while some are slowly getting ready to onshore life reading, watching a movie or washing hair with water collected from the partly flaked mainsail.

However, this is not the day-to-day life of the ocean racer, where confinement, lack of sleep or coldness are more ordinary. In such situations, talking can become shouting, whispering yelling; but there is no excuse for that, as you have not slept less than any other, or has a warmer position.

In these sometimes harder moments, there is nothing like a combined effort to regain a proper sailing and racing mood: hanking that Yankee # 1 on the forestay at night, hoisting a spinnaker or grinding after a reef-in can only happen with everyone committed and focused on their task; and the subsequent “Well done”, shoulder patting or winking are as necessary as food is in order to keep that pace going.

During these instants of hard work, the team truly bonds as we cannot forget our main unique and common objective: to gain this extra half-knot, to overtake the competitor in sight, to win this race…

This is partly what makes the experience good and unique, but please do not misinterpret, I did not say easy!

Go Glasgow!!!

Greg

1. Lorna & Jon Darke, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 14 March 2008

Hi all, you all did brillliantly and it is a pity that the 6 people who joined the Black Pearl could not have the thrill of actually completing the race - but as you said, everyone in the clipper teams are in the same position and at least everyone is safe, albeit disappointed. Onwards and upwards, enjoy the R & R in Hawaii.
Lorna & Jon

Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper did complete Race 7 and, subject to protests, will be awarded eight points for their thrid place. Race 7 was called early acording to the Clipper Race Sailing Instructions.
The Clipper Race Team

2. Andy Cole, Worcester 14 March 2008

Hi Greg
You have summed up really well how it is to crew the boat through times when you might be tired and frustrated but then to take inspiration from those moments of brilliant teamwork - well written.
To all Glasgow crew well done on another podium place - proud by association as ever. Enjoy the ride to Oahu and have fun when you get there. Buy WA and Durban a few drinks from me...still looking forward to seeing you all again in Jamaica.
All the best
Andy

3. tracy fell, stirling 15 March 2008

please tell michaelwe love him very muchand hope to see him homesoon safe and well. big bear hugs tracy.xxxxx. good luck honey, thinking aboutyou every day. miss you.xxx

4. Wauthier Family, Brussels 16 March 2008

Hey Greg!
These few words and seeing you winching on the picture is really heartwarming for the home front!!
We are closely following your adventure and proud to see your accomplishment!
Glasgow’s team has done a great job so far and we wish you all the best for the next legs!!
Go Glasgow!!!!!
Amusez-vous bien à Honolulu!
De tout coeur avec vous!
Marc, Marcelle & Astrid

5. David & Anne Clough, Hamilton 16 March 2008

Hi Robin B,

What an amazing adventure, we wish you well and keep having a great time.

Best wishes

David & Anne

6. Nita (Paul's sister), Waikiki! 16 March 2008

We’re very proud of you all for yet another podium place. We arrived in Oahu last night and will be at the yacht harbour to welcome you in on Mon/Tuesday (um, Simon says he might join us a little later if you arrive in the early hours of Tuesday!). Wishing you all safe sailing to Oahu. Love to my bruv. Nita x

7. Angus, Glasgow 17 March 2008

Lisa D - don’t tell me you went for a beer instead of getting the sewing machine fixed!? sounds very unlike you!
Glad to see Glasgow is doing so well - well done to you all; and thought the picture with the snowman was cool!
We’re all missing you loads but proud you’re doing so well!
Angus x

8. Tod Baker, Isle of Wight 17 March 2008

Happy St Patricks Day Lisa Hope you and the crew are all in good shape. A chance to brush up on your surfing skills in Honolulu!!
Great position absolutely nothing in the Top three.
Enjoy a well earned rest and then go for the lead !!

Best Wishes
Tod

9. caroline (greg's sister), Brussels 17 March 2008

Hello Greg,
Congratulation and very proud of you! Take care and enjoy !
tendres kiss
Caroline, Christophe, Charles et Antoinette

10. Claire CHAVRIER, France 18 March 2008

Just 3 words my son : congratulations, proud and excitement, and of course .....GO GLASGOW. Best wishes and lots of love Mumy and Xtian.

11. Neil and Barbara Dumbleton, St. Andrews 28 March 2008

Hi Colin,
We got this web address from Michael, so we’re now both on board. The experience of your first leg must have been fantastic. I hope you’re treating Hawaii well. Leave it as you found it! In contrast to your tropical existence, we in Scotland are struggling with a very persistent winter. We spent Wednesday this week walking through snow in the hills of Glen Shee. We’re now planning to do the Great Glen Way in May, but it’s difficult to work up much enthusiasm in these temperatures.
When do you set out on your second leg? Have your medical skills been in much demand? How on earth is Jenny surviving in your absence?
We hope to see Ann Kyle later this year. James Kyle (Philip’s youngest son) is getting married near Hexham at the end of October. I believe that Ann will get an invitation. Best of luck on your second leg. We must get together some time after you get back.
Best wishes Neil and Barbara

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