Crew Blog

Flying off the forestay

10 November 2007

Liverpool 08's David Purchase alters the reefing lines

Its Saturday morning and I’ve just spent the last watch (6-9am) sail changing, hoisting, gybing but more importantly flying off the forestay like a human telltale trying to re-attach sheared hanks in the South Atlantic without even having a cuppa…I’m not the shy type to trying new things however physical but that was an interesting shift to say the least, ha ha

My previous day spent as watch leader in gusts of wind up to 55knots, waves bigger and deeper than houses, the blowing of the vang on one airy occasion but again more importantly…buzzing, completely and utterly in my element…there I am helming a 68ft clipper in average winds of 40knots, crew continuously breaking speed records (currently held by Eleni 23.7knts) waves and troths you only see in the movies, sun rising & falling, stars galore, squalls, gusts that nearly knock you over and the most overwhelming feeling of self gratitude. I look around and secretly watch the faces of my watch each with their own secret smiles of their feelings, we chat about our experiences so far and I continue to struggle to believe that I was driving a Taxi only 7 weeks ago…7 weeks ago, me driving my black cab picking up the night time party people making sure they get home safe…never sailed before May 07…just entered a competition, won it and then came across the most amazing people who i´ll be externally grateful to for sponsoring me round the world and making this possible…little me…now questioning myself as to what i´ll be doing in 8 months time. I’m a really lucky lady…these life changing thoughts have not left my mind so far, I still have time to work it out…watch this space!

The crew are absolutely buzzing and so eager to win this race it’s untrue. The suspense and anxiety of waiting for the next scheds and grib files to come through is almost unbearable…each taking turn to plot down the rivals’ locations to try and work out their tactics. Spirits are extremely high, the banter and friendships being made are priceless. This truly is a once in a lifetime experience for all onboard.

I’ll finish with a quick happy birthday to 1 Mrs P from another, big birthday smacker to my fav unc & Jess and the best of luck to Lynsdey & Mick in bringing my first niece or nephew into the world, so sorry am not there friend and an important Annual Remembrance for tomorrow. “They shall not grow old, as we who are left grow old. At the going down of the sun & in the morning, we will remember them, we will remember them.”

Thanks to all our followers, your support means the world, cheers

1. David Gauld, somerset 11 November 2007

awesome stuff,keep up the great work all of you,can’t wait to join you .
take care
best wishes
david

2. Akmed, Beach with turtles the size of cars 11 November 2007

FGE Lisa and the rest of the team...we�re with you all the way…

Akmed x

3. Andy Perry, Liverpool 11 November 2007

WOW Lisa what a great blog. Really captured the flavour of what you are all up to and how much committment is needed to sail each of these races well. Well done for making it to watch leader.

Thought about you all this morning, while I was at a rememberence service, and hoped that you would be acknowledging the occassion yourselves, knew you would because you’re all such a thoughtful crew anyway and take nothing for granted. Keep changing those hanks as plenty more will wear through before it’s all over, but try to do them in port before the race starts on Leg 3 eh! Keep sailing it like you stole it. Andy out.

4. brian Moore, uk 11 November 2007

To the crew of liverpool 08!!

This is Will Brian’s son. Really well done on getting into second. It looks like, if u keep this progress up, it might turn into a first! My brother and I have been watching your progress intensely and really want you to win! Great tactics! Hopefully we will see you when my dad starts or finishes his leg, he’s really looking forward to it! Hope you are all having a great time!

Will Moore

5. sue hughes, hereford 11 November 2007

all the best to you on liverpool especially to Mill from Michelle Mum. I told her you tactics would pay off .Observing your progress everyday.

6. Helen Jones, Cardiff 12 November 2007

C’mon Tiina! Well done Liverpool crew looks you’re doing really well! You’ve just got to go around that ‘small’ bit of land and you are there!!! Great fun watching your progress.

Thinking of you piblokto

Helen, Chris & bump

7. Maila Mustonen, Joensuu 12 November 2007

Great Tiina my dearest! And all of you on Liverpool. All the time watching your progress and remembering you. Best regards from all of us!
Hugs and kisses,
Mum

8. Tony Loftus, Liverpool 12 November 2007

Well done you lot - proud of you all. Keep it up right to the finish line!

9. Peter Day, Liverpool 12 November 2007

Hi everybody, and to you Lisa. A marvellously touching blog. Very enjoyable to read and congrats on becoming an aunty.

I am sorry for the huge gap since my last posting, this is due to my dad dying and next week I will attend his funeral. Apart from all that, I am okay and have really enjoyed seeing you lot do so tremendously well and get into 3rd position. I hope so much as does everyone else I’m sure, that your success will continue and that you will win this race. However a podium finish for you I am sure and again I wished i was there to share it with you all.

I hope you are all well and Russ I hope your dad is making a good recovery. Mills (aka Laura!) Hi to you and your time aboard coming to completion in a few weeks time. I shall always remember you as I will all of you and I am looking forward so very much to seeing you all next year. Keep up the good work and as always I am wishing you all the very best of luck (British or otherwise!) and when you get to Durban I know that you will all have a wonderful time and so richly deserved too. Take care everyone and I shall be in touch after my dad’s funeral which is on Weds 21st Nov. Good luck to you all and very best wishes to each and every one of you. Until next time, keep smiling. You are all doing a fantastic job.

Regards,

Peter Day - Photographer.

10. peter nuttall, whitehaven 13 November 2007

This is really getting to me. I’m up at 6.30am checking the scheds - unbelievably tense. Go ‘ead and think of the steak and beer not far away. Good luck
Peter

11. Riikka Loukkaanhuhta, Nummi-Pusula, FINLAND 13 November 2007

Go, go, go Liverpool! You still have plenty of time to catch the leaders, just go with the wind, find the right position - as you have magically made so many times before! Tinttura-dearest and all the other brave sailors: Just think of all those yummy dishes and cold drinks, shower and soft towels, cosy beds with fluffy pillows… Southern african hospitality, oh yes! So, GO LIVERPOOL, GO!

Hope to hear from you soon.
-Riikka-

12. Lisa White, London 19 November 2007

Dear crew

I swear I am having symptoms of sea sickness reading this latest blog!!! I am really proud of you all - even though I dont know anybody but Eleni! Keep that fighting spirit you are all doing so well.
Eleni darling, congratulations for holding the current speed record. Keep up the good work hun, I know you and your team can do it.

Lots of love and may the wind always be beneath your sails and get you into first position which I no doubt believe this can be achieved.
Take care
Lisa White. xx

13. Peter Bryning, Liverpool 26 November 2007

Keep up the good work you are all doing well to be in second.

Hi L.A.M.P (Lisa) hope u are well looks like ya havin a ball on ya pics ive seen, I take my hat off to you all for being on that boat all that time as i would have my head over the side as i would not cope with the sea sickness.

Take care for now and start blowing harder on them sails to move into first place