Crew Blog

Whose bright idea was this?

06 May 2008

Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper - Tatties and Neeps

What senior moment convinced a non-sailor like me that I could do this? Those were the initial thoughts that first day on board as I struggled to remember the Clipper training all those months ago. Much, much later that same day with the spinnaker severely screwed up around the forestay I watched as Hannah and the indefatigable Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper crew struggled to free it in the darkness. Finally, by 5am, task accomplished and my very first Neeps watch experience over, Hannah’s parting shot as I staggered down to my bunk was, “Welcome to the world of ocean racing!”

Since then, my own personal journey to learn a little more about this sailing game and enjoy this totally unique experience has been aided and abetted by members of the Neeps watch crew – simply the best! Days are spent on this increasingly hot leg down the west coast of Mexico to Panama sailing downwind, gibing, trimming and generally tweaking that erstwhile twisted spinnaker, now gracefully aloft catching every last drop of wind out there. Oops, spoke too soon there, today we’re bobbing about, looking in vain for any hint of wind. The kite’s down, the windseeker up, and we’re feeling frazzled and frustrated. Nicola’s keep fit class on deck relieves the stress for some and provides amusement for others.

Night watches too on this downwind stretch are equally relaxed with no headsail changes or tacking and little to do apart from tease as much speed as possible out of the spinnaker. This time Nicola’s star spotting class relieves the enforced inactivity for some, while challenging others to think up new excuses to plunk school! For me, Tatties are a’ weel, fine ‘n guid, but Neeps will aye be the stars!

But now it’s Day 12 and here we all are, Tatties & Neeps in it together, bobbing ‘n stewing about in a simmering Pacific soup, hardly a breath of wind, and still 1100 nms to RP2. To be continued ….

Jeanette

1. Dipxy, Dumfriesshire 06 May 2008

The Black Pearl is unique, the Crew is unique ... and the experience ... no words can describe your journey. Well done.

2. David and Cicely, Sutton Coldfield 06 May 2008

Hi jeannette
Have been following your boat since we were in La Paz, Bolivia and saw that you had a late start. The boat has been doing well ever since and we hope that are in good position for a great finish, only 1200 nm to go. We are watching with interest and trust you are now enjoying yourselves, with some good winds to come soon. Keep puffing at the sails and you will do well!! Lots of Love to you and best wishes to all your fellow compatriots on board, shouting for you all. David and Cicely.

3. James &Dorothy;, Coleraine N.Ireland 06 May 2008

Hannah &Crew;Come on Glasgow you can do it, keep up the good work , not far to go now.
Have just viewed your latest picture. Can’t take much more of this excitement.
“Go Glasgow Go” The Black Pearl can do it. Stay safe and good luck for another podium position. Love to Lisa. xxx

4. Erica, Edinburgh 06 May 2008

So a shortened course, not much wind, and very few miles between you all at the front of the fleet. I have no fingernails left. Anything could happen. I am keeping fingers, toes, everything crossed for that extra zephyr of wind that might make the difference and sees you guys collecting that yellow pennant. Go Glasgow!! Good luck!

5. Lorna & Jon Darke, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 07 May 2008

Hi Hannah and crew of Black Pearl! we are having so many bloggs off you that it is great - but remember they have shortened the race and you must pull something out of that bag!! Sorry we do not understand the sail bit - leave that to Sian but you are still the best and hats off to Hannah - you are certainly given them a run for their money girl!!
GO GLASGOW GO (with style as always!)
Sail very fast and safe, as always,
Lorna & Jon

6. Ros, Euan & Gemma, Edinburgh 07 May 2008

Hello the Neeps n Tatties! What a frustrating time you must be having, bobbing around on that Pacific soup - good blog Jeanette! Lovely photo too; all looking a tad sunburnt - where’s your hair gone Gordon?! Keep up the good work. Wish we could give you some of Edinburgh’s wind! Lol R, G & E xxx

7. Malcolm McGregor, on a train between edinburgh and london 07 May 2008

Jeanette,

Three cheers for you. Well done to everyone for keeping up the pressure in the light airs and sweltering heat.

8. Steve Ballantyne(Leg 4), Sunny Auchterarder 07 May 2008

Jeanette, great to hear from you and another (long overdue) BLOG from the BP.

Hang in there! You are all doing a fantastic job eeeeeking out the last breath of wind and chasing the podium position - yet again! Now kinda wishing I was back out there as my arm could cope with these conditions (I think?)

Safe sailing & Slainte to all, Stevie B

9. sian reynolds, Bristol - where its actually quite warm today!! 07 May 2008

Hello Guys! Well done. news on teh grapevine is that H&H;& NY have finished so its not long until you cross the finish line on what is another big achievement. Well done to you all (Neaps, Tatties & our Ninja Skipper!) As is my usual sentiment keep up the unrelenting work, your on fire! With love Siany

10. Ericka, Hereford 07 May 2008

Hi Jeanette and all the ‘salty dogs’ on Glasgow.
Great to hear you are all well. Hey don’t forget there is a race on here! The mode seems too relaxed!
I am checking if I have in my ‘gene pool’ if I have any Scotish in me which might allow me to have a ‘wee dram’ with you all sometime.
Great blog Jeanette! Ericka Norris XX (Durban Leg 1+2)

11. Emma, 07 May 2008

Hi All

Well done another great race to watch from the shore!! I can only guess whats happening at the moment, the website hasn’t yet been updated despite it being almost one o’clock. Fingers crossed you’ve come 4th which if everything else stays the same puts Glasgow back to 3rd overall. Hope you enjoy your few days of motoring before the Panama Canal - should be quite an event. Good to see you all looking well. See you in Liverpool.

Nice little ditty wee sue.

Lots of Love Emma

12. Duncan McKeeve, Toronto Canada 08 May 2008

Hi Hanna and the best crew.
The coat of arms for Glasgow is let Glasgow florish, so let the Black Pearl’s head go and let Glasgow, Scotland with style florish and lets see you win. You are 12 miles in front of the competition but that is nothing in the scheme of things. Keep steadfast, let her go Lassie go and we’el all go together.
PS we are up to checking you four and five times a day, though we know the info is not updated that often.
You are all winners,stay safe.
Duncan; in Toronto Canada.

13. Andy Cole, Worcester 08 May 2008

Hi Glasgow, what can I say - race shortening never seems to favour the Black Pearl but well done for such an exciting performance and I wish you good speed to Panama.
Also great thanks for a great blog Jeanette - I hope you continue to enjoy many more fun lessons on this leg.
Plus what is all this talk about senior moments - I’ve seen you at work in the snakepit and I’ll never forget that Part C boat to boat transfer with Qingdao (I’m sure they haven’t either!).
Best wishes
Andy

14. Doug Waters, Leatherhead 08 May 2008

Hi Jeanette,
Fantastic to hear that you and the guys on Glasgow are doing so well.
The training in the Solent obviously did us both a lot of good.
Best regards
Doug

15. Team O'Reilly, edinburgh 09 May 2008

Best wishes to birthday boy Martyn from all the team at home. Birthday in the Panama canal can’t be bad!Following Glasgow SwS course and success with close interest - well done to all the crew - the whole experience sounds fantastic

16. MICHAEL JORDAN, yorkshire 11 May 2008

Hello Jeanette
Warm greetings to you and all the crew. Delighted to follow your progress - well done - keep going, keep working and not too much stargazing!! Enjoy Panama!

Love Michael and Janet

17. Sandy, Sunny Solihull 12 May 2008

Hi to all on Glasgow. Belated congrats on your latest race. Must have been really hard work with all that close duelling for so long. So, enjoy the ‘luxurycruise’ to Panama. I am sure there are some excellent watering holes which will require your full attentiion!
Cheers!
Sandy

18. Kath Brook, North Yorks 16 May 2008

Hi Doug
It sounds like its every bit as eventful as you thought - much less boring than watching Cas!!

Comon Glasgow you can still do it.

Take care
Love Kath, Jackie, Lisa,Trude, Nik and Janet.xx

19. Pluck Family, Prestwood Bucks 18 May 2008

Hi Jeanette
Watching your progress. We all think that your doing a fantastic job. Really envious!! Nice to see that you are still on watch. Must seem like old times in Green Park except that you do not have to stand on the ... and crane your neck! Be careful in the Carribean just in case Captian Jack Sparrow is still around.
Love
Caroline, John, Rebecca & Jess

20. Chelsey Readman, Belfast 21 May 2008

Go Duffers!! Best of luck for the last few weeks - can’t wait to see you when you get back.
Much love, Chelsey, Harry & Maxi Boy xxx

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