Crew Blog

Windows of Wind

05 June 2008

Glasgow: Scotland with style Clipper's David Jack on fog watch

This blog comes to you from south of Nantucket Shoals with Boston now just around the corner. After a long night I am keen to enjoy the recuperation of my bunk so here is the latest news.
- The race to New York left us a bit scarred having sailed well in a few windows of wind which sadly seemed to desert us once a shortened race was confirmed
- We had some great light wind tussles with a number of boats and had been doing well until one particular windhole caught us out overnight
- Arrived New York in the early hours of Sunday morning and despite the late hour there was a real buzz around North Cove marina with all the boats mooring up in the space of a few hours
- We were welcomed by Clipper staff along with the friends and family who had made the long wait to see us in
- Cool beers were soon flowing followed by a trip to the floating bar and a catch up with a number of the crews who had been delighted to beat us this time around
- In New York, Mick, the final veteran from Leg 3 rejoined the crew.
- We enjoyed some great corporate sails with the back-drop of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty in glorious sunshine
- Glasgow: Scotland with style looked after us when we were guests at the rather posh Metropolitan Club reception which for many of the crew was then followed by an extended run ashore resulting in a few sore heads the next day
- In contrast we slipped our lines for Race 12 in the thick mists of New York Harbour on a day disappointing for the Clipper Media team but still a great send off from North Cove
- After a long motor out looking for our next window of wind the Le Mans start finally got underway with some boats preferring to steer a course for New York before we all got enough breeze to get going in this race
- Last night’s sailing had a fair bit of excitement with a close call as we dived across the bow of Qingdao
- The visibility has been poor all day and our sailing has been “pretty good apart from the odd bit of wiggly helming” according to the Skipper and our 12-hour run has been one of the best

So that’s about it - more tales of Black Pearl life to follow in Nova Scotia - keep the support coming and we will set out target on a podium in Halifax.

Andy Cole

1. Lorna & Jon Darke, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 07 June 2008

Hannah and everyone on Black Pearl,
Sorry about the early call on the last race, as far as we are concerned, you were robbed!! This race is a short fast one and good luck to you all, get the oars out this this time if you have to - anything for a podium!
Looking good on the old race viewer at the moment but scared to say anything more in case we jinx you - that seems to be happening a lot!
Now GO GLASGO GO!!
Lorna & Jon

2. sian reynolds, at home by the sea 07 June 2008

Im sure Hannah was bang on with the wiggley driving! Hannah is a ninja pirate Skippper and I love her for it! Come on Glasgow bring it on for another podium finish. You have to strenthen your no 3 position and do it for the girl who has fronted the black pearl and the girl who is, as always our invinsible skipper - Hannah the ninja pirate! Come on guys.dig deep. its there for the taking x x x x

3. John Diffenthal, Sandhurst, Berkshire, UK 07 June 2008

I’m not sure if wiggly helming is a good thing or not. It doesn’t matter, this leg is nearly over and it looks as if you are on the pace and pretty far up the table. You haven’t reported a position since 18:00 yesterday, which makes things a little confusing but I’m sure it is all part of your stealth campaign to prevent prying eyes from understanding your tactics in more detail.

Sail safe and fast. Go Glasgow!

4. Lorna & Jon Darke, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 07 June 2008

Hi Hannah & crew of the Black Pearl,

WELL DONE!!! Another shortened race but a podium again for Second!!! Way to go! Onwards and upwards - we make that still overall 3rd place but with points closing! Enjoy the rest of the journey to Halifax and all the R & R there - again well done to you all - now going to ring Siany as she has not got access to a computer on the weekends!

Lorna & Jon

5. caroline Fitzpatrick, dornoch 07 June 2008

Well done Glasgow - superb finish and so pleased for you all after the last few races. Hope you are celebrating tonight! Not too much lads!! Best wishes Caroline Fitzpatrick

6. Brian & Dru, Peterborough 08 June 2008

Congratulations ... unfortunately we have been without internet so could now follow your progress, but it obviously saved a bit of nail-biting!! Lisa, Dick was planning on being there to welcome you all in, so if you haven’t managed to meet up please get in touch. He has left you an e-mail. Hope you are all well. See you in Liverpool and Many Happy Returns for the 15th…

7. Allan & Janet, Clackmannanshire 09 June 2008

Well done Glasgow, back on the podium. Only 5 1/2 points behind the leaders - you can do it!
Good luck.

8. John and Susan Revie, Scotland 09 June 2008

Good to read your blog Andy. We felt for you in the race to NY - what bad timing for the shortened course! - but we are delighted that you did so well and earned another podium position on the race to Halifax. Very good luck and safe Glasgow:Scotland-with-Stylish sailing to Cork where we look forward to seeing you all!

9. Lorna Inglis, Glasgow 10 June 2008

Hey Rosco,

Loved your Radio Clyde interview - no media training required! That’s terrific you came in second place into Nova Scotia - keep up the good work! Looking forward to celebrating wiht you in Liverpool. L

10. Craig Robinson, Connah's Quay, the heart of rural Flintshire 14 June 2008

As the race nears it’s end
On the internet i’ve followed my friend
Through the storms the snow and the rain
And when he was injured I sure felt his pain
Cos I know he should of been on the pearl
And how much he’d missed his girl
But on the sea that’s where he should be
In the ocean the perilous sea
Round the cape and the Californian coast
The teams effort will be stories to boast!
Your’e now in third “Glasgow never give up”!
And in Liverpool you’ll lift the cup!
I’ll not be there though I sure wish I was
But my excuse is only because
My friends getting hitched and it’s his Stag Do
Don’t wanna go there I wanna see you
But I can’t, I so wish I could
Cos your effort your sweat tears and blood
Through the rain the storm and the squall
I’ll see ya soon my mate Paul!!!!
For nine months this Clipper site ROCKED!
Not long now till we’ll surf in the Soch!
So i’ll see ya when I see ya where or when
And thank your amazing skipper Hannah Jen!!!!

OMG how drunk am I hope my poem aint that bad, 10 cans of Stella and a bottle of vodka turns me into a creative Mo Fo, see ya soon brother.

Go Glasgow Go!!!!!!!

11. Jim Smith, Glasgow 15 June 2008

Hi Hannah & “The Team”
Fantastic effort. I am bringing a group of “Ex Glasgow Clipper” sailors down on Clyde Challenger “Ex Glasgow Clipper” to give you a rousing welcome home in Liverpool. You have done us all proud.
Jim Smith, Clyde Sail Training Trust.

12. dick silvester, Halifax Nova Scotia 16 June 2008

Hi Hannah, Lisa and the rest of you fine people,

Greetings from the Halifax Burns Club.
Good luck on the race to Cork, we are all rooting for you.
Remember those rousing songs from Burns we sang to you at the Triangle when you are working your way into the lead.
Scots wa hae with Wallace bled....
Keep the rest of the fleet abaft your beam and leave them behind… ‘Tae think again!!!
Slainte Mhath (slangeyva)
Dick and the kilted many.

13. Caroline Fitzpatrick, Dornoch 17 June 2008

Hi All - as this is the last ocean crossing make the most of it and come first into Cork. You are well seasoned sailors and should know the ropes by now! Have a great trip and sail safely. Caroline

14. Mags Burgin, stonehaven 17 June 2008

Cant give you any advice on the techinal stuff Greybeard but wish you loads of luck on the Atlantic crossing. Was lovely talking to you on Sunday. Got everything crossed for you all and I am back to my laptop every night watching your progress. So go little bruv and the rest of the crew. Mags (all by herself in Stonehaven)

15. Alan and Rena, Coleraine 17 June 2008

Well done to you all. Just keep going and be safe. You have been fantastic and we are so proud of you. Lisa Hope you had a great birthday on 15th. See you soon.
Love
Alan and Rena

16. Duncan Mckeeve, Toroto Canada 19 June 2008

Hi Hannah and crew,
Winds are shifting and headway is slow. As you leave the banks things will pick up and allow you to point Glasgow with pride towards Scotland!!. Come away ma wee Hannah come away, the podium is near and you are on your last Ocean stretch to Ireland. Show again what you and the crew of the black pearl are made of, you belong to Glasgow.
Bring her head round now all together and race for home. We are all behind you and rooting for you, let’s see your best yet.
Take care
Duncan in Canada.

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