Crew Blog

1. Alex Crossland, Stonehaven, Scotland 17 April 2008

Well done everyone! Enjoy California and a chance to relax again.

2. Andy Cole, Worcester 17 April 2008

Heh Doug - you, the rest of the crew and Hannah deserve every bit of that support and well done for proving that Glasgow can manage three blogs in 10 days!
Not being on the podium may have taken the shine off this race but I’m sure memories of Hawaii and the desire to race hard again and again will keep you all going - then there are the cool beers and steaks which you are no doubt tucking into as I type this in a windy Worcester…
Cheers
Andy

3. Emma, at work 18 April 2008

Well done guy’s, there’s too many of those wind holes about!!

To make you feel better its cold and wet here, I’m working nights and there are too many sick people about.  I’m also about to become a year older!!

Enjoy Santa Cruz and look forward to seeing you racing again.

LOL Emma

4. Graham Jenner, Shrewsbury 18 April 2008

To Skipper (Hannah) & crew. Well done to all and do share your frustration at being becalmed and hence a 5th place, but guess if you had gone North then the expected winds would have ceased!! Still time to make this up and all the best for the next race. Looking forward to meeting up in New York. Keep those spirits up; LAT 53, 55 & 57 are calling...!!!

5. Drew & Rosie McLaren, Alloa, Scotland 18 April 2008

Doug - what a touching and sensitively written blog. Well done! Believe me all Glasgow Clipper crew, when I say that your old mate ‘Delectable’ is still very much with you and the Black Pearl in spirit, glued to the website and thinking of you all - but the body is busy out on the farm, which as always takes precedence over everything else! Enjoy your stay in Santa Cruz. Good luck for Leg 6. You’re a credit to us all and to Scotland! Don’t ever forget that.
Love to all - onboard and at home
Drew & Rosie (and family, especially Dougie!)

PS Doug - I take it there’s no been no hanky panky between your bear and Barley.... Hannah would NOT approve!

6. Jose Wilson, Ross on Wye 19 April 2008

Following your progress - sounds like a pretty hairy time!.  We are pretty cold here on the golf course too, but thinking about Jeanette and wishing you all good luck.

7. Pete Haden, Solihull 19 April 2008

Hard luck Doug in slipping off the podium.  Let’s hope Villa are in gold medal position tomorrow against the Blues!  Good luck for the rest of the race.

Pete
(Tour guide - Villa Park)

8. Ian & Barbara, Norwich 20 April 2008

Tough luck!  We really thought you would get that 1st pennant this time but know that you’ll give the others a hard time on the next legs.  Looking forward to see Gemma at NY.

9. Ancient Mariner fans, Prestwood,UK 20 April 2008

Wishing you all good luck on the next leg of the race. You’ll pick up speed now that Jeanette is on board! We’ll follow your progress with interest.

10. beth armer, Barnsley 20 April 2008

hiya pap’s

how is it in Santa Cruz . SAT’S real soon argghh!!!!!! RUN AWAY missing you loads villa are playing today lets hope they win by the way you look real different hope you’ve still got the same personality have a safe journey back home

love you lots xxxxxxxxxxx beth

11. Susan Revie, Scotland 20 April 2008

We all look forward to your blogs too, Doug! It must have been quite a challenge to keep spirits up after such a knock but we were cheered to hear both Hannah and Colin and now you reporting on the race in such a positive vein. You have proved many times over how good you all are but there is always an element of unpredictability about racing to keep you on your toes - so we wish all of you the very best of luck for the next race and keep those blogs coming!

12. Joe mac (Glasgow leg 4), Scotland-work ;-( 21 April 2008

Hey Doug i miss you too!!!!

Your right its much much more than a race. I still have that feeling of belonging to an extended family, one of the fortunate people to have sailed on a leg of Clipper Round the World and especially as part of the Glasgow family and boat.
I am very proud of what you and the rest of the crew have achieved you have faced and conquered many things, now is the time to dig that little bit deeper right into the soles of your boots. Its hard not being on the podium when all the hard work has been done to put you there and the cruel weather takes its hand and makes its mark.
This is when the true spirit of the Glasgow crew counts.
All of the crew at home (those like me who have sailed and those still to join) are following the roller coaster of emotions, the highs when you are catching and passing the lows when the reports come in telling us that the winds have been cruel. Having been there i know you are all giving 150% and are supporting each other.
Your rewards will come, of that i and every one who supports the big black boat are sure.

Its not over until Liverpool, its a long way and there are many more points to pick up.
The boat and crew have the skills, determination and passion to win this… its our turn for a little bit of lady luck.

Dont let this get you down we are all here rooting for all of you and screaming at the screen.

Doug get up that mast on a clear sunny day, do your rigging checks, then chill take a moment look around you feel that breeze, taste that salt, is there anything else you would rather be doing.... from someone thats back at home the answer is no… id be back there in a minute.

Your on a fantastic journey and brought us all with you. Respect to you all and especially you Doug.

Gordon, my man, glad to have you back on board. Let the good time and hard work roll. Your reward will be on a bar in Cork. see you there.

Joe (leg 4)

13. alex (beth's friend), barnsley 21 April 2008

hiya Mr Armer,

i hope you had fun on the world yacht race.  Beth told me 2 tell u villa beat birmingham 5/1 and also a footy supporter has been knocked down on aston hall road just outside villa park. Hope you enjoy your stay at Santa cruz. Take care ,you look like your enjoyng yourself so far. Well DONE!

from alex beth’s bffl

14. George Britton, Santa Rosa, California 22 April 2008

Just a quick note to skipper and crew:  I felt very privileged to have the opportunity to come aboard the Glasgow Scotland with Style yesterday, to see first hand your home at sea.  Thank you and best of luck. GB

15. Brian & Dru, Peterborough 24 April 2008

Trust you enjoyed your stopover.  Our thoughts are with you as you get ready for the off and we wish you a safe journey.  Do keep the blogs coming - they were a bit scarce on the last leg!  Love to Lisa

16. Diane Searls, Ireland 25 April 2008

Hmm, over half way around the world and guess who has escaped having to write a blog… Call me a troublemaker, but Wee Sue, we know you are on that boat!!!  Drop us a line.  Good luck to all on board for a safe and very very very fast run to Jamaica.

17. Duncan McKeeve, Toaronto Canada 25 April 2008

Hi all .
I would think and hope the City of Glasgow is behind you as much as is Benromach is!
You have proven yourself’s thus far and have started well again.
The wind is in your sails ( you are cruising at 11 knots).  So many are watching you go and you can do it. Go Lassie go!  Safe trip to Jenna, her crew and all the other crews.

From; the crew of S.V. Elnamea (ship that goes fast in the wind )
Duncan McKeeve.

18. John Diffenthal, Sandhurst, Berkshire, UK 27 April 2008

2nd place with 2600 miles to go ... looking good, guys!

The list of things to remember now has to include:
- stay out of wind holes
- avoid wrapping the spinnaker

This is a great start, and you’re ahead of NY and Durban which is excellent news.  Stay safe and sail fast.

Go Glasgow!