Crew Blog

Counting the cost

15 February 2008

Jamaica's John Braithwaite and Tim Ruane undaunted by the conditions

Apologies for the delay in sending this blog, but this has been the first time the nav station has been dry enough to get out the lap top…

The wet has been a real issue on board this leg. The boat is constantly hit by big waves breaking over the decks and the salt water gets everywhere. All our hatches leak and water has been pouring through them into the sleeping area, soaking the bunks, and into the saloon, soaking the cushions. There is not a single square cm of dry upholstery left. There are leaks into the lockers, and we have discovered ‘dry bags’ don’t always do what they say on the tin. The nav. station has been like a pool at the bottom of a waterfall and the skipper has been constantly bailing it out. So far we have lost one of the telephones and the navigation computer. The battery charger has been flooded, so the generator can no longer make electricity. We can use the engine instead, which works via dynamo, but there is a problem with the water inlet and we can only use the engine on the starboard tack. Recently, the choice of tack has been governed more by the need to charge the batteries than by any racing tactics.

We have been sailing in up to force 8 winds, which is a first for most of us and a real test for the crew and the boat. So far we have had three yankee sheets break under strain, two of them on the same sail, and the yankee three headsail now needs a professional repair. The second reefing pennant also broke, further limiting our choice of sail plan. There is a large communications dome on the stern, which is now held up by a Blue Peter-style homemade rigging. At least it is still on the boat, which is more than can be said for the jockey pole, the slops bucket, several water bottles and a couple of hats.

It is icy cold, and we have been trying to limit time on deck to 20 minutes, but we have still needed to warm people up with space blankets, hot water bottles and hot food and drink.

This leg has been a real challenge for everyone. We may not have a place on the podium this time but we are all really pleased to have led the fleet for such a long time, and to have come through the upsets and difficulties so well. And, frankly, we’re all pretty pleased to be so very close to Qingdao!

One love,

Claire

1. Andy Milner, Chandler's Ford 15 February 2008

Well done Jamaica. These are the experiences that seem better once you are in port but you can be very proud of your performance and your resiliance. Have a good rest in Qingdao.

2. Maureen McDonald, Liverpool 15 February 2008

Glad you’re all safe and almost at your destination. St Michael’s have been following your progress closely and are looking forward to seeing you back home soon Sara! Hopefully now you’ll get a podium position on the next leg!!

3. tony & norma reynolds, south wales 15 February 2008

Well Done Guys.Here is to a swift safe arrival in Quindao.Instead of cool beers it will be “Hot Toddies” all around.We have been sooooo pleased to follow you in this race.Sorry it’s been such a nightmare wind/weather conditions-all character building stuff!!!!! Enjoy the break and here’s to the next leg,praying for better sailing conditions for you all.Well done Simon & the crew.Just think....Warm Pacific.....Chilling & Jamming.......Good Sailing..mmmmm

4. Bruce Braithwaite, Stafford 16 February 2008

Great performance Jamaica. Fantastic result especially as you had to sail in the wrong direction to charge the boat’s batteries.

Hope you all get warm and dry and recharge your batteries in Quingdao.

Have a good R&R;.

Bruce & Ann

5. Chris Pearson, Birmingham 16 February 2008

Yo Jamaica,

What a journey you have had, how on earth you have coped with all those situations and still maiantained a magnificent finish just behind HH. Big well done, Sounds like you have a few jobs to do to get Jamaica back back to her best, good luck with that.

Can’t tell you how proud we were to see Jamaica heading the fleet for so long!!!

Have a great time in Qingdao, here’s to the next leg.

One love
Brummie Chris.

6. Jonathan Light, New Jersey USA. 27 February 2008

Hi Claire,
Good to see you’re catching up, wondered what was happening
there for a while, i couldn’t find one picture
of Jamaica in action..i know it’s the last thing to think of.
Just a thought. something for your fans and supporters.
Best to all,
and our regards to Robert Morfee,
From his and yr fan base in America.
One Love.
Jonathan.

7. Chris King, New Zealand 04 March 2008

Well done to you all. I have been following the race from the beginning as I has Robert Morfees wife staying with us. Hope all is good with you Robert and try to keep dry and warm. Thinking of you all and good luck.
Regards
Chris

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