Crew Blog

Windholes and Beavers

21 June 2008

Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper suffers light winds and foggy conditions

Those of you watching the race viewer must be tapping your computer screens in disbelief at our lack of progress towards Cork. This is as a result of being stuck in a windhole for the first few days of the race. Being close to a windhole can be an unnerving. I can assure you, being stuck inside a big windhole for a prolonged length of time is a thoroughly unpleasant experience. These near windless conditions are in stark contrast to the gale force winds we encountered during the D250 race just a week or so ago. There does however appear to be light at the end of the tunnel as in the last few hours the wind has picked up a wee bit and is currently wafting us nicely towards Ireland and a much anticipated pint of Guinness. In the cold light winds and fog, the crew have been kept busy trimming the sails in the hope that we can gain an advantage over the other Clipper yachts. We are also keeping a good lookout for icebergs and our noses in the air for the faintest hint of fishy smells, a sure indicator of a growler in close proximity! Occasionally the fog lifts to reveal that the nearby radar target is indeed a rival Clipper hot on our heels… In the quieter moments on deck Mick has kept us entertained with his novel game ‘Design a beaver’. I am delighted to report that the crew have risen to the challenge of this new game and have produced some interesting and occasionally furry specimens … some crew members proving their artistic worth and enthusiasm for the game more than others! Spirits on board the good ship Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper are high and have been further boosted by the heroics of Mick and Gordon in restoring our port heads to full working order after an in depth rubber gloved servicing in Sydney. We may have started this race slowly but we are all having a great time and will be working hard to propel the boat towards the front of the fleet by the time we reach Cork. As the race reaches its final stages we are looking forward to seeing family and friends in Cork and at the ultimate finish in Liverpool. Until then …. ‘Aw ra best!’ Ross

1. Gemma, Glasgow 23 June 2008

Rossco, Hannah and crew I am sure you all itching to be first across the atlantic but also dont want the challenge to be over - its a bit of a catch 22 situation! Keep the posts up - it’s exciting to find out what is going on whilst trying to deal with the day to day montony of work! To be honest I dont understand all the race stats and terminology but have asked Cor who is in Dutch waiting for a gearbox to advise! Best of luck. Gemma x

2. Diane Searls, Cork 23 June 2008

Okay, I’ve checked personally and the Guinness is on ice just ready and awaiting you Glasgow crew - come and get it! Come on - quick! Better get a move on Sue, Liz has started drinking the black stuff already having arrived in Ireland today - it may all be gone before you get here.

3. Mags Burgin, Stonehaven 23 June 2008

Just read the latest bog and if the Gordon who has been credited with fixing the heads is Greybeard well done where has he been hiding all those talents. So we now know who to call on in future if we are having plumbing problems. Avidly watching your progress? and cheering you all on. You can still do it Glasgow. Bought Mum her St Andrews’s flag the other day so she is all ready for Liverpool. You be able to pick her out I’m sure. Beginning to think this adventure has been all about getting to port for the drink the way Guinness keeps getting a mention. Hope the winds blow hard for you all. Get those lugs out Gordon and help the sails. Love Mags x

4. Kate Inglis, Glasgow 23 June 2008

Hey Rossco and crew buddies, Just logged onto the race viewer and I am getting quite excited for you guys. Looking good overall, keep up the hard work and you will be rewarded in Liverpool. I am not likeing the sound of your beaver game, think that is one best kept for the boat, although I am sure Gordon will want you to elaborate!! See you very soon, Kate & Gordon x

5. dicksilvester, Halifax canada 24 June 2008

Greetings from the Halifax Burns Club to the crew of the Glasgow Scotland with style clipper.

Keep up your spirits and your good work. Hannah has you on a great tack.

The difference between first and third is team will power. 3 days to prove it.

Break out the song sheets and put the foe abaft ‘yer beam.

No chains and slaverie..on to victory.

Slainte mhath

6. Brian & Dru, Peterborough 24 June 2008

Hi Lisa and all the crew - we’re as frustrated as you are seeing you tootling along at 6 knots and Liverpool closing in! Hurry up and find those winds, but keep safe and enjoy Cork.

7. Lorna & Jon Darke, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 24 June 2008

Hi Hannah and crew of Black Pearl - you’re right about the race viewer - we were wondering how long it would take for you to get to Cork! Looks like your moving faster now though - still holding 5th place for the last 5 days or so but seem to be falling behind the leading four. Now seems a good time to get the oars out!
Come on Glasgow - almost there please just dig deep and show everyone what the Black Pearl is capable of, you normally do very well in light going!
Sail very fast and safe, as always and Good Luck to you all.
Lorna & Jon

8. Liza, beaversville 'the weeg' 24 June 2008

well done guys! Everyone rooting for ya - come on the weeg! i bet mick has become a beaver expert xx

9. Dee & Nick Sawyer, Aberaeron, West Wales 24 June 2008

Hopefully there is still time to catch the dream AND the wind on the way to Cork.
Keep pressing.
Mind you we are a bit worried about your spare time activities with small furry animals!!
GO The Black Pearl!!!
Nick & Dee

10. dick silvester, Halifax Nova Scotia 09 July 2008

Oh behalf of the Halifax Burns Club.......
Well done all of you.

Hannah, you’re not just a skipper, you’re a Master.

Lisa, your family are so proud of your circumnavigation. Make sure you come back to Nova Scotia sometime either by sail or maybe on the back of a dolphin.......

Slainte Mhath (Slangee-Va)

Dick Silvester and family

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