Crew Blog

Beating to Qingdao

13 February 2008

New York picked up a hitchhiker on the way to Qingdao

Beating, or sailing as close to the wind as possible, is an apt name for what we are currently experiencing on the boat. The boat is taking a beating and the crew are taking a beating, both physically and mentally. The high winds are starting to take their toll on fixtures and fittings, while the pitching and heaving at a 30 degree angle (sometimes more) day-in day-out, starts to take its toll on the crew. Everyone has a collection of bruises to sport, though most of these remain buried under the many layers of clothing that have become de rigueur on New York. We have almost instantly swapped the heat, incessant humidity and constant sweat of the tropics, for the bitter cold, incessant ocean spray and face-slapping waves of the East China Sea. The thought of drying anything is a luxury; with constant spray on deck and condensation dripping down below. Wet clothes are an ever present companion.

Once we cleared the north coast of Taiwan the temperature started to drop quickly: the sea temperature dropped from 22 degrees centigrade to 17 degrees in one hour and continues to drop. Something you notice when it hits you in the face! Life below decks is no easy ride either, cooking, cleaning, eating and even getting dressed as we tack from side to side requires great skill, coordination and an ability to anticipate the next lurch of the boat as it falls into a pothole in the sea.

The thought of land, real beds, showers and all the other great inventions of civilization spur us on to sail faster and faster, while hopefully beating some of the other boats into Qingdao.

Finally we had an unexpected visitor the other day. In the middle of the storm we saw a bird flying closer and closer to the boat. It was a pigeon that decided that we were an excellent resting place to see out the strong winds and bad weather. He decided to sit behind the helm and after a day of eating Hobnob biscuits he was off again.

NB: Friends and family of New York please note that IT equipment failures are preventing us accessing emails until we get to Qingdao.

Iain Stewart and Veronica Rechten

1. Mo, Morpeth, Northumberland 13 February 2008

Thinking of you all in such horrilble conditions. Relieved to know you will soon be in Quindao. Another brilliant race! The New York supporters are all cheering you on. No stopping you now! Love Mo

2. Big Al, Kettering 13 February 2008

I think the saying is ‘No pain No gain’ With 250 miles to go I’m sure you can do it, class is showing through now.

3. Annmarie, Kettering 13 February 2008

Well done, New Yorkers, nearly there. You will look back on this experience with such ‘sweet’ memories. I wonder how many of you will sign up to do it again! Just keep safe

4. Barbara Lawry, Grantham, England 13 February 2008

It’s 10pm on 13th February and we’re crossing fingers and toes for you all.
Keep the lead for those last few precious miles.
Just think . . no more tilting, dry surroundings and a soft (stationary) bed . . . bliss!
Soon you’ll be home Felicity - enjoy China. Love B&K;.

5. James & Denise Archbold, Dublin Ireland 13 February 2008

Hi New York

Thinking of you all and wishing you well and safe sailing. Conditions for your sailing sounds frightening.
Not too long now a welcome news on shortening the course and will watch with bated breath for your safe
arrival at Qingdao. Take care and all our prayers go with all the boats for a safe sail to port.

6. Hazel and Fred, Morpeth 13 February 2008

So pleased you’re all safe and delighted it’s nearly over - figure63what a fantastic way to finish- as winners!!! New York has done it again bet you can’t believe it - enjoy your hard earned success and a much needed rest. Can’t wait to see you Keith - many congratulations Hazel and Fred

7. Peter Heilmann, Melbourne 14 February 2008

Hey Trevor, well done enjoy the glory while it lasts! Sounds like you had a wet and wild last couple of days hope your shoulder has been holding up. Looking forward to a beer with you in Santa Cruz where I will rejoin WA and then sail on to victory

Cheers Pete
Melbourne Australia

8. Brad, Santa Cruz, California 14 February 2008

Last week, I read in our local paper about the Clipper 07-08 Round the World race and your anticipated arrival here in Santa Cruz, California, in April. I have been following your progress on line every day with great interest. What an incredible adventure you are experiencing. Congratulations on your hard fought victory over an extremely difficult leg and good luck as you set your course east towards Hawaii. Take care, Brad - a new Clipper Fan!

9. Sue Nesbitt, UK 14 February 2008

Well done you guys - awesome effort in what to us seems impossible conditions. Enjoy the journey to Qingdao and catch up on some sleep in a warm dry bed. Fondest wishes - The Nesbitt family

10. Geoff Connolly, UK 14 February 2008

Congratulations to you all for a splendid win!

11. Susie Jackson, London 14 February 2008

Wooooo hoooooo! Another win for New York. Well done to Duggie and all the team, you’re climbing up the overall leader board with great pace, brilliant. I hope you reach warm showers, delicious food and soft comfortable beds very soon but not before drinking another bowl of champagne of course! Special hello to ‘Captain Cowler’, look forward to speaking to you once you’ve got your land legs back! Sx

12. Eddie Pratt, London, UK 14 February 2008

Fantastic news and well done to all of you! It makes idling in the early British summer (it’s true) feel incredibly, well, idle. Enjoy your well-earned rests. For those going on to Hawaii, have fun and all the best for your onward journey. For those easing back into relative idleness, enjoy the celebrations and cameraderie these next few days.

13. Big Al, Kettering 14 February 2008

To the victors the glory, class shows through again. Well done New York and have a safe passage into Quindao.

14. Sarah, Liverpool 14 February 2008

Congratulations New York......well deserved victory. I am exhausted just following your progress on line!

Jen - are you coming home now???!!!

Sarah
xxx

15. Jo, London 14 February 2008

Super Stars - great race - terrific result!

Hurry in and get the beers, warm showers and dry beds! Celebrate well!

What a fantastic team - love Jo xxxx

16. Posy, Edinburgh 15 February 2008

Well done New York! - See you soon Jen!!x

17. Ruth, Singapore 16 February 2008

Congratulations on another win New York! Veronica, hope the duck went down well and helped steer you all on to another victory! Cheers, Ruth

18. Raffiny, SUSSEX 18 February 2008

Congratulations on another wonderful and well deserved victory!!
We are constantly update our news pages to include New York’s results and positions as the race progresses and include photos and news in our newsletters..Keep us the good work!
From us at Raffiny.

19. Alistair Cuthill, Forfar, Angus, Scotland 22 February 2008

To Steve Nicoll and the rest of the crew of “New York”, best wishes and safe journey to Santa Cruz — — fair winds and speed bonnie boat.
Alistair & Yvonne

20. Dr Thomlinson's Middle School, Rothbury, Northumberland 24 February 2008

Best of luck for the next leg and keep safe.

Geography Student Voice Team at Dr Thomlinson’s in Rothbury.

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