Crew Blog

A boat of two halves

10 December 2007

Jamaica's Richard Burton takes the helm as they head out of the Southern Ocean

It’s been a mixed day today. For the first time in ages, the boat has been relatively flat. Life is a breeze. Below deck, we can walk around without lunging from handrail to handrail, we can sit on the port seats in the saloon without being catapulted to starboard, and the ship’s cat can lie peacefully, undisturbed in one spot. Using the heads is no longer a test of balance and lower body strength, and the fear of being flung through the fabric door with oilskins round the ankles has been completely removed.

In the galley, the surfaces are almost flat. Bowls and cups stay more or less where they are put. The chocolate brownies manage to be of uniform thickness, not all slid to one end of the tray, and the washing up process is no longer akin to rock climbing with soapy hands.

It’s been dry all day too. We’ve enjoyed blue skies and made the most of the sunshine. Boots and mattresses have been out on the deck drying, and oilskins have been swapped for shorts.

But above deck it’s not so laid back. The wind has died completely, and everyone is working really hard to try and keep this boat racing. The wind has finally come behind us and we put up the lightweight spinnaker in the early hours. With barely enough wind to keep the ensign flying, it’s hard work trying to keep the kite filled. As we have no instruments at all above deck, there’s lots of calling down below to ask the boat speed. There’s about 30 degrees magnetic variation between what the compass is reading and what our course over ground actually is, and there is constant toing and froing above and below deck in an effort to ensure the helm is steering the preferred course.

The news that we’re now 16 miles ahead of Uniquely Singapore, is proof that our efforts are paying off. We’re forecast another 12 hours of these light winds, and we’ll need to keep pushing hard to try and eek out as many miles as possible. It’ll be another long, frustrating night for us, and a difficult day again tomorrow. And to think that we were moaning about too much heeling…

One love,

Claire

1. Lee, Liverpool 11 December 2007

Come on jamaica. Your doing a fantastic job. Keep it up. Not far now to the finish and a Christmas BBQ.

Lee

2. Penny, Melbourne 12 December 2007

Keep going, Jamaica!!! It’s lovely and sunny here in Aus�perfect for a couple of weeks’ relaxing.

Pen

3. Burchell Whiteman, London 12 December 2007

It’s good to know that your new strategy is paying off. I’ve not been in touch for a while, but plan to do beter from here on in. Keep on keeping on. It will be better. We are known for our sprinters, but we’re a country with a long distance vision and are full of surprises. Once you go, you know.

4. ianblack, St Andrews 12 December 2007

Well done jamaica. Soon the joy of seeing land . Im sure this is for all the voyage of a Lifetime. Cheers neil. We are all very proud of you.

5. Chris Pearson, Birmingham 12 December 2007

Yo Jamaica,

Can’t believe how close the racing is at this stage. Once again Jamaica Clipper has been showing her speed, thanks to your fantastic efforts.Well done and and have safe and speedy run in to the finish (ahead of Glasgow, of course).

One love
Brummie Chris

6. tony & norma reynolds, south wales 15 December 2007

Total respct Simon Bradley.You are a truely amazing Skipper.Your crew are lucky to have you.Obviously we have been following “The Back Pearl” when Siany was onboard,but you were always in our thoughts and prayers.Keep “Chilling and Jamming” Have a wonderful Christmas,you deserve it.Look forward to seeing you in Liverpool next July.God’s Speed and Safe Sailing

7. Lucy Jones, London 17 December 2007

Hello hello Jamaica! Super proud of you all - keep it up and I hope you all have a really messy / indulgent Christmas. Hic! Looking forward to seeing you all in Jamaica in May - one love!
The other Lucy

8. Avril Purchon, 'ull 17 December 2007

hey well done on reahing fremantle, cant wait to get out there myself… with a little present for you al to enjoy :o) hopefully all your hard work and efforts will pay off and soon youl be almost as fast as the hull & humber :oP looking forward to some of that ozzy sun, and il see u soon !!! much love, avril xXx

9. Clive Meadows, Twickenham 20 December 2007

Fully agree with Tony and Norma, have known Simon since we were 11 at school together . Jamaica could’nt have got a better skipper and person to have onboard. Good luck in the next leg and enjoy you Aussie Festivities

10. Phil McDermott, London 24 December 2007

I worked with “Skipper Si” for many a year at Reuters along with some others passing comment on this page (Hello Clive!). I remember a conversation with him about leaving IT and becoming a sailor, and recall how mad a decision it seemed to be to me...... OK Si, OK! OK!… I was wrong!! Now stop rubbing it in!!!

Have fun mate (git). ;o)

11. Brian Moloney, Boston-USA 31 December 2007

Happy New Year Jamaica! Good luck to all of you and Claire in 2008!

12. Paul Emma and Adam Dennis, Thorpe Market, Norfolk 31 December 2007

To you all, Its good to see that the racing is so close,i hope that you are able to gain on those how are just in front of you.I was told that Jamaica is a very sociable and happy boat to be aboard this is now looking to be a great asset. To Kate we hope you were looked after on your birthday and had a great day,Its time to say good bye for now and wish you all a very happy (merry) new year and speedy sailing.xxxPEA

13. Tracey Theze, Charlotte, North Carolina 02 January 2008

Wishing you all much success in your venture - Be safe and Win!

Love to David Williams from Tracey (Jans Daughter) xx

14. Chris & Tash Pilling, Southampton 03 January 2008

Hi Kate and Jamaica crew
Hope 2008 is treating you well. The racing certainly looks close - is the competition friendly?! Keep smiling and sailing! Chris & Tash x

15. ann hindmarch, oswestry shropshire 05 January 2008

Hi Jamaica
Happy new year to you all especially Claire. love cousins ann robin and liz

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