Crew Blog
On the crest of a wave
27 September 2007
Ok, so the last few days have been fairly eventful in Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper world… Everyone seems to be pretty much recovered from illness which is great news and the crew and skipper in good spirits about the task in hand. We are currently racing hard down the coast of Portugal, although far from land which feels quite strange not being able to see anything other than the odd fishing boat or cruise liner, massive in comparison to little clipper boat! The downwind sailing with the kite flying has provided many a cheesy grin or two and chuckles from the helm as we surf down the high, rolling Atlantic waves, with Gorgeous Gordon hitting an all time high of 16 knots (so far!) Woo hoo.
After a bit of crazy night of sail changes, poles up and down, it left us with a bit of a muddle, with wrapped halyards etc. I think it gave us all a bit of a wake up call that we need to give 100 percent all of the time if we are to keep up the standards. After a brief with Hannah (skipper) and a bit of time to reflect we dusted ourselves down and adopted the onwards and upwards attitude. The evening race schedule gave us some positive vibes with news of making good gains on the leading boat, Durban 2010 and Beyond. Hannah gave us all afternoon entertainment by climbing the spinnaker pole to fix the sheets, adorning her staple attire of pirate head scarf and then skilfully scaling the mast – nickname, Angelina Jolie/tomb raider. Andrew also had to take a stint up the mast although I have to say, his swinging around was slightly concerning, a bit monkey-like but hey, good job done and all ropes were untangled.
The weather has been getting sunnier and warmer and the spectacular full moons during the night watches have been illuminating the sky and glistening off the rolling waves. It makes night work much easier and also lights up the dolphins bouncing around in the crest of the waves alongside-ah, nature at it’s best. The stars have also been exceptional and even few shooting ones thrown into the bargain. I have to mention snack times…which have been uplifting, with samples of Lisa’s mum’s fruitcake – YUMMY and Sue’s delicious lemon cake. All much appreciated at that mid-watch lull.
Signing off for now – we can’t see the website but heard at La Rochelle about all the messages of support, thanks everyone. Cheerio for noo!!
Liza Moran
1. Caroline Fitzpatrick, Dornoch 28 September 2007
Hi Susan Smith and Glasgow clipper crew. Great to see Lisa’s blog on 27th September and did not realise how hooked I would become on checking your race position each day. Great to see that you moved up to 6th overnight - shows the team are all pulling together. Susan - will be posting your blogs in Royal Dornoch Golf Club Ladies Room for everyone to read. Keep moving on up Glasgow!
2. Diane Searls, Ireland 28 September 2007
Nice update Liza - enough to make anyone jealous (if you ignore the illness bit)! Sue, I will be raiding your house looking for that secret lemon cake recipe in October. Great to see you catching up to 6th place today. Keep up the good work.
3. Kerry Pickstone, London 28 September 2007
Hi team Glasgow, congratulations on the race so far, you guys are doing an amazing job! It’s brilliant to log on each day and see which part of the world you guys are sailing through. Lisa, I’m so amazed at what you are doing, you’ve definitely got me behind the Scots - make sure you beat those aussies xx
4. Niall Moran, Fife 28 September 2007
Well done sis - keep up the good work and we’re all rooting for the weggie boat! 
Niall (big bro!)
5. Rebecca Cole, Worcester 28 September 2007
Great to hear what good spirits you’re all in after the sickness and fantastic to see that you’re gaining and creeping up that table. Really excited to see what’s going to happen in the Doldrums. Thinking of you all - it’s freezing here now and for a while I felt for you until I remembered it’s probably far warmer where your are. Andy - I have had to work out the central heating at last! It wasn’t easy without you ....Big love, thinking f you always xxx
6. Rebecca Cole, Worcester 28 September 2007
P.S. Great photo, must be that Andy Cole great ship photographer extrodinaire?!? WE can see how big the waves are - stay safe!
7. Emma Holden, Work!! 28 September 2007
Hi Guy’s, you’ve provided addictive viewing since the race start. It’s great to see all the photo’s and read your blog. Can’t wait to see a video of life on board. Keep sailing speedily and safely. Emma (Leg 4)
8. John Diffenthal, Sandhurst, Berkshire, UK 28 September 2007
Are you sure that you are doing this for fun? It sounds like pretty hard work to me. The good news is that you are keeping pace with Hull & Humber but the bad news is that they are no longer in the lead. I guess that means that you have got a new target to aim at.
Best wishes to you all.
9. Lorna & Jon, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 28 September 2007
Hi Glasgow & Siany,
Knowing nothing about sailing you seem to be doing pretty well. Glad that everyone seems to be over tummy bug - hope there was enough loo roll! Keep the blogs coming, it’s lovely to hear from you and know everyone is safe. After reading what you’re going through,(even seeing the dolphins) Jon said that we are definitely sticking to cruising in Bristol Channel - that’s rough enough for us! Love to you all - you can do it!!
Aunty Lorna & Jonxxx
10. lizzy hughes, Berkshire 28 September 2007
hi dad
how are you ??hope you are ok ive nearly worked out face book. i hope your driving that boat to the max within the pain bariers of course hope you are havin the time off your life. wish i was with you. see you in ozzy dude.i miss you so much.lots and lots of love lizzy and jimmy
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
11. gwenno and moli, cardiff 28 September 2007
Hey Daf and the Glasgow stars! You are doing so so well. Mam, Dad and I just read Liza’s fab blog. We are so proud of you. Mam didn’t realise she could have given you cake to take with you from Liverpool and has just told me I have to make one in Oz for your onward journey! You will know that risks all your health! Mol’s favourite song is “go go glasgow, glasgow go go”. Take care, mam, dad, gwen and mols xx
12. Ken Duffin, Edmonton Canada 28 September 2007
Following your progress Lisa (my neice) closely, and very impressed by your determination. May arrange to come and see you when you get to Canada.
Ken, Judy and Claire Duffin
13. Burgins, Dubai 29 September 2007
Good photo of little brother Gordon driving but where did the “Gorgeous” come from? You guys are doing really well, keep it up, Margaret and Dennis
14. John Diffenthal, Sandhurst, Berkshire, UK 29 September 2007
Terrific racing, guys. This morning’s report puts you at number 3 although it’s clearly nip and tuck between you, Singapore and Durban.
Keep up the good work.
15. Colin Bell, Hobart, Tasmania 29 September 2007
Keep it up guys! What’s with the “Gorgeous Gordon” bit… I’m having a lot of trouble with that one! Lascivious Lawson would seem more fitting! How about a smile when you’re running down those waves?
16. The G.J.'s, redlands road 29 September 2007
Hi Glasgow and Sian,
Superb sailing and efforts.Fantastic. YOU CAN DO IT. Chris Jeni Zoe and Adam
17. Ingrid Reynolds, London 29 September 2007
Have just come back from the weekly shop at Waitrose to see that you have edged up into 3rd position. Excellent stuff, hope the westerlies get to you before the ones to the south of you. Keep it up!
18. Sheena Bamber, Shropshire 29 September 2007
Hi Hannah, hope that you are enjoying the experience!!! Sounds horrendous!!! Have fun and stay safe.
Best wishes Sheena, Nigel and Philip
19. Drew and Helen, Bowhouse Farm 29 September 2007
Just to say dearest Drew that we are following your progress with great intent!! Doing an amazing job!! GO FOR IT!!
Loads love always xxxxxx
20. Drew and Helen, Bowhouse Farm 29 September 2007
Go FOR IT DREW !! Following your progress daily and so proud of you all!!! Must be an amazing exprience.
LOVE YOU LOADS
DREW and HELEN
21. Lilburns, Northampton 30 September 2007
The photo of “gorgeous gordon” is definitely one for the album. You look to be in your element Gordon and having the time of your life. The reports and blogs are fascinating and you are all doing great. Go Scotland Go! lol Helen and Johnny
22. Gordon & Christine, Selkirk, (Scottish Borders) 30 September 2007
We’ve heard that Little Boy Drew is all at sea with his inflatable - no, not dinghy, which could come in useful - but SHEEP!!! Sounds like one hellova trip on a ship! Stay safe, and catch the wind to win. LoL
23. barbara & Jon, aberaeron 30 September 2007
you seem to be having a great time and doing well - keep it up 2nd podium coming your way, xx go Dafs and the rest of the Glasgow crew.
24. Geeta Nanda, Harrow 30 September 2007
keep going! We are willing you on here and watching with baited breath! Go glasgow, go go!
Geeta
25. John C Cowpe, Sydney, Australia 01 October 2007
Go Glasgow!! Keep thinking, trimming, strategising, enjoying...I am really getting myself quite into this race following closely..gret stuff, J
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