Crew Blog

Times they are a-changing

28 February 2008

Glasgow: Scotland with style's Clare Sanderson

Since leaving Qingdao, this trip has been one of extremes: snow, cold, no wind then lots, then back to none again. Just last night we were surfing down the fronts of waves, the helm with a huge grin on their face while the bow dips and the boat catches the wave and picks up speed. But this morning Tatties watch awoke to blazing sunshine and not a drop of wind, lolling off the south coast of Japan. We are turning in gentle circles hoping that the currents take us in generally the right direction, not quite what we had in mind for a race (at our current speed it will take 57 days to reach Hawaii).

Neeps watch has been confined below decks this morning patching up our poor #2 Yankee which took a bit of a turn for the worse last night after an unfortunate encounter with the inner forestay. However, it is in safe hands and promises to be as good as new in no time.

Board shorts are making their first appearance of this race, though luckily we haven’t seen any bare legs yet. The warmth has made changing underwear a less fearsome prospect, because lets face it, when the temperature is below freezing (inside as well as out) not many people are willing to take off all 7 layers of clothes for a quick change! The first prototype removable-from-under-thermals pants have been developed by the skipper, and we girlies are eagerly awaiting news of the results.

The grumpy faces seen over the last few days have vanished and everyone is in a very jolly mood, appreciating the warmth and sunshine - good times on Glasgow Clipper

Clare

1. John Diffenthal, Sandhurst, Berkshire, UK 01 March 2008

After 1000 miles there are fewer than 50 miles separating the first 8 boats. Could it get any closer? I keep on thinking to myself that this is a marathon rather than a sprint so there’s probably another two weeks of this excitement. Will my fingernails cope?

Keep going guys. Sail safe and fast. Go Glasgow!

2. neil bhullar, Qingdao 01 March 2008

Hey this is a message for Hannah and all the hardy folks on the Glasgow boat. Congratulations on getting this far, and thanks for making Qingdao into a raucous party for the week you were here!

Neil
myredstar

3. Lorna & Jon Darke, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 01 March 2008

Hi Hannah and crew of Black Pearl! Obviously since Clare’s blog things have changed rather a lot - it would appear from the race news and viewer that you now have wind in abundance! Looks like it might be a fast and furious race but I know that Hannah will be doing her best to avoid damages (a few of the other clippers have had a few). Enjoy the warmer climes as much as you can but don’t forget we all want a podium position for you!
GO GLASGOW!!
Sail fast and (very) safe, as always,
Lorna & Jon

4. Bruce and Jackie Smith, Glasgow 03 March 2008

Come on Glasgow. There’s not a lot in it so every knot counts. Get that big spinnie back up and pulling hard. Every mile run is important now so keep it up. XX to my wee lassie!

5. Dipxy, Dumfriesshire 03 March 2008

A lot has changed since your blog! Come on the Black Pearl, she’s unique for many diverse reasons ... make us all proud ... retain that overall position and get another podium place. The Black Pearl deserves the right to be in the top flight, the crew will need to work hard to achieve it though. Good luck, sail safe, but FAST.

Aye yours

6. sian reynolds, at my desk thinking of you! 03 March 2008

Hi Guys! Keep up the fab work - Hula Girls await the boys & tanned surf dudes the girls!!! Man i should have done this leg! Watching you closely as always & wishing you fair winds & sunshine for the tans! x x x

7. caroline Fitzpatrick, dornoch 04 March 2008

Well done Glasgow - you are moving back up after all your problems and all boats seem to be so close you can easily get on that podium again. Safe sailing.

8. John Diffenthal, Sandhurst, Berkshire, UK 05 March 2008

Great work guys. For two reports in a row you have covered the most ground in the field and are making places again. “You’re going like ya stole it”.

Sail safe and fast, there’s plenty of miles to the finish. Go Glasgow!

9. sian reynolds, at my desk thinking of you! 05 March 2008

Guys its morning here & ive just logged on to see your in 4th! Come on Guys keep going im so excited for you! 1 mile from eating Quingdao for Lunch, then moving on to NY for Dinner & finishing with H&H;for breakfast tomorrow am! Keep up the great work guys - as ever so proud, miss you loads & cant wait to don the kilt to cheer you in to Cork! x x x

10. paul murphy, hoylake 05 March 2008

A great overnight result -cant wait to get onboard and share the experience -the snowman on deck was great - for your next trick can you fry an egg on deck cu Paul

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