Crew Blog

Ode to spinnakers

03 May 2008

Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper's spinnaker flying

As Andrew said in the previous blog, “some people love spinnakers, others hate them.” Me? I love them, though I’ve yet to reach the helming standards displayed by Jingjing, our legger from Qingdao (now known as ‘twa Jings). The problem is they are only attached to the boat by three bits of string which makes them very unstable.
Add to that winds of varying strength and direction and you begin to understand the problem we amateurs face!
And then there are the waves, which always seem to sneak up when you least expect them!
And the waves are always from an awkward angle instead of from directly behind! And you’ve got to sail to the best possible course!
And you’ve got maintain the fastest speed you can on that course!
And we are currently match racing New York, so there’s another distraction!!
Have you got the picture?
Anyway, I still love the challenge so here’s a little poem in honour of our spinnakers.

Ode to Spinnakers
Spinnakers are flighty sails flown at the pointy end.
They’re hoisted high upon the mast from where they twist and bend.
Some are red, or green, or blue, multicoloured, bright.
Ours are more the simple kind. You’ve guessed it, only white!
We’ve named them after famous men; fighters in the ring.
Whose praises all their followers were often heard to sing.

There’s Barry, lightweight, for winds of a gentle air.
He’ll bob and weave out at the front as though he’s free from care.
Sugar Ray, the middleweight, is made of sterner stuff.
He’s hoisted when the going gets a little bit more tough.
Finally there’s our Big Mo. You know, Mohamed Ali.
He dances like a butterfly, but stronger winds can parry.

Although they all have seen hard times and caused us all to mutter,
The sight of them so full and proud still causes heart to flutter.
They’ve come to grief but have soldiered on, so until this mad race ends
We’ll try to do full justice to our flighty, flowing friends

Wee Sue

1. Andy Cole, Worcester 04 May 2008

Great stuff Sue - the months onboard have definitely improved your poetry and perhaps driven you mad enough to write it…
Some great sailing so far in this race - keep it coming.
Best wishes
Andy

2. John Diffenthal, Sandhurst, Berkshire, UK 04 May 2008

I know that you and New York are trying to generate some audience excitement amongst the watching hordes, but it’s OK to build up a bit of a lead now if you want…

Great racing. Let’s hope that you get the result you deserve. ‘Ull ‘n ‘Umber and Durban both seem to have dropped back a few places, so this could be a very good leg for you in the overall table.

Sail safe and fast.

Go Glasgow!

3. barbara & Jon, aberaeron 04 May 2008

Dafs, Calon lan took part in Patches race yesterday, on the finish line had a fantastic tacking duel with Simon raw Rees, Calon lan won that small battle, but was 4th overall out of 13, trying to live up to your performance on Glasgow,

kepp going the next podium awaits

barbara & Jon

4. Pam and Michael, Keighley 04 May 2008

Good to get a blog from wee Sue at last. Keep up the pace and get your nose back in front. Watching with great interest.

5. Erica, Edinburgh 04 May 2008

Ah Sue! I’ve missed your impromptu poems! Seems the light stuff is set to continue, and I know you guys will be pulling out all the stops to keep the Black Pearl moving. Got my fingers crossed that the winds Gods will smile on you and give you that wee bit extra breeze over the rest of the fleet.

6. Dipxy, Dumfriesshire 05 May 2008

Thanks for the poem, Wee Sue ... you’ve given the sails their distinct characteristic. Look after them - feed them, clothe them - and they’ll repay you all with a podium finish. Make sure the saltire and rampant is given the same respect. See you all victorious in Liverpool (with sails and flags in tact).

Good luck

7. Diane, Ireland 06 May 2008

She IS still on board! Thank you Sue - I’m happy now. Safe spinnakers to Jamaica all.

8. Joe mac (Glasgow leg 4), Scotland-work ;-( 06 May 2008

Knowing Sue this have been written this in the afternoon or evening as she “doesnt do mornings”
Great to see your in great spirits though. the finish line is in sight and a podium is within our grasp. lady luck and the right wind in the right place.... not asking much really.

Take care see you all soon.

9. Diane, Ireland 06 May 2008

Oh and New York keep reporting in their positions 20 mins after everyone else so that they appear ahead of you on the leaderboard in the online update, when they really are not. Naughty New Yorkers - show them your wash Glasgow!

10. Rhona, Oban 07 May 2008

Well at last...you are still on board! Have been following all the way. It’s been great...loved the poem and wish you all great sailing in days ahead. You are all doing so well.
Good luck...stay safe

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