Crew Blog

How many Scousers does it take to sail a boat?

31 May 2008

Liverpool 08's crew celebrate third place in Race 11 from Jamaica to New York

How many Scousers does it take to sail a boat? Sixteen, honorary Scousers included of course. What do you call 16 Scousers in a boat? A team (however in nautical circles they prefer crew).

So, 16 different perspectives, personalities, walks of life and 16 different reasons for taking part. However, one core goal - to challenge themselves in ways that make them feel alive and hopefully win a race in the process. My perspective is simple – you get one chance at life so make the most of it. Seize your opportunities; see as much as you can, do as much as you can, feel as much as you can and share as much of it as you can. My reason is even simpler; make myself, my loved ones and my city proud!

So, when I saw the “adventure of a lifetime” competition in my local rag and read “no sailing experience necessary” I decided to give it a go. Those close to me knew the result before the application had seen pen on paper. That’s who I am. Not a sailor but an adventurer trying to live life to the full. It just made sense and if I’m honest I think deep inside I always knew the end result too.

Just like my fellow crew, from the beginning, this Clipper adventure has challenged me to the utmost. It has taken me through a rollercoaster of personal highs, lows, self doubt, self belief, kicked when I was down and also raised my confidence to new heights. However, one thing has always remained consistent, this adventure has always coloured me with an overwhelming sense of achievement. From day one this marriage of challenge and achievement has been Clipper personified.

I think you meet the most interesting people when you just get involved. At the moment I’m involved in a round the world yacht race with some of the most interesting people I could wish to meet. Supporting each other in the challenge and pushing each other to achieve!

No matter how this journey ends with love, tears and smiles I will be returning to people and a city I love with 16 adventurers whom I shared my most incredible experience. I didn’t just win a competition I won an opportunity and just like my fellow crew I will reach my core goal.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed with the things you did not do than the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the wind in your sails.”

“Explore, dream, discover.”
Mark Twain

So, what do you call 16 Scousers in a boat? The answer is simple - Very, very proud!

Jonpaul Lowles

1. Sharon Loftus, Liverpool 02 June 2008

Jonpaul, a fantastic and inspirational blog. Good luck Liverpool for your next adventure, may it bring the gold you all so rightly deserve!

Can’t wait to see the boat sail into the Albert Dock on the 5th July.

Best wishes The Loftus Family XXX Go tony go.....!

2. jp, apple store 5th ave ny 02 June 2008

mum, fran, lou, nearly forgot to tell you im missing you all loads. really wish you could be with me experiencing this too. love you all loads! thanks for all your support, got a date with a podium tonight!… jp. xx

3. lou, liverpool 02 June 2008

great blog jp. dream and reality collide head on.....enjoy! love you lots. lou.xxxxx

4. Aron, Liverpool 03 June 2008

mate - great words, well spoken and i’m sure that the feelings and experience your having are not done justice by any words, but good effort!! glad to see u looking happy as a pig in s*** in the foto. 3rd place - not bad, leaves yuz with a homecoming win to grab!! enjoy it, alls well, same as, back here. all the best to u and the liverpool crew.

5. Debbie & Jayne, Jellybean Kids' Appeal 04 June 2008

Well done you! We’ve been following the blogs and we’re really proud of you! See you when you get back. xx

6. Richard Stafford, Liverpool 04 June 2008

Greetings Liverpool crew. You’re doing yourselves proud out there. Enjoying your words and rooting for you all. Special mention to Tony Loftus...look forward to a pint with you on your return mate.
Best wishes, Rich and Paula x

7. jack welsh, liverpool 05 June 2008

hey jp hope your havin a great time , just been lookin at the pics on the website it looks amazin ! sent a cd for you , hope you enjoy it and not toss it over board just in the middle of my gcse’s now :/ stressing haha , missing you loads mate , see you when you get back

8. sheila Stevens, Halifax 06 June 2008

An inspirational blog JonPaul . I can imagine the jokes with all you scousers on board!!I Hope you all achieve your ambitions and challenges.Its been amazing to follow. Roy see you in Halifax. Good Luck all
Sheila

9. Vincent & Kay, Wrexham Wales 07 June 2008

Roy,

Your picture celebrating at New York is now our screen-saver. Come on Liverpool.

Cork here you come - and they really know how to party!

10. Maureen barton, Blackpool 10 June 2008

Well what a picture, sitting here in Blackpool and looking at your blog it was good to see my old coleague Roy having such fun.

11. Cameron, Liverpool 19 June 2008

Hey Jp
great blog, sounds like the experience of a lifetime! Hope the rest of the journey is just as eventful....good luck on the home leg mate! All the best, Cam

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