Crew Blog

Continually learning

28 April 2008

What a lot I have learnt already and it is only day four, or is it five, I’ve lost count? The days tend to meld into one: they have no meaning other than that with each one passing we are closer to Panama. The hours are dictated by the routine of watches, eating and sleeping. I’m learning that speed is of the essence, whether it is wolfing down my meal so that I can get an extra few minutes in my bunk, putting on oilies and boots at the same time to hurry up the dressing process, or in working the winches and halyards. I have also learnt to do without a decent cup of coffee, a daily, or even weekly shower – what a godsend wet wipes are – and to go to sleep with an eye mask!

Us “newbies” have been made very welcome by the existing crew who have patiently answered endless questions, and given encouragement and reassurance when we are not sure. I have learnt new routines and relearned ones from training, and found that team work and communication are vital to the smooth and efficient running of the boat.

However the biggest impact for me has been that my life is now focussed on the boat. I am learning to cope without daily contact with family and friends, and to live with strangers in even closer contact than the Motts on holiday in a tent. There are advantages: no nagging of children to tidy their bedrooms, no daily clothes washing, no arrangements to be made and, when a manoeuvre goes right and the boat responds, then you remember why you joined Clipper in the first place.

It is lovely to have your emails and blogs – please keep them coming.

Lol from us all,
Judith
xoxoxoxox

1. Michael Davison, UK 28 April 2008

Sounds like the aqua life under the boat has come to greet you (1st place....!!!??) on your down to panama..dolphins chasing tuna,big’ol sharks,wow,love hearing about it all..C’mon New York..sup sez.x

2. Susie Jackson, London 28 April 2008

Good to see New York still going strong and great to see you out in the front pack again. Mike is looking forward to seeing you all again in Jamaica so beware!! Take care for now and see you in Liverpool. Sx

3. Martine, UK 29 April 2008

JC, keenly following your progress, am with you in spirit if not in body. You are outstanding! love MTR

4. Lin Marelick, Santa Cruz 29 April 2008

The excitement of your journey still remains in the hearts of those who you met in Santa Cruz. We are following the race closely with encouragement and awe.

There are a pod of gray whales that have been sitting off Pleasure Point south of the Santa Cruz Harbor. Just another reminder of the wonderful life here. We are so happy to have been able to meet some of you and share our town with you.

Best wishes and fair winds.

5. John Doyle, New Zealand 29 April 2008

Hi Kris and all on New York. Watching your every move, here in New Zealand and amazed at the progress made already. The way you all seem to be getting on will ensure the winners podium is very possible. ‘Team’ remember came from
‘T’ogether, ‘E’veryone, ‘A’chieves, ‘M’ore
we’re with you all the way, Kiwi support team

6. pam young, liverpool 29 April 2008

Keep up the good work all you New Yorkers. Can’t wait to join you next month. Love to all
Pam x

7. Keith, morpeth 29 April 2008

Hi New Yorkers,
It is good to see your progress and get so close to the leader. A bit of luck with the wind and some more of Duggie’s SOS are needed to get to the front - I hope you get both. Keep up the excellent work.
Keith

8. Mike, London 30 April 2008

Despite what Susie says, the idea of spending another leg with you horrible lot fills me with dread. I suppose I’ll just have to try and make friends with the water maker again, hahaha. You’re doing a fine job, see you in Jamaica. Mike

9. Rae Couch, Minneapolis, Minnesota 30 April 2008

Hi New Yorkers!
Great progress! Wonderful to get your news. Who cares about daily showers when you’re getting ever closer. Go all the way. Rae

10. Big Al, Kettering 30 April 2008

Well done New York , back where you belong, out in front.

11. Trevor Archbold, dry land 30 April 2008

Well done guys - keep up the good work.

12. Mike Cowler, London 30 April 2008

Trevor, Being a fellow past legger you can imagine what its like on NY with the leading four being so close. Duggie jumping up and down, bino’s glued to the sails of the other boats, stand-by to stand-by, very tense at times -paying off though.

13. Sarah Chambers, Hampshire 30 April 2008

Judith, great to read your blog and to know how you are.It must be fantastic to know you are neck and neck at the front of the race. I’ll be in touch personally soon. LOL Sarahx

14. tony kerby, birmingham 30 April 2008

Hi Paul

Hope all is well at sea - Have you thrown up yet! - Looks like your battling for first place.
All the best

Tony , T, N, L XX

15. Annabel Haywood, Pembrokeshire 30 April 2008

Hello Judith - You sound truly challenged and inspired. Wonderful. Please say hello to my big sister Joanna - I have every admiration for you both and everyone else involved in the race. Apparently afer 6 weeks, unwashed hair turns into a thing of beauty and joy. Lots of love to you all xxxx

16. Susie Jackson, London 30 April 2008

Ignore Mike, he hasn’t stopped raving about his travels since he got home. He’s been desperately trying to secure himself a book deal.....’The adventures of Captain Cowler’ a children’s book of course...... Sx

17. Paul Youngman, UK 02 May 2008

Hi Joanna,

How are you? Been following the progress and it looks like you are doing well, I hope you are having fun too!!

Great adventures call for great spirit and you definately have that! Take care and keep splicing the mainbrace, or whatever!

Love Paul

18. 'pants' Philly, My desk - Cheltenham 02 May 2008

Message for Ionett - hi and well done - that last to you all. I’m so envious following progress online - why is the Brit crew so far east?? No news yet on Boris(!), but DC has made big, big gains (am I bovvered?) Love too from Susie - Llangrannog will not seem the same, expecting your yacht to hove round Carreg Bica. Yo, lol

19. Delvin & Jane, Home! 04 May 2008

Judith,

Glad to see that you have put some information onto the blog! Great to see that you are enjoying the experience - that is what it is all about. Glad to see that New York is at the front of the field - this will suit your competitive edge - keep it going! We are all thinking of you. James did an excellent job organising the staff-pupils row in the school and produced a highly respectable time himself. Weather slowly getting better here so will have to have the Mott tribe around for a BBQ. Following the blog so keep the comments coming so that we can share

Love Jane and Delvin

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