Crew Blog

ALOHA!

07 April 2008

Aloha; Hawaiian for hello, goodbye and love! A short stop over that turned into 2 ½ weeks whilst essential work was undertaken to all of the boats rigging. 2 ½ weeks that enabled all of New York crew some well deserved rest and recuperation after the trip over from Qingdao in China. Some of the crew flew to the other islands, the rest of us stayed to see what Oahu had to offer. We were not disappointed and were able to explore this beautiful island from the sky, on land, and also beneath the waters!

Whilst Nate was throwing himself out of a plane at 12500 feet, Sarah, V and I were exploring the reefs and diving to 10 metres (official depth, 16 metres unofficial depth!) Although we did not see the reef sharks as promised! We did see a lot of the tropical fish and the most enormous turtles that felt it necessary to swim within reaching distance, to find out what these ‘aliens’ were that were invading their space, and if we were good enough to eat. Big enough that you could have jumped on their backs and have a ride that would have equaled anything on offer at Disneyland! All 3 of us declined their offer and felt it was best to leave them in peace to glide majestically into the distance.

We did not think we could visit Oahu without the customary visit to Pearl Harbour. This was not only very interesting to see the history and what actually happened on that infamous December day in 1941, but very poignant. 100’s of people every day making the pilgrimage to the USS Arizona. Now officially registered as a war grave to the 900 + men that are still beneath the waters. A very somber visit that certainly brings home the sacrifice that was made by so many to ensure the freedom that we now perhaps take for granted.

All good things must come to an end and we had to say ‘aloha’ to Oahu yesterday morning for the last time. It was time to slip the lines once again and to start to focus on the next race ahead. We had already said farewell to Ken, Steve and Mark and a very warm welcome to Janet, Peter, Eileen and Kenny. New members of crew that will help to sail ‘New York’ the 2000 miles to Santa Cruz. Once over the start line it was not long before we were into our watch system. A shock to some of us who had got use to a comfy bed and 8 hours uninterrupted sleep! We now find ourselves in 3rd place with the sun shining and once again beating into the sea. I somehow think we have been here before and SOS comes to mind! Although I have said ‘aloha’ to Hawaii, I hope one day to be able to return to what is a very warm and friendly island.

But for now concentration and hard work ahead is what is needed to achieve the goals we have set out for ourselves as we sail towards California.

Tony aka Mr Tony! Gandhi! Uncle Albert!........................