Crew Blog

A postive start

29 October 2007

A positive start from New York so the boat is feeling buoyed up (ho ho). No sharks spotted as yet only tankers and the odd pair of giant Y-fronts (see photo). A beautiful full moon has lit our way since we left Salvador meaning we can all spot when Nato is attempting to catch a few sneaky zzzzz’s on deck.

…...and a message from Bob

Day 5 of racing and all is well on board. New crew have settled in well and Leg 1 survivors have had a shake up of watches as well as roles on the boat. Hen and Jen have added a well needed boost of positivity with their smiles being completely infectious. In Brazil both got stuck into boat repairs instead of partying so friends and family be very proud.

Mother watch is now solo and you will be amazed to learn yesterday I made my first two loaves of bread and fed everyone without too many returned plates. Missing all the Leg 1 guys big time and keep in touch with the boat if you can. To Jerry, get well soon mate.

Thanks to everyone for sending comments about previous blogs. Although we don’t get them on the boat, it was great to read all your comments when we got to Salvador.

Personally, after doing a fair chunk of helming on Leg 1, I have yet to touch the wheel which could well explain why we are doing so well. After advising our new skipper of my lack of boating skills I have been appointed entertainments officer and official cameraman. This was probably as I brought along a pack of cards, a backgammon set and even a monopoly board while everyone else brought books on sail trim.

I keep trying to tell everyone it’s not all about the sailing but nobody ever listens to me. Just like a Leonard Cohen record.

Peace and love.

Bob the Builder

1. Nigel Bennett, Barnstaple 29 October 2007

Bob

Glad to hear that you are keeping away from the helm - I always thought your driving was scary. Is it your y-fronts on the sail?!

You should make an ideal entertainments officer - just don’t loose the monopoly pieces overboard.

regards

Nigel

2. Nicholas Gibbs, 29 October 2007

Glad to hear all is well. I look forward to seeing you all in Durban!!!! Nick

3. Pam Young, Liverpool 29 October 2007

Enjoyed reading Bobs blog and great to see you doing so well. Hi to everyone who knows me. Still avidly following your every move. Seems a lifetime till I join you next May. Ofsted this week- if I get the sack I’ll come and join you sooner! Love to all, Pam x

4. Linda Purdom, Bainbridge Is., WA USA 29 October 2007

Trying to remember it isn’t all about the race...it is an adventure (Gary’s words) I am proud that NY has risen up the ladder in the race standings. I know it is early but I love seeing 5th then 3rd and now 2nd. Keep on sailing and try not to rip anymore sails so Gary can enjoy Durban!! See you all in Fremantle, Linda Purdom

5. Jo, London 30 October 2007

Great blog. Great position! I was confused for a while: NATO is attempting to catch a few sneaky zzzzzz’s on deck?! Then I realised to whom you were referring! What a relief - thought you might have become embroiled in some secret service mission!

Couldn’t you have found a pretty pair of frillies rather than giant, pink Y fronts? You have been at sea far too long! Keep baking the bread and stay out of jail! LOL Jo xx

6. Heidi Meyer, MarinCountyCalifornia 30 October 2007

Gary—Delighted you are doing a big one again!! As another “Dove” fan, I’m cheering you on! I read about ‘em; you get out there and do ‘em!!! What a guy! Heidi

7. Douglas, New York 30 October 2007

Go New York!

Yes, out near the front of the pack!

I wish everyone well and that you are all healthy & happy and in good spirits.

Special Hello to JC!

~Douglas

8. neil payne, barnstaple 03 November 2007

bob, hey bud hows it going,great blog mate, whats this i read about you trying to juggle coconuts in salvador?. hope your teaching them all to play s***head as entertainments officer, as nige said mate are those your y-fronts on the sail? good luck neil.

9. peter henderson, new zealand 08 November 2007

games while sailing LOL LOL
you are doing so well after sailing with duggie on sos on the global challenge 04 he a a top skipper and will puss the boat and the crew to the best
come on i know that all the sos guyes want him to win into south afrika again like we did on leg 4 of the global challenge
i know that i van not spell as well if any one wants to make a comment on that as well
come on all of you
sail fast and safe
see you laters

peter henderson

10. Steve Hart, southern california 07 February 2008

Gary,
Came across your boats’ racing update and had to try to contact you. It’s been a long time-maybe 25+ years. Would love to talk to you some day and get caught up. I’m married with three kids all at the same high school and getting ready to start college. Sailed last year for the first time since Australia. I’d love to hear about your exploits. Good luck on your journey and be safe!- Steve Hart

11. Linda Purdom, Bainbridge Is., WA USA 08 February 2008

This is to Steve Hart from Linda Purdom. I sent your message on to Gary but we have no info on how to get a hold of you. Let us know. NY keep on pushing ahead. What a race so far! Even old friends have resurfaced! Linda Purdom

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