Crew Blog

Life at 38 degrees to wind on Liverpool 08

02 February 2008

At first it seems so glamorous …. Wind in your hair, you behind the helm of a 68´`powerful machine cruising along at 10 – 11 knots in 28 mph wind. That started day one on our race to Qingdao. But then the squalls hit, one after another. I was at the helm and remember saying something like Ì can’t keep her under control. Then this booming voice from underneath a wave stating, YES YOU CAN from our skipper Ben. (Fortunately Paul eased the main sheet at the same time} So I did keep control while my fellow mates were on the bow floating in hip deep water while dealing with 3 different head sails due to the changing wind conditions.

We have not been hit by more squalls, but the wind has not eased and we are all getting better at helming at a 38 – 40 degree angle with relentless waves trying to keep us off course. The last leg the operative word for how you felt was HOT … this leg it is WET.

Despite all of this I feel very lucky to be on Liverpool. I keep telling them that they will be very popular in the States. We all think the English sound so smart. Learning a lot … even how to speak English. Who knew water was pronounced warta and that a wrench is a spanner. I won’t even get into the food differences except that crisps are chips, chips are French fries and no matter the angle of the boat we must have boiling hot tea passed on deck.

Which leads us to life on board at a 38 degree angle? Imagine being on a small plane hitting heavy turbulence that never eases. Now try using the bathroom. Due to the wetness and angle we all have bumps and bruises, not to mention nappy rash not only on the butt but creeping on other body parts as well.

I have also learned that there is a secret currency onboard the Liverpool. Nappy rash lotion, chocolate, cigarettes (even though no one admits to smoking) and a fan are worth more than any $$ onboard.

Must go finish kneading the bread. Looking forward to Peking duck and Qingdao beer!
My best to all in the States and UK who are cheering Liverpool 08 on to #1.

Cheers,
Doris

1. Roy Stevens, Lytham St Annes 04 February 2008

You’re all amazing. I’m buying shares in Sudocrem.
Thinking of you all the time. Your hard work will pay off.
Best wishes
Roy

2. Geraldine Martin, New York city 04 February 2008

Hey Doris, very excited to read your blog. MY, my, you are also kneading the bread and at a 38 degree angle.
You have come a long way since Fremantle.
Keep safe
Cheers,
Geraldine

3. susan benson, liverpool 04 February 2008

hey liverpool, going well as usual, keep it up guys, live the dream, ignore the nightmares keep forcused you,ll get there in the end, lisa pover prouder of ya everyday hun,i feel like its a claim to fame you being on liverpool clipper hun everyone at work keeps asking how your all doing, so keep up the fantastic sailing, good luck from age concern liverpool, oh an ya auntie su cousin sian-lea-jo xx

4. Phil Glover, Cowes... 05 February 2008

KEEP ON KEEPING ON LIVERPOOL!!!

Kool blog and nice to hear G’way hasnt lost his voice! Dont worry about the language barrier,we all grew-up on American TV programs and understand you without a prob!

Keep up the good work..

Ta ta!

Cowes posse

5. Julie Forshew, Hertfordshire 05 February 2008

Hi Anna, no fear then for you with the boat over on a good angle. Just as you like it! Wonderful following your journey (from the safety of my armchair). Good luck on this latest leg. Much love, Julie and Nick

6. Peter Liggett, Liverpool 06 February 2008

Great to hear from Liverpool 08 after a long silence. Yet again you are trying a different tack and it looks good from here.

I wish you all the best for the second half of the race upto Qindao. Enjoy the Chinese hospitality, it is Chinese New Year tomorrow - a very auspicious day and next year is the year of the RAT - and we know they make great sailors!

Regards, Peter x

7. Sue Haslam, Chester 07 February 2008

Great photo guys. Keep up the good work in spite of the WET. Will see if we can get some Sudacreme out to you in China, along with some Cadbury’s chocolate (Mikey’s favourite) Life seems quite tame here by comparison to your blogs! Wishing you fair winds and seas all the way to the podium. Love Sue x

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