Crew Blog

Closing on Panama

04 May 2008

New York trims the spinnaker in light winds

We’re coming up to the midway point on the race to Panama and as Duggie briefed us this afternoon it’s become a very close downwind drag race, with the boat that makes the least mistakes likely to win. The constant stress of the spinnakers have caused some equipment failures but each time a problem has arisen we’ve dealt with it quickly and not lost so much ground that we can’t get it back.

For myself and the rest of the new crew the first few days consisted of asking the skipper a barrage of questions before each maneuver, and then carrying out the evolution gingerly and with hesitation. It’s different now, we each have more confidence and knowledge and the boat feels more like a yacht in a race than a training vessel. We can change a spinnaker in 51 seconds and look more like a race crew should when doing the simple tasks like sweating up a halyard or grinding in a sheet. The trepidation I felt before getting on the boat about whether I would be able to learn everything required of a new crew member has vanished and for that I owe a lot to the patience of the skipper and the experienced crew.

On our journey south we’ve seen some wildlife but not as much as a lot of us expected. Almost every day we see dolphins and flying fish, but little else. However, we have had one strange wildlife moment. A few days ago we found a small squid on the deck. I can’t imagine how it got there as the freeboard of the boat is at least 5 feet. Do squid leap? If so the chances of the squid leaping onto our boat in this vast pacific by chance must be incredibly small. He must have done it on purpose. This boat is such a great place to be even the fish want on board.

A few days later....

We’ve clawed back first place and held onto it for a few days. However, there are other boats on the horizon, making our grip on the top spot tenuous. Every second counts as we come across the wind and change sails and to make things more difficult the days are oppressively hot and there is the constant frustration of light airs and low boat speed. We only have 60 miles to go to reach our first gate but at our current rate that may take us days.

During the night we had another cephalopod jump onboard. This one more cunning than the previous squid, deciding to hide in the starboard side lifeboat to avoid detection. He was finally found by the morning watch after it had been realized that the smell was not coming from any of the crew. The incident may have had an effect on the skipper as we’re now allowed a shower.

1. PAUL TERRY, WOLVERHAMPTON ENGLAND 06 May 2008

TO BUNNY ONIONS ,,,, WOLVES MISSED OUT ON PLAYOFFS MATE . HOW ARE THINGS , HOPE YOU HAVE DONE A LITTLE FISHING ON YA HOLIDAY HAHAHAHA . SAY HI TO THE CREW. ALL IS GOOD IN INGERLAND MATE . JUST HAD A WEEKND IN NORWAY OFF TO BELFAST THIS WEEKEND TO SEE MY OLD MATE PHIL WHO I WORKED IN SWEDEN WITH. SPEAK SOON RSVP......

2. Eileen, Sacramento at present 06 May 2008

Come on New York I want at least one of my boats to get a podium spot. Sack the windseeker and send NAte up the mast. Take care and safe sailing - hope its not too hot for you all. Eileenxx PS Tony I’ve not got your email address yet

3. Mike Cowler, Shed 06 May 2008

Myself and I guess other leggers will know exactly what you’re going through. Leg4-first race, all over again except perhaps with the two differences -the direction and the squid. Stick a few islands in the way, that’ll cheer Duggie up no end! Mind you, you’ve got the Panamanian Isthmus to negotiate this time. The hard work is paying off and I hope to see you shake off Hull & Humber and Glasgow-SWS very soon and get back in front. Great job. Mike Cowler

4. Kevin Thomas, Cornwall England 06 May 2008

To Paul Kirby
Hi mate - must be good to be so far away from St Andrews!! Off to walk the Cotswold way Thursday but that will be a walk in the park compared to your bimbling around the ocean on your liner. Watch out for the leaping squid. - speak to you soon. Kev

5. Amanda Tusler, Godalming Surrey U.K 07 May 2008

Well done to you all and especially Judith.Third place in Race 9 and only 9 minutes behind Qingdao. Keep up the good work only 2 and half points behind race leaders - still remember the day you did the school assembly in all your gear Judith ( and nearly passed out with heat ) Good Luck and go on and win. Amanda Tusler

6. Rae Couch, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA 07 May 2008

Hi Joanna

New York, New York. So good they named you twice! Who cares about smelly clothes and hair? You’ve reached your dream! Onward to Jamaica! Talk soon. Wanna stop in Minnesota on your way home? The snow’s gone! Love Rae

7. Peter Couch, Minneapolis 07 May 2008

Good luck with the race, hope you get back in first very soon.

8. Bob Lueben, Minneapolis, MN 07 May 2008

Hi Joann Lloyd-Davies,

Rae Couch told me of your exploits on the New York. Keep on trucking or sailing or whatever you mates call what it is you do. For more speed, may I suggest you keep the extra weight (squids) off the vessel!! Let’s win this race. Stay positive and keep the faith. I am proud of all the crew for attempting this majestic feat.

9. Annabel Haywood, Pembrokeshire 07 May 2008

To Joanna Lloyd-Davies
Sounds like you’re actually all having a great time! And I suppose if no one is allowed to shower, you all smell the same! No worries! Keep up the competitive spirit - watching your progress and willing you to “Go faster, Boyo!” Boats out here too - weather lovely and fairly calm sea. Bit bumpy around Stack. L and G have been out every day since Sunday. Keep up the good work!

10. John Doyle, New Zealand 08 May 2008

Well done New York, not the place you hoped for but still credible, all to fight for now, perhaps the flying squid can conjure up some light winds for you. Great blog KD we are still right behind you down here.

11. Michael Riley, Minnesota 08 May 2008

All the best on the next leg of the race. Glad you’re going for it, living life to the fullest.

12. keith, morpeth 08 May 2008

Well done New York - another good result. Keep the podium positions coming. Have an enjoyable sail to Panama.

13. Dale Allen, Nashville, TN 08 May 2008

I’m writing in response to Rae Couch letting me know about this race. Joanna - keep up the good work! It’s great to keep trying everything you can.

14. Nigel B, Land-Locked London 08 May 2008

To Flow Jo (or is it Slow Jo after the lack of wind?)
Tracking progress with envy. Well done to you and the crew on the podium - shame the committee shortened the race just before you peaked (I suspect typical northern business tactics soemwhere)! Sounds like a great crew - ready for even better in the next race? Must be sweltering so enjoy the motoring to Panama and get that cocktail shaker out!

15. Sarah m-w, Hitchin 09 May 2008

Well done New York, keep the competitive spirit going. Special congrats to JLD, enjoy the experience and here’s hoping for some more great podium finishes.

16. Annmarie, Kettering 09 May 2008

Well done New York, enjoy the sail to Panama and keep up the good work!

17. Margaret, Kingston upon Thames 10 May 2008

Still avidly following your journey. The map of Central America will be printed on my heart forever, as Calais was for Mary Tudor! Looking forward to the next update of the blog. What is different now that the racing has finished but the journey hasn’t? You have missed summer for 2008. Weather has been gorgeous this week. Obviously that is our lot for this year!

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