Crew Blog

Pumping iron in preparation

31 October 2007

When I signed up for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race I did think that for the most part we’d be screaming along at a fast rate of knots – not so currently on board Liverpool 08. Somewhere around 026’S and 028’W in the Brazil Basin of the South Atlantic, all we can see is flat calm deep blue sea, not even a ripple of breeze in sight.

Sunrise saw the watch change from ‘Crime’ to ‘Bay’ watch and as some were busy hoisting the windseeker in hope of any kind of breeze, the Mikey & Richard breakfast show was busy creating a feast of eggy bread and cereals.

With our bellies filled, we renewed hard graft and the helming skills of our very own ‘Clipper Nipper’ Will and we were back to the Yankee 1 and roaring(!) along at 7 knots – go ‘ead!

Back on watch after lunch and back where we were 6 hours ago – going nowhere fast. To pass the time the Baywatch babes led by Eleni decided to take advantage of these calm conditions and have turned the Liverpool 08 boat into our very own and unique version of muscle beach in preparation for the more challenging conditions - we hope! Bikinis & boardies on, much application of sunscreen and the class may begin. So it’s lunge 2,3,4 – squat 2,3,4 – keep up Paul! – bend 2,3,4 and stretch 2,3,4.

Liverpool 08 signing off – here’s to being first to the finish line!!!

Helen Richmond

1. jayne, wallasey 31 October 2007

Hi Helen welcome as new blog writer keeping us at home informed of goings on on L08. Its great just to read a few lines and get an insight to life at sea. Looked like you had hit some wind earlier but from latest reports winds died again for time being, keep up the high spirits and may the wind turn in your favour. bye for now good wishes to all crew members especially clipper nipper love his mum dad and granddad xxxxx

2. Ian Tomlinson, Mere Brow, Lancashire 31 October 2007

It’s good to be enjoying the home comforts after my first leg between Liverpool and Salvador - the over-generous toilet bowl, dry undergarments, drool-free pillow.

Enjoyed the sailing immensely and crossing the line off the Salvador coastline is a memory I will always cherish.

Good to read that there are high spirits on Liverpool 08 even though the winds are light.

Missing being aboard but look forward to rejoining the crew in Jamaica in May for Leg 7.

Ian Tomo

3. Peter Day, Liverpool 01 November 2007

For Liverpool 08 Crew

November 1st 2007 0048hrs (12:48am)

Hi guys, sounds like you’re all having fun, sounds great actually. I bet the Mikey and Richard breakfast show is fun - if you have it on video, would like to see that one day eh. Oh you lucky so and so’s. I have been outside a few minutes ago and the skies are clear. I stood and gazed at the stars for a few moments and everytime i do this I think of you lot out there somewhere in that vast ocean and I wonder what is it like to look at the stars and no light pollution? I can only imagine.

Well guys you are definitely gaining on the clipper ahead of you and they’re only a couple of miles behind the one in front of them, I reckon if the winds are fair to you, you could gain 2 places hopefully by this time tomorrow. I wish you all the very best of luck. Lisa, Mike, Russ, Ben, Tiina and the rest of you who met me in Liverpool, hello to you all, I hope you are all well and fit. Keep up the sterling efforts and continue to be proud as i am sure you all are. Go on and beat the others, I know you can do it and I am sure you will. Good luck and keep going. Until next time, take care everybody and well done for what you have so far accomplished.

Peter Day.

4. Keith & Thelma, hereford 01 November 2007

Fab picture of the liverpool girls, great to see you looking so relaxed, even though there is no wind, keep up the good work in preparation for the tough sail ahead when the wind starts to propel you towards Durban. Stay upbeat, and how about a picture of the muscle on board?

5. Andy Perry, Liverpool 01 November 2007

So good to get some news from you guys. Been desperate to hear what’s happening and thanks to Helen for giving up some off watch time to fill us all in. Great picture of the babes onboard and make the next one of the hunks eh? How did you manage with the strange white stuff for the bread? Interested in knowing what it was you actually bought!!

Glad that the Clipper Nipper is able to do his stuff on the helm and work the wind into those sails and get you going when you most need it. It’s a black art and needs lots of patience but Will seems to do it so naturally and I’m sure the rest of you can do it just as well by now.

Won’t be long before you will be turning left up the coast of East Africa and you are treated to the frequent sight of whales.

I’m so looking forward to joining you all to complete my own circumnavigation but don’t leave me too much sail repair to do until I’m match fit eh.

May you be blessed with the best wind strengh and angle to propel you to the front of the fleet all the way into Durban.
Andy - forever watching your progress.

6. Peter Day, Liverpool 01 November 2007

Hi guys, wow that’s fantastic, you have gained those 2 places in half the time I mentioned on my last post. You are a sterling bunch and really well done. Keep on going, you’re now in 5th and not far behind the ones in 4th. I am so proud and what a fantastic job you’re all doing. Really pleased for you all and absolutely delighted. Good luck to all may your success cintinue and I can hardly wait for the 1800hrs (GMT) update. Time now 1506hrs GMT . Glorious sunshine here in Liverpool today. Spoke to JP today, he has told me he is trying to push the Liverpool 08 website so it can be up and running asap. Good luck guys and take care. Until next time. Bye-eee.

Peter Day.

7. Sue Haslam, Chester 02 November 2007

Hiya girls, you are looking gorgeous as ever, and doubtless putting the guys to shame on the pumping iron front! Here’s hoping the wind gods are kind to Liverpool 08 and take you ahead of that varmint Hull & Humber - how did they get there? Keep up the great work, love to you all. Sue x

8. Peter Liggett, Liverpool 02 November 2007

Its good to see the ‘Liverbirds’ in all their fine plummage.

Don’t be despondent regarding the wind - it is effecting everyone. I am not sure how the distance to finish is worked out but ‘as the crow flies’ I would agree that Qindao has you licked but rounding the Cape will even things out a bit.

All the best, Peter x

9. Riikka Loukkaanhuhta, Nummi-Pusula, FINLAND 02 November 2007

Way to go, guys! It�s great to see how well you find the perfect solutions even when it seems to be impossible - excellent navigation (still!), brilliant tactics (as always)! Keep up the strong spririt and you�ll make miracles.

Dearest Tiina, enjoy the adventure and keep sending mail, so we can feel the real atmosphere of the magnificient Liverpool 08!:-) Remember, you really deserve to take the most of this Once-in-the-Lifetime experience. And don�t forget: Suomalainen sisu on se, mik� jyll��! Ja sinullahan sit� riitt��:-)

Hugs and kisses,
Riikka &Jari;

10. brian Moore, uk 02 November 2007

Latest report sounds great.You are certainly holding your own,keep it up.The Clipper web site has now become an obsession with my kids,with them giving me updates all through the day as to your position etc.
Hope all is well with you all.
Brian

11. helen Pearce, cheshire 03 November 2007

Hi everyone. Chris and Helen calling, back home to beautiful autumn colours and sunshine after 10 days birding south of Rio since leaving you, with a count of 300 which Chris loved once the ground levelled out and stopped moving up and down. Keeping up with you all becomes very addictive- panic almost sets in if the hotels don’t have internet. Keep on sailing safe and fast and keep sending the blogs Helen. Loved the piccie of the ‘Liverpool Lovelies’!
Helen P

12. Irmeli Loukkaanhuhta, Kesalahti, Finland 04 November 2007

Hi heroes!

The colours of the winners are red and white! “The answer my friends is blowing in the wind… So, listen the wind; it will bring you the best possible luck ever from all your fans here in Finland! And Tiina-Tinttura: Jos tuosta viel䠲usketut, sinua luullaan Euroopan ulkopuolelta tulleeksi maahanmuuttajaksi! Pid䠫urssisi kunnossa- rakkaasti Sinua ajattelevat Imppu&Vesku;

13. Maria Blake, Liverpool 04 November 2007

Hello there Liverpool ‘08, greetings from all the children at St. Paul’s ,West Derby, Liverpool. Hope all is going well and that the wind comes your way soon! Happy sailing and best wishes to all the crew from your biggest fans .

14. Chloe Piercy, Wallasey 04 November 2007

Hi! Keep up the good work guys! You are doing really well....feels like you only left the other week, how time flys hey! Missing you Will heehee There best be a party when you get home like the leaving one! xxx

15. Riikka Loukkaanhuhta, Nummi-Pusula, FINLAND 04 November 2007

Go, Liverpool 08, go! It has been interesting to follow your way to the Cape - you?ll reach the leader in no time, hope the winds blow and the boat speeds like never before! Just don?t forget the good memories of brazilian samba, sunshine and caipirinhas, let them guide you round the Cape and to the pit stop! Excellent work, all of you. Skipper-Ben, you really seem to make wonders with that bunch! Tiina-Dearest-Tinttura and all the other brave sailors, take good care, don?t forget the good humour and enjoy the ride:-) Just hoping to get pictures of you and your South Atlantic journey, a few more photos would do just fine… We wouldn?t mind a short video clip either…
Riikka & Jari

Clipper web team says: ‘Unfortunately Liverpool 08 is not equipped to transmit video back whilst racing. Each of the sponsors have invested in communications at different levels.’

16. John, Eleni Isaias' brother, Sydney, Australia 14 November 2007

Hey guys, keep up the good work.

Eleni, mum & dad say hello. Hopefully we get a chance to visit you in Fremantle.

Enjoy Durban!

Love John, Yiota, mum & dad!!!

Page 1 of 1 pages