Crew Blog

Quiet contemplation

30 June 2008

Leg 7 - 27 June 2008

As we recuperate in Cork and prepare to leave for Liverpool, it seems to me only yesterday when we were a hundred miles off Newfoundland when late one night I spent an hour on iceberg watch.

A few odds and sods had been spotted on radar which had caused a number of brows to get furrowed and I thus was volunteered to deposit myself on the bow to keep lookout. And there I stood - with my left Dubarry some 4 inches lower than my right, to compensate for the heeling boat; our first line of protection against the semi-hidden demons which had, in the dark and distant past, sunken much greater vessels than ours.

As the bow below me sliced neatly through the Atlantic waters at 9½ knots, I observed the scene before me.

The night sky yielded no star or moonlight and its dark grey met the darker grey of the sea some five or six miles away in a foggy union. The occasional flicker of dull hazy light caught my eye in the water ahead and to both sides, as startled jelly fish agitated phosphorescence in fright as our yacht moved forward.

The sea was typical Atlantic scene with a massive lumbering swell of six, perhaps eight, perhaps ten football pitches in size but with little or no white water. And only occasionally did the bow cast up any residue to wet my boots or oil-skins. Behind me in the semi-dark, sat the other five or six members of our watch in quiet conversation or contemplation. I could just make out the outline of helmsman Mike Thomas whose face and shoulders were dimly lit by the backlight of the control panel and next to him the outline of Shaun McGlue on the mainsheet.

Immediately next to me were the two giant headsails beautifully arched in perfect unison; both precisely trimmed to drive forward our 32 tonne, 68ft yacht. The wind rushing between them in a perfect Ventura, made a roar which was only just matched by the waters breaking on the bow.

My eyes continued to search the gloom ahead to spot the wisps of breaking waves which signal the presence of ice bergs. My instructions to Mike had been made very clear; if I raised my left arm, he would swing the boat to Port; if I raised my right arm, he would swing the boat to Starboard; if I was to jump overboard, he was to follow. My scrutiny revealed nothing and soon a signal was passed forward that the radar was now clear.

But I remained on the bow for a short time longer. I remained to absorb the moment. My eyes could see very little but other senses sharpened and soaked-up my surroundings. The biting wind which failed to cut through my seven layers gnawed at my exposed face from hairline to lips – a pinching sensation which would leave my skin red and raw. My gloveless hands clutched the cold chrome of the bow-pulpit and my knuckles turned white with cold and with the ride. The air was cold and clean and fresh and my lips tasted of salt as they had done since I re-joined the boat in May.

And what I would give to share that moment with those who mean so much to me. There are no superlatives available, nor will there ever be any crafted, that go anywhere near capturing or describing such a feeling.

The moment was magical.

And suddenly I was gone. Suddenly I was some two thousand miles away. Suddenly I was with my wife Jan who has made so many sacrifices for me to live this dream and had foregone two years of holidays to accommodate it; I was there with my daughter Liz in Germany and her boyfriend Heinz as they both study to enhance their careers; I was there with my daughter Steph as she enters the new world of driving lessons and wrestles with exam time-tables; I was there with my sons David and Andrew in Sydney, Australia as they work hard through the week and party harder over the weekends; I was there with my mum and dad, Kit and John who so proudly watched my brother Andy leave and return on Liverpool 08 in the 05/06 race and will soon repeat the experience with me; I was there with my father-in-law Stan, who has followed my journey by latitude and longitude with the help of Brother-in-law Phil; and mother-in-law Edna who was denied seeing me off in Liverpool through illness but whose tenacity and determination will see her there for my return.

I was there with all these people who are special to me and with all my friends and work colleagues who have played a part, however small, in me being there and so supportive to me in my adventure.

And then, as quickly as I had gone, I was back. I was back in my solitude. I was back on the bow of the graceful, the elegant, the majestic Liverpool 08 pushing on through the north Atlantic towards home. I was back in my solitude but far from alone.

And I was going home.

Soon we will all be home. We on Liverpool 08 and all the crews of all the Clippers will go home and will attempt to tell their tales of being force-fed tuna pasta bake and drinking ´Tang; boasting of their prowess in clutching onto an unfeasibly small porcelain bowl at a 30 degree angle in a Force 8 gale yet still retain a modicum of dignity; and tell of new friendships, some which may shortly fade and others which will last a considerable time.

Gone will be the excitement of port visits; gone will be the relentlessness of ocean crossings and the endurance of 03:00am sail changes and gone will be a thousand new experiences.

But what will remain for all of us will be the magical memories to attempt to share with those we meet. And in time to come – whether it be weeks or months or years – when ensconced in the normality of life, I will close my eyes and travel that two thousand miles and return to my place on the bow where the Atlantic winds watered my eyes.

Ian Tomo

1. Jean Downing, Wirral 30 June 2008

I was there, counting you all out of the Mersey all those months ago and have since followed you around the world. We will be there, counting you all back home at the weekend. Well done, all of you.

2. Nick Johnson, London 30 June 2008

Just sitting at work reading this amazing entry and picturing the moment. Just wanted to thank you for letting me escape from my computer screen for a few short minutes. I will be doing Leg 7 in 09/10 and I know it will be a long 2 years, but cannot wait to share your experiences.

Best of luck in your last race and see you in Liverpool!

3. Ann Marie Dickinson, Alderney, Channel Islands 30 June 2008

I was really moved by your blog and could imagine myself aboard Liverpool 08 with you all. It must have been a wonderful experience.

Now then, all of you, give it all you’ve got for the last little bit and sail proudly into Liverpool. But, wherever you come, you have done brilliantly.

Every good wish

Ann Marie Dickinson

4. Riikka Loukkaanhuhta, Nummi-Pusula, FINLAND 30 June 2008

What a journey, what an adventure, what a magnificent experience!!! Congratulations Liverpool 08, you made it! Tiina-Tintturainen, we all are so proud of you, you’re the tuffest Finn who has sailed “the seven seas”, way to go! Ootpa siis aika mimmi (vaan eipä ollut meille yllätys), ylpeitä saamme olla ja olemmekin, armas serkkusein. Nauti, relaa ja toivottavasti elokuussa nähdään ajan kanssa, saat sitten kertoa kaikki karmaisevimmatkin detaljit…

Hugs,
Riikka & Jari

5. James Davies, Southampton 01 July 2008

I did the last Global Challenge in 2004/5 and reading your blog brings back many memories particularly of the last part of the journey with the conflicting emotions of wanting to get home after so long away but not wanting the adventure to end. Savour every moment of the final leg as it will be over before you know it and good luck.

6. Neil Stubbs, Helmshore, Lancashire 01 July 2008

Great blog Tomo! Our twins had not joined this world when you departed on the first leg so you all have at least two more supporters to welcome you home! Good luck for the last leg and looking forward to seeing you and the Liverpool 08 crew on Saturday.

Best wishes,

Stubbsy, Kasia, Emma & Jack

7. doug Roberts, Swindon 02 July 2008

What an excellent blog. Very moving. It brings it all home to us who wait ashore. Well done

8. Mo, Morpeth, Northumberland 02 July 2008

While I’m a New York groupie I feel I have to tell you what a wonderfully atmospheric picture you have painted Ian. It was magic to read it. Congratulations to all on Liverpool for all you have done to make this whole race so exciting for those of us at home. Look forward to seeing you on Saturday in the Mersey! Not ‘in’ it but ‘on’it! Best wishes , Mo

9. Liz Tomlinson, Braunschweig, Germany 02 July 2008

Great blog, Dad. We’re all very proud of you. Looking forward to your return in the docks on Saturday.

Well done to everyone on the Liverpool 08 boat over the last year. It’s a fab achievement and you should all be proud of yourselves.

See you on Saturday!!

10. pam brunton, canada 02 July 2008

Thankyou Ian, for sharing your thoughts. Robin was here with us in Canada and now back in Uk. We shared some of his memories and stories . However I believe you put a new slant to the journey I am most grateful. Enjoy Cork safe return to all, Pam Brunton .

11. Kate Gray, Solihull 03 July 2008

A beautifully written blog and so powerful. I share the great pride and admiration that I know your family will be feeling for you as I await the return of my husband on the Durban boat after 10 long months.Congratulations and well done to you all.

12. Andy Perry, Liverpool 03 July 2008

Ian, what can I say? Only those who have been there can really know how deeply such experiences effect you. They last and last and you can replay them in your mind when you are stuck in a traffic jam or doing the Christmas shopping. There is nothing to beat them and it’s being so close to the wonder that is our planet that makes it so. Well done for following on from Andy and whose going to be the next family member to carry on the tradition?

Congratulations to Skipper Ben for bringing you home safely and all the crew who have sailed Liverpool 08 around the world so proudly. A special mention for the locals Lisa Pover and Will Little who have had life changing experiences as round the worlders. Not to mention Joan for doing the last two legs and looking amasingly well in Cork. Special thanks to Eleni, Mike and David P for fixing everything. From the old woman!

13. Vanessa, Liverpool 03 July 2008

We waved you out of Liverpool in September and I have logged on almost daily to watch your progress. My son went down to see the boats when in Fremantle at Christmas but no-one was about, and I shall be at The Albert Dock on Saturday to cheer you all back in again. What an amazing adventure - thoroughly awe-inspiring. Your description above is vivid and moving.......

14. Lorna, Cork 03 July 2008

Glad you were happy with the banner, let’s hope all in Liverpool get to appreciate it when you come in First!

15. Susan, Durham, NC 03 July 2008

Thank you for such a vivid description of iceberg watch. It transported the reader straight to the bow of your boat.

Best wishes to Liverpool 08 on the last leg of the race. I wish I could be there to see the finish.

16. Alex Rogers, Wardington 03 July 2008

Tomo - a great read - great to see you in Cork - enjoy the moment........keep in touch - Alex

17. Helen and Chris Pearce, Cheshire 03 July 2008

That was a magical blog Ian and so moving. Clipper should publish it in their publicity blurb - they’d soon fill the boats for 09-10 with that to inspire them. We will be there in the wind and rain on Saturday to cheer you all safely home. Enjoy this last race Ian but above all, stay safe. Good luck Liverpool 08.

18. Julia Taylor, Woodbridge, Suffolk 04 July 2008

Being a BBB fan, I don’t often follow other boats’ blogs but Ian I’m so glad that I read yours it brought a tear to my eye, great writing. I’ve just got back from welcoming the fleet in Cork as I can’t make Liverpool and already get a sense that we’ll all miss the contact with so many adventurers, but I think that the loss that we feel must be only a mere fraction of what you, the adventurers, will all be feeling at the end of this voyage. All the best for whatever the future brings. Julia Taylor

19. Jane Riley, Bradford 04 July 2008

Hey Kiddo

Fantastic blog - welcome home! Congratulations to you and all the rest of the crew and joy to all the family who have given you such strength. In the words of the song “What have you done today to make you feel proud?” - I listened to Sir Robin K -J s he waited to greet all the clippers and smiled, simply because I know you. Jane

20. Doreen Jones, La Rochelle 04 July 2008

Thank you so much for eleven months of entertainment,its been so good to follow you round the world,I felt I was there with you,so to all the crews who have sailed with the LIVERPOOL 08,congratulations and well done.I hope you have had great fun and experience.Enjoy your last moments,and savour your welcome back.THANKS Doreen Jones and the La Rochelle groupies

21. Eamonn & Esther, Inishbiggle, Co.Mayo, Eire 04 July 2008

It was great to see both Neil amd Lauren in Crosshaven. The last leg was waved away from Roches Point and the 10 months have vanished in front of our eyes.

We hope Lauren finds that podium place and that for Neil the RTW leaves a fond memory and that for both of you it envigorates further challenges!

PS. Happy 1st Wedding Aniversary to you both!

22. Jenny Jones, Liverpool 04 July 2008

Your moving blog captured the true essence of all that you have achieved. I can’t wait to welcome you all home tomorrow. I watched you leave Liverpool and I shall watch you return to a city that has been buzzing this year. I have no doubt that whatever the weather tomorrow, we will buzz with pride at your achievements. Thank you!

23. hook mac isaac, sydney nova scotia 05 July 2008

Hi guys,
Congratulations on a great race! YOu all should hold your heads up high for a excellent job!
Ian- Just read your blog of June 30th. When are you gonna start your novel? Any pics yet?
It was wonderful sailing with you from Halifax and the conversations out on the deck during the storms were even better!
Hope to see you all again soon! HAve fun in Liverpool!
Captain Hook

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