Crew Blog

We can do it!

28 April 2008

Liverpool 08's Lisa and Eleni - they CAN do it!

One of the best experiences I keep getting onboard is when individuals realise that they have the physical and mental strength they thought never existed. The “We Can Do It!” factor (not the X factor Kim…although you’d be happy to know that it is like big brother on water, ha ha)

I’m quite fortunate in that I will always find the physical strength and the will power to get the job done. Whether it be changing sails, helming in squalls to pulling in sails from the sea! Sometimes the strength and will power doesn’t come so easy to others… It is at this stage that people are at their most vulnerable, truly showing their strengths and weaknesses. I continually hear, “I can’t do it, I haven’t got anymore strength left,” to which my response always remains the same “2…6…heave, we can do it! We’re almost there…” I gain unbelievable personal satisfaction in being part of their celebrations and boasting afterwards when they realise that, “They did just do it!” As part of the team each individual played their part and the job got done.

We have had our share of accidents, injuries and disasters onboard. Each bringing new experiences and learning curves. When these situations happen, you have to deal with it the best you can, learn from it and make the best out of it. I know my fellow crew member and friend won’t mind me sharing this with you but it is by far one of my personal highlights and fits perfectly with the “We can do it!” theme. For those who know both Eleni and I you will understand how different we are as ‘girls’. For those who don’t, in a nutshell Eleni is what I’d call a girlie girl and I’m what I’d call a tomboy! I mean I don’t mind going to the bow in a blazing gale hoisting a sail or climbing to the top of the mast to untwist spinny halyards but you’d never see Eleni do that, would you? On the same note, you’d never see me filing my nails, applying hand cream, talking about my hair etc, would you? Well this is the great thing, we have both complemented each other enormously and for the first time, Eleni was my assistant watch leader and the satisfaction I got from seeing her ‘blossom’, will stick with me for life. There was one occasion when we were just going to sleep and I was Mother the next day. This means that Eleni was watch leader for the day. Eleni turned to me and started crying, “I can’t do it Lisa, I really can’t, I know you think I can but I’m just not like you.” After some comforting and guidance about how to lead the watch, what to expect etc you won’t be surprised to hear that she did do it. In fact she did it with great style and surpassed her expectations and others, but not mine. I had faith all along. I now regularly do my nails, worry about my hair (on land…) moisturise my hands daily and so on. We’re both new women, ha ha… You meet the greatest of people in the most unusual places, in the most unusual of situations. Eleni is now frequently number 2 on the bow (Justin…) and will participate and teach new crew members in any given situation….priceless… (For everything else there’s MasterCard, ha ha)

I know I always write this but it’s truly from the bottom of my heart. This is such an amazing adventure but more personally, a life changing experience. I have a fear of what will ‘reality’ be like when I return! I mean what will I do? I don’t think I could sit in a taxi for longer than a taxi ride! Oh my giddy aunt… my stomach flips thinking about it ha ha… time to move on and think about something else. I mean I’ve got until Cork to come up with a plan, right? I’ll keep you lot posted, don’t worry ha ha (nosey lot…)

So I’ll finish with a short quote I sent to Eleni to show my pride and belief in her and personally give a massive shout out to the rooster on his 21st, sorry I’m not there fella, shots lined up on my return…promise…then a sweet happy birthday to Lynogs (me sis in law) John (pops in law) and lickle Lily my gorgo god daughter (who is growing way too fast for my liking!) For those who know me also this is the birthday season, if you’re not a Taurus or close to it in our family, you’re not getting in ha ha. Then although early, loving birthday wishes for my Lilington (Nan in law), Mick (my taxi day man) Mum & Auntie Net (both turning a grand age of 50 XxX) and finally my man, Chris(you guys wouldn’t believe how many of his birthdays I’ve missed XxX)…sorry I’m not there to celebrate with you all. I’m missing you all dearly…but don’t worry I’m pretty certain that we’ll make up for it ha ha…Panama…blink of an eye…home…

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face…Do the thing you think you cannot do”. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Thanks to all our followers, your support means the world to us as always, your commitment is second to none. Can’t wait to see me pals who are joining us in Jamaica…FGE. Cheers from all the Liverpool 08 crew
Lisa Pover
(Mrs P)

1. Roy and Diane Moore, uk 28 April 2008

Hi Brian

Hope you are having an amazing time and keeping yourself safe! Following your progress on the website and we are willing LIVERPOOL O8 on. Reading lots of blogs and keeping up to date , Roy says can you go a bit faster? Just make sure you have a great time and enjoy every minute hope it doesn,t get too choppy out there!!

Love Roy , Diane and girls.

p.s Are you washing your balls in a bucket and keeping it in the family?

2. Peter Liggett, Liverpool 28 April 2008

Like the race tactics being displayed and the team effort - of course second to none.

Really looking forward to joining the big team that is Liverpool 08. Please be gentle with us pale rookies at least for the first few days.

We will be toasting you all in a Mersey gathering soon.

Best regards, Peter ‘Bootstrap’ Liggett

3. Tony Loftus, Liverpool 28 April 2008

Sounds like no going back to the cab for you Lisa - you’ll think of something! Eleni, I’m proud of you - the thought of a fingernail breaking doesn’t seem so catastrophic now! Hoping your offshore strategy pays off and you climb past the pack. You deserve a first place after so much hard work. Can’t wait to catch up in Jamaica. See you in 3 weeks!

4. Roy Stevens, Lytham St Annes 28 April 2008

Great Blog
Well done Eleni. Fear is OK, facing it and overcoming it is what makes you a hero.
Lisa you’ll have to get a water taxi. You sound like you are becoming a second Dame Ellen.
Your blogs as ever are very interesting. So far this month we’ve had Emilio’s out of body experience, Lisa ,yes Lisa, discovering the joys of make up, next you’ll be telling us that Ben is in touch with his feminine side.
On the race viewer it looks like your in the lead. I hope your tactics and hard work pay off. You deserve a podium position. The championship can still be won. Looking forward
to meeting up with you all in Jamaica.
Good Luck , stay safe,
Roy

5. Richie Pope, Liverpool 28 April 2008

Hi Lisa, Another quote for you to think about, Strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will. ‘ Mahatma Gandhi ‘ Seems to fit the bill somehow.Hope the gamble pays off, you deserve A yellow flag. hope everyone is ok, wish I was there, see you in cork.
Love & Cheers. Richie P.

6. Janet, Wallasey 29 April 2008

Damn you woman! You’ve set me off again Love you both to bits, thanks for making my part of the adventure so much fun. You’ve got my birthday to celebrate in Panama on May 8th & we’ll have a few drinks in Cork too. Being at home sucks, but I’ll see you all soon. J xxx

7. david gauld, somerset 29 April 2008

great to hear you’re ok.Good luck with the tactics. Missing you all,FGE
david

8. Riikka Loukkaanhuhta, Nummi-Pusula, FINLAND 29 April 2008

Keep on pushing, Liverpool! All of us here in Finland are cheering for you, keep up the spirit and you’ll catch the fastest winds, no time for worrying, just push it, push it, push it!

Tiina, Tinttura-armas, your San Fransisco-present came today - Thaaaaaaaanks, I loved the Edward Corey’s “Gorey children"-book, especially the “ E is for Ernest who choked on a peach"… Macabre, satisfyingly creepy, oddly wonderful and as said, hilarious! Just like you and me, the famous “Mustos-cousins"…

Keep on sailing, singing and enjoying the time of your life, you’re the best!
LOL,
-Riikka-
and Jari, who came back from China today and sends his warm, loving hugs to you too!

9. claire foden, liverpool 30 April 2008

Hi to Joan Goodfellow Surprise Surprise,
hope your enjoying your adventure still,Im folllowing your progress
via the Echo and radio Merseyside.
Ill have a cherry pie baked and waiting for you so keep up the good work.
Carry on sailng ha ha,love from Claire and a special big kiss from Olivia.
best wishes to all on Liverpool 08.

10. Anne Williams, Rufford 30 April 2008

Hi, Susie,
Now this is confusing!.....................I’ve been posting my comments on the Race News site, but maybe you don’t get to see those ?
Anyway, just in case, this one is for you !
Have a fantastic trip, hope Ben’s tactics pay off and Liverpool 08 will not be in 10th position at the end !
Thanks for your PC’s, great to hear from you, everyone here sends lots of love and wishes you all lots of luck,
Anne xx

FROM THE CLIPPER WEB TEAM: The crews don’t have access to the Internet while they’re at sea but they do jump on the nearest computer to read all your messages when they get into port so please keep them coming.

11. Roy Stevens, Lytham St Annes 30 April 2008

Dear Ben and Crew,
‘ WE CAN DO IT’

Despite a valiant effort Liverpool have failed to get through to the Champions League final, having just been beat by Chelsea 3-2 in extra time. It is now up to Liverpool 08 to bring glory to Merseyside. To quote Lisa ‘ We can do it.’ Lets go and get them.
Good Luck , stay safe.
Roy

12. CHRIS GOODFELLOW, Liverpool 30 April 2008

Hello Mum
Hope that all is going well and you’re not getting too sea sick!
We’re all really proud of you, take care and we’ll see you soon.
Love from,
Chris, Susan & Olivia.

13. Anne Streatfeild, Chile 01 May 2008

I�m so inspired by your blog Lisa, you are so right, we do meet some fabulous people on our travels, people who make an impact for life and experiences that have an impact for life.

Have a great time in Panama, I�m thinking of you all even tho� I�m an Ull n Umber supporter! See you all in Cork!

Safe travels

Anne xx

14. Legat Owen, Chester 01 May 2008

Hi Haslam, it’s work here! Not that you are thinking of us at all. We are all thinking of you and pushing you all on to win the race! We are following your progress and Mark is receiving regular updates from Chris. We hope that you are having the time of your life, enjoying every minute of it, even with lack of sleep! (Hope there’s plenty of strong black coffee)
Take care, keep going, love from everyone at Legat Owen x x x x

15. mum, Liverpool 03 May 2008

Hi Lisa
Once again you have written an other exciting blog.hope every one is fine,,i wish you were here for my birthday, but never mined i will see you soon,, good luck in the next part of the race,a qoute from Lisa “ We Can Do It “ so good luck Lpool 08
go for it and stay safe
Love you Lisa all the world MuM XxX Wully XxX

16. emilio saracho, london 06 May 2008

There is not an iota of b.s in Lisa�s awesome blog.The “we can do it” roar,still reverberates in my brain and I have seen how Elleni managed the watches with flying colors and without losing her “touch”. The race is the excuse but the friendships and the discoveries you make of yourself is the real treat, one that no wind or lack of it can take away from you. Lisa and Elleni the dinamic duo of Liverpool08,keep the spirit I miss you all and pray for those west winds to make Ben�s strategy payoff.

17. susan benson, liverpool 11 May 2008

hi lisa pover its sue and another of your cousins sian as usual been following clippers 08s progress,great blog hun NEVER MIND WE CAN DO IT--YOU WILL DO IT,GOOD LUCK ON THE CLIPPER AND ALL YOU DO ALWAYS,,,LOTS OF LOVE FROM AUNT SU AND COUSIN SIAN LEAJO XXX

18. Alan Parkinson, Liverpool 16 May 2008

Attn Tony Loftus

Ahoy
I guess you are now the SAILOR on the edge of dawn.
Hope you hit a windy passage.

Cheers
Alan

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