Crew Blog

A time for reflection

27 June 2008

Starting out on race 12 and hitting a wind hole for 3 days undoubtedly gives you time to think and reflect on the Clipper journey of a lifetime, and the last 10 months. And what a rollercoaster of a ride we have had with plenty of ups and downs, highs and lows, starting on day 1 with all the celebrations leaving Albert Dock in glorious weather. Once across the start line this soon turned to gale force winds as we entered the Irish Sea and I asked myself what on earth have I let myself in for! Baptism by fire by all accounts. Taking 3 people to change the Yankee 1 to a Yankee 2 at night, completely soaked to the skin (lifejacket automatically inflating and still finding a sense of humour) has to be my most exhausting experience. Relieved that I could finally go below decks, but unable to even gain the strength to take my foul weather gear off.

If it’s not gale force winds it’s no wind at all, and this hit us as we crossed the English Channel and the race to La Rochelle was called early. Still we had made it safely to the 1st stop over.  Race 2 probably was the most frightening when we broached for the 1st time 1 mile off Cape Verde. Heading towards land and not really knowing what to do other than to hold on for dear life as my feet left the deck. Not a good time to ask the Skipper what to do but with experience comes wisdom (and more training so no more rabbits in headlights!)

Arriving in Salvador in 9th place was one of our lows but the reception from the other boats was overwhelming and what we needed to lift our spirits again. Changing Skippers and once again crossing the Atlantic for the 2nd time towards Durban SA. This time clearly in racing mode as we were neck and neck for 1st place with Hull & Humber for the last few days of the race. Awarded 1st place and you are walking on air – and lots more time in port to undertake essential maintenance which includes showers and bed!

Setting off from Durban and I can still remember the yellow sunflowers as they were thrown into the water behind the boats. Again no sooner had we crossed the start line than we were heading into stormy weather. Soon to come and bite us on the tail! In 1st place and I was on the upper deck and hit by a ton of water sending me crashing head first into the traveller sustaining a nasty head injury that required immediate medi-vac. Probably the worst moment of the entire race for me but reassured as all of the crew pulled together to get me back to Durban and medical assistance. I will be forever grateful to all of the leg 3 crew for their assistance and good humour at a very low point for all of us.

Typical New York style straight back out into the eye of the storm and racing across the Southern Ocean. There was never any question that I would not rejoin New York in WA. A warm welcome was received as I clambered down the cuddy at 0730 to crew getting out of bed, breakfast and then more maintenance and taking the boat out of the water.

New Years Day and the start of Leg 4. Racing into and out of Freo Harbour and heading up the west coast of Australia towards Singapore and Qingdao. I think the most enjoyable leg for me with every kind of sailing possible, winning both races and great stopovers in both ports was a major bonus. The memory of arriving in Batam Island and looking back towards the marina and seeing New York moored up all on her own will stay with me forever. What an incredible welcome and presentation party provided in Qingdao. Once ashore alcohol would appear to be a very important part of the Clipper experience – suffice to say I did take advantage and my thanks have to go to Mike, Sarah and Oscar (off Qingdao) for getting me back safely! The most moving experience will have to be walking along The Great Wall of China. There was just something about walking on a man made structure that is thousands of years old, never to be forgotten.

Crossing the vast Pacific Ocean and thankfully everybody arriving safely in Hawaii.  I cannot believe we were actually complaining because we were going to get an extended stop over in Hawaii – how can that be? Obviously too long at sea! The riddle of the Easter bunny that hopefully will return from his stowaway on board to a more sedate lifestyle! The racing continued to Santa Cruz and meeting up with friends to give me the final boost to get me home to Liverpool – fantastic. How can we ever forget Onions request to the very nice Police Officer to point him in the right direction to get him back to the boat!

A very quick refuel at Banana Bay in Costa Rica, the coffee, ice cream and fresh pineapple was gratefully received by all, and onto Panama. Very poignant as we watched the canal lock doors close to the Pacific and eventually opening to the Atlantic. The race across the finish line in Jamaica with Hull & Humber (again!) Nail biting and hearing them cheering just seconds before we too crossed the line and reluctantly taking second place. The surprise of my life as my family on holiday in Cornwall appears smiling in Jamaica, never before have I been speechless.

Breaking the home city curse and arriving in New York in 1st position very late at night was very special. Passing the Statue of Liberty in all her splendor and approaching Manhattan it finally hits home that this whole experience is not just a sailing race but the enormity of sailing round the world and facing nature at its best and very worst. Leaving New York too soon but the racing has to keep on track and heading up to Nova Scotia for yet another memorable welcome. The D250 race and yet again having to raise the storm jib in stormy weather.

Memories that will stay with me for a lifetime – boat food, WCV, SOG, anticipation of scheds, living life at 45 degrees, alcohol, whales, dolphins racing the boat at the bow, flying fish and squid (yuk), racing sail changes, standing by to stand by, the sun, the cold, the heat, the snow, the fog, wind holes, cleaning the heads, lack of sleep, lack of showers, using wet wipes, winning and losing, red cards, yellow cards, frustrations and jubilations the list will go on......... I have had a fantastic time during the last 10 months, both the highs and lows and people have seen me at my best and worst for which I thank them and also offer my apologies! But I look forward to Cork and the final race to Liverpool where we will all be saying our fond farewells and exchanging e-mail addresses.

Would I do it all again? A well known phrase comes to mind from Sir Steven Redgrave when he won his 4th Olympic gold medal........ but ask me again in 6 months!

Best wishes to all Clipper people as we once again enter the world of normality and face up to the stresses and strains that we have missed for the last 10 months! (Not!)

Tony....

(aka Raghie Peters, Mr Tony, Uncle Albert, Gandhi, Lt Cdr Peters RN(C) (Really Nice(Chappie))