Crew Blog

The Leaving of La Rochelle

27 September 2007

Well what can I say? If the emotions when leaving Liverpool brought a tear to my eye then the conditions when leaving La Rochelle made me want to cry. The lump in my throat was transferred to my shorts quite quickly.

Since I knew I was going to be competing in Leg 1 to Brazil I thought I’d undertake some research into the conditions. By speaking to past competitors and accomplished sailors I was warned about the heat (Leg 1 has the nickname ‘the sunny leg’), the Doldrums, Bay of Biscay and a place called “Cape Finisterre”. The Doldrums is an area around the Equator were the winds from the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere meet and rise up, leaving very little or no wind on the surface (ITCZ if my A-Level geography teacher is reading this – see I was paying attention). The next thing to look up was the ‘Bay of Biscay and Cape Finisterre’, everyone talks about these places in a mystical way and looks at you out of the side of their eye. Russ particularly talks about it in a Jamaican accent, as he was first warned about its dangers by a laid-back Bajun whilst in the Caribbean. Everyone I spoke to warned me of these areas so I decided to look them up myself.

We would meet the Bay of Biscay first upon leaving La Rochelle and on the map this was indicated by some waves. I thought, great sailing weather conditions. In hindsight I should have looked for a map with a scale on it. The first night sailing was amazing, sail change after sail change in rough seas and high winds, at one point when we were changing sails at the bow, there was Russ and myself lying on a sail to stop it blowing away whilst David was unhanking it, the waves were crashing down on us and as I paused for the “what, how, why” moment (What am I doing here? How did I get here? And why am I still here?) a huge wave crashed down on us. At this point I thought I was having a heart attack as the adrenaline was pumping through my veins. I could feel my chest getting tight, but then as I looked down it was only my lifejacket which had self-inflated as it thought I had been submerged. This was closely followed by Russ and David’s jackets inflating. 3am storm sail hanked on, sails down below drenched to the bone, I think it’s bedtime and the 2 hours have been well deserved.

We exchange information daily with the other boats at 6am and 6pm and to our delight we were positioned in first place, so maybe the previous night’s events weren’t that bad after all and things were starting to look up, especially when skipper informed us that the worst of Biscay was behind us.

As for Cape Finisterre I stopped looking when the first piece of information I found on it was the Spanish used to call it the “Cape of Death” and the end of the world. Bring it on baby – these 68’s with this crew will laugh in the face of it. Just to make sure we do check out our next blog…

PS. Thanks for everyone who’s been online and offering their support to Liverpool 08. The comments are appreciated and a real pick me up when we get into ports.

1. Roy Stevens, work at Blackpool 27 September 2007

What am I doing looking at this at work, well this is more exciting. Keep up the good work you’re doing very well. Thinking of you all.
Best wishes
Roy

2. kev walsh, Milton Keynes 27 September 2007

Excellent work so far , the fleet are all in close proximity thus far.You are in a great position.Here’s hoping you will maintain/improve your position.Best of luck to everyone on board.
Regards
Kev

3. Paul Galloway, desk 27 September 2007

Thanks for the amusing blog Liverpool. I hope that you didn’t wake the skipper from his slumbers. We cannot work, eat , sleep properly for all the excitement. We do, however, manage to keep drinking - to your success, of course. Keep up the good work and stay safe. Dad.

4. lesley thomas, reading 27 September 2007

dear all

glad the sailing is good and the weather is having it’s ups and downs. i am glad it is you not me on the boat.
well done for second place heres to first place.
lots of love to yogi ( my little brother)
love lesley, martin and lucyxx

5. Helen Richmond, Southampton 27 September 2007

Awesome job guys, keep going! Wishing you fair winds, calmer seas and a podium finish, not long to go, ha ha ha!

See you all in Salvador, hugs, Helen.xxx

6. helen Pearce, cheshire 27 September 2007

Well done Liverpool. I’m proud of you. Sad to see you all leave La Rochelle on Sunday having spent a happy few days in the sun with you all as honorary crew member (alias Adam) I kept pace with of you out of the harbour until the first red marker by walking the sea wall and waving like a dervish till you were out of sight (mad Englishwoman). It was good to get to know you all, and I know you will be a great team bringing home lots more penants. Have you had a competion for bruise of the trip yet? Sail safe and enjoy the quiet spell of weather. I’ll still be waving to you when you arrive in Salvador.
Cheers Helen

7. david gauld, somerset 27 September 2007

great to read about you all, sounds awesome, keep up the good work. I’m exremely envious to be stuck in my office, there is only so much a poor young doctor can cope with when dealing with old ladies bladder problems for a large part of today. Looking forward to seeing you all in S Africa, can’t wait
best wishes david

8. Riikka Loukkaanhuhta, Nummi-Pusula, FINLAND 27 September 2007

The new internet-based teaching method called “Hey, it’s our principal’s cousin, who sails across the globe and we all want to follow her and the rest of the crew through this adventurous experience!!!” is now launched here in my school. Every day after lunch we check the route-viewer and the children feel more than thrilled! So, Tiina and all the crew of Liverpool 08 - keep up the excellent work and enjoy the Atlantic. We’ll be watching.

9. Helen Jones, Cardiff 27 September 2007

Come on Liverpool! Good to hear that you reached La Rochelle safely. Hope Tiina’s cooking is keeping you all full of energy and that the harmonica has been thrown overboard!! Muchos hugs piblokto. Love from Helen, Chris and the bump. xx

10. Sue Haslam, Chester 28 September 2007

Wow guys you are doing a great job, no doubt sustained by Tiina’s vittels and Paul’s cakes - upside down cakes presumably in those winds. We are all thinking of you, and despite the conditions, some of us are jealous, although not sure I could manage a sail change on crutches! Keep up the blogs, it’s great to hear from you. Love to you all, Sue x

11. Katia and Bernie, La Rochelle 28 September 2007

Well done to Ben and the crew. keep up the very fine work. Memories of quaffing champagne (well, a sparking white wine actually) on Liverpool 08 in glorious sunshine on the Friday afternoon before your departure must, to you all, seem like a distant memory now. It`s fascinating watching your progess via the raceviewer on the website. So many thanks for the conducted tour, what an eye opener that was !!

Our very best wishes to you all for a safe and very successful second leg.

Katia and Bernie xx

12. jayne, wallasey 28 September 2007

Many hours are being spent at Wills computer watching Liverpool 08s progress . Keep up the good work and aim for 1st place in Brazil. Look after Clipper Nipper! Love his mum Jayne xxx

13. Jeannine Taylor, Simi Valley, California 29 September 2007

Go Liverpool 08! You guys have a whole classroom of 9 and 10 year olds here in Southern California checking your progress on a daily basis and cheering you on.

Good luck Ben (and crew:o) Your distant cousins in California are following the race with interest. Hi and congrats on your success so far from us and Anita who is currently visiting.

14. mike and Max, Burford Oxon 29 September 2007

Hi to all the crew,
An excellent start to the race on the leg to La Rochelle, well done! keeping an eye on you all everyday and it looks like there is a lot of jostling for position out there.Special best wishes for my best mate Purch, proud as hell of you. Wishing you all the very best for the rest of the race.Be safe!

Mike and Max

15. Frank Behan, Toowoomba Qld Australia 29 September 2007

For little Wille on Liverpool 08 and all the crew all the best understand you’re coming to Perth am 90 miles west of Brisbane but if I can catch up with you somewhere in oz we’ll splice the mainbrace keep her close to the wind and do the necessary all the best
From Amy’s Uncle Frank

16. Frank Behan, Toowoomba Qld Australia 29 September 2007

Hi Willie Little this is Amy’s unk frank hope we can meet up again in Australia let me know the nearest point you hit downunder and I will try to be there
all the best
Frank

17. Sue Haslam, Chester 30 September 2007

Ben, I thought you said we weren’t going to do any fishing with lines let alone trawling! Glad you got rid of the unwanted catch safely and are now speeding along again. England beat Tonga, Wales lost (sorry Russ!) Hamilton won, Alonso crashed out. Keep up the great work, we are all thinking of you. Love to all, Sue x

18. Tig Pearce, leeds 30 September 2007

Great work Liverpool in your position into La Rochelle, keep up the good work and enjoy the sailing, hope the weather is kind to you. I’m really proud of you Dad and hope you’re loving the experience. Lots of love Tig x

19. Paul Galloway, desk 01 October 2007

I hope that there was a nice big fish in the net! It always happens at night doesn’t it? Well done on a good recovery - nothing like teamwork. The diver was a brave man. Don’t tell me it was Tiina! Go get em guys. Luv Dad.

20. Katia and Bernie, La Rochelle 02 October 2007

Can any of the previous 18 contributors help us ?? We are residents of La Rochelle who know absolutely nothing (and I do mean nothing) about sailing or boats. We met Ben and the crew when they were here for a few days and what a terrific bunch of people they were. In return for a tour of Liverpool 08 we promised them our 100% support for the entire race.!! We are both mystified by their latest position, some 280 miles behind the leader, in what appears, to us to be a `parked` position in the Canary Islands.Could this indicate something unfortunate,like a mechanical/sail problem ? Could it be (doubtful) tactical ? Or could the `Ladies` just want to top up their tans ? Any information would be more than gratefully received. Thanks.
And to Ben and the crew we`re still routing for you all but you going to have to H some A !!!

21. Amanda Preston, Whitehaven, Cumbria 02 October 2007

Hope your all enjoying yourself, you seem as if your having fun!!!!

Peter a man of your age with them legs can’t you get that clipper (boat for a non sailor!!!) going a bit faster.

We can’t wait for you to come home, having great fun reading all the blogs, get a move on guys

love Amanda

22. Alison Wootton, Nottingham 02 October 2007

To Nigel Rose from all at the Dentist’s. Pat, Alison and Samantha wish you well. Hope you packed the Curaprox brushes! From Alison.

23. Alex, Port Wardington 02 October 2007

Team L08 - Glad we are sticking to that very cunning plan ?? Sneaking passed them all at the finish line will be soooo satisfying - See you all in Salvador soon for several caipirinhas’.- Godspeed - Alex

24. John, birmingham 03 October 2007

Linda

Good luck to you and the team!!!!!

john

25. david gauld, somerset 03 October 2007

keeping a close eye on all the manouverings,well done to all,keep plugging away
best wishes to everyone
david

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