Crew Blog

Perceptions of Luxury

30 May 2008

Liverpool 08's crew visited Survival restaurant in Jamaica

Perceptions of luxury are different. There is a lot of poverty in Jamaica. We went to a restaurant fronting an idyllic beach sunset. It had a dirt floor, jumble sale mixed glasses and crockery, and two walls, of bamboo. Maybe 10 mixed chairs, assorted garden furniture, dirt floor, and asking for the menu found it was “in the chef’s head”. We had a great fish meal and drinks for about five pounds each and found on the way out the guy didn’t have an oven – just a pots over a wood fire.

And perceptions of luxury are different on a Clipper boat too; the luxury of a (brief) hand held cold water shower after a week when you are rank; the dreamt of luxury of more than 2 hours sleep from the watch system; of not sleeping in a damp smelly bunk pitching at 30 degrees drenched in sweat. And yet the sunsets and rises, the satisfaction of driving a boat through the Bermuda Triangle, of being part of a team forcing a piece of plastic, rope and canvas 1500 miles South to North – these are luxuries of a different kind. Because they are here, now, never to happen again, they are the more enjoyable.

As I write we are in a close race becalmed, in a street-fight with the other boats for that extra 0.01 knot. Whatever the outcome, we will get to New York, with its every conceivable luxury, chilled iced water, beer, fine foods and any entertainment you wish for. However pleasurable, they won´t compare to the joy of cruising our boat past Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty though – that sense of achievement is a luxury you can´t buy. You have to earn it.

Tony Loftus

1. Chris Loftus, Liverpool 31 May 2008

Hi Dad cool blog, seems that your going to get a lot out of this experience, and
I’m sure u will bring something home that will stay with u forever. Katie and I hope u will get us something as well! Rock and roll Dad love yer lol haha..... Chris xxx

Enjoy New York- love to the Leaheys

2. david gauld, somerset 01 June 2008

congratulations on 3rd place,have great stopover in New York,see you in Liverpool
best wishes

3. Nuala, WA 01 June 2008

Fantastic work Paul and all the Liverpool crew great to see you came in with a podium place hope you are all feeling fab and have a great stay in NY
love and best wishes for the rest of the race
xxx
nuala

4. Barbara Gowans, LIVERPOOL 02 June 2008

Podium position....super news on my birthday.
Proud achievement to you all.
Well done you scousers!
How are the waves JP?

Barbara & Liverpool school children.

5. Lucy & David Traynor, Belfast N Ireland 04 June 2008

Tony, still as poetic as ever! Mind you sounds like a few places we have frequented in the West of Ireland!! Glad you are having an amazing experience. Keep safe and happy birthday on 11th June. Lucy and David xx

6. The Wizzard Girls, Liverpool 09 June 2008

Hello Toe its us!! Just a quick one to say well done an happy birthday!! Your shops still standin cos weve been workin hard while you’re sunnin yourself on that boat!!! Kayla had her baby, a little girl called Darcey. She’s gorgeous. Keep up the good work an we’ll see ye when ye home!!

7. Mark Goodier, skelmersdale uk 10 June 2008

Tony, well done mate, looks like you still need the challenge as always, politics, shops, round the world races, what next you could always phone Sir Richard Branson and see if he needs a pilot for his new space flights, joking aside goodluck stay safe & enjoy the moment

cousin Mark

8. Sharon Loftus, Liverpool 10 June 2008

Happy Birthday Tony for 11th June, we will have a little toast to wish you all good luck for the ‘big one’ across the Atlantic. Come on Liverpool, bring it home in style! Chris finishes his exams tomorrow and we all heave a sigh of relief.

Love always

Shaz, Katie and Chris

PS Happy Father’s day dad- rock n’ roll…

9. Laura Tipping, Liverpool 10 June 2008

Hey hey hey Tony!

Happy Birthday for tomorrow! Very very jealous sitting studying for my final exam (also tomorrow - will take Chris out for a bottle… or ten!!!) as your days seem dreamy!! Mum, Dad and Mark pass on their best to you too… stay safe. Anyway.... COME ON LIVERPOOL!!! See you when you get home! Lots of Love, The Tippings x X x

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