Crew Blog

Exclusive report from the front line

12 November 2007

This is Tony Peters (aka Rageh Omaar) reporting from the front line currently embedded aboard New York in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race.

It has been extremely exciting over the last 24 hours but New York crew have managed to keep the enemy at bay and just hang on to first place. Skipper, Captain Gillespie, is using all his sailing experience to ensure his crew are fully briefed and ready for the last onslaught of the Agulhas Current as they head up the east coast of South Africa. This is being done while keeping a very close eye on the rear guard and at one stage actually sighting current enemy threat, Hull & Humber. In response the New York crew took up actions stations and Hull & Humber, clearly a little nervous, altered course away and disappeared over the horizon.

In other news, last night just after midnight New York was hit by a broadside shot to the mast. Early reports believe it may have come from Qingdao. (This is a tactic Qingdao has used in the past. Entering Rotterdam earlier this year, Qingdao used cunning tactics by sailing innocently very close by and then bombarding New York crew with a torrent of water bombs. The rubber elasticated bags that were used are still under investigation but believed they were sourced from the local barbers.) As the crew settled into maintaining enemy watch an almighty bang was heard, followed by the spinnaker falling unceremoniously into the dark rolling sea. The dulcet tones of Captain Gillespie could be heard throughout the boat as he politely requested all hands to report on deck at everybody’s earliest convenience. I cannot report too much on tactics but I can say I counted all crew out and all crew back. Very quickly the spinnaker was retrieved and white sails raised to ensure the race was still on. Bosun Besly and his Able Seaman Assistant Purdom persist with meticulously inspecting of the spinnaker for shrapnel damage before repacking for another hoist.

We are continually circled by intelligence drones carefully disguised as albatrosses, but New York crew are onto the enemy’s tactics. Quartermaster Rechten has tins of luncheon meat cleverly disguised as corned beef at the ready to be fired should one of them choose to get too close.

I have to sign off as New York crew once again go to action stations having sighted Hull & Humber once more along with several fishing vessels. Family, friends and shore-based New York crew are no doubt worried about the well-being of the crew in such tense circumstances, but can be assured they will not give up the fight in the hope of being able to raise the coveted Race 3 pennant.

This is Tony Peters somewhere in the Agulhas Current off the southern tip of Africa.

1. Douglas, New York 12 November 2007

KEEP IT UP NEW YORK!! If any boat can win a “stare down” it is a boat from New York!!

We are all routing for you!
First to port = first to rest!

Quote for Justyn: “You have attained it! Take my medallion!” (Ace Ventura II)

Best,
Douglas

2. Alida du Preez, Illovo Beach 12 November 2007

I like the style and the humour, of that you will need a lot in this wind, wel that is what you guys need at this stage, and sure geting more than enough. Maybe you should can some of it for later use. LOL Shame man, leave the birds, but thinking of it, you could always roast one and have some chicken in stead of corn beef. Hmmmm..... ja, ja and all of us believe the Captain was very polite. LOL enjoy the trip and have fun. but beware, this is familiar water for Durban 2010, and actually I would love it if they win this leg. Remember there are whales here and unless you do not want to land up like Jona, keep an eye out for them.

3. Caroline Timoney, Portsmouth 12 November 2007

Veronica and all on NY… well done for maintaining the lead.. and good speed for the rest of the way to Durban… Looking forward to seeing you all there on Saturday.
Cx

4. Judith, Surrey 13 November 2007

Brilliant blog Tony. We are with you every second. Keep the enemy behind you. Well done.
Love Judith

5. Mike W, London 13 November 2007

I am happy to hear that bosun Besly is pulling his weight, however if speed is your concern let Besly drive - I’ve been in a car with him. Good sailing and hope you keep the enemy at bay.

6. Jo, London 13 November 2007

Keep taking the pills Tony! Share a few if necessary! Great news - keep it up - rowing my desk madly in the hope it helps! Lots of love Jo x

7. Stephen, London, UK 13 November 2007

Win it!
BW
S

8. Sarah, Liverpool 14 November 2007

wooo hooo come on New York...fight that enemy at all costs

9. keith, morpeth 14 November 2007

Hi to Rageh and all new yorkers,
You are doing just great - keep it going - I think Tony is probably having too many pills - now we know why he went to sea! Suggest you reduce his intake gradually to avoid any side effects we do not want him to have a humour-ectomy, his blog was a good read.
Have a fast finish and a good rest in Durban

10. Ben, London 15 November 2007

Go V - New York leading the pack as they close on Durban. Although worryingly if you view the real time interactive race there is no sign of New York. Hope it’s warmer than it is here.

11. Robert & Anne, Durham 15 November 2007

Come on New York - Second is first looser !!!!!

12. Shazzy, deskbound, Kingston UK 15 November 2007

Come on New York ... keep ahead ... the beers are waiting - wouldn’t it be great to pass a couple of cases from the jetty to the H&H;yacht ... and the Glasgow yacht ... and the Liverpool yacht ... and ... and ...

By the way - does anyone know what is happening about H&H;’s little detour at the beginning of the race with their injured crew member? Is this going to have a bearing on the positions?

Anyway - if you’re reading this you’ve finished (and hopefully showered!). Well done ... another leg underyour belt you RTW’s.

Shazzy xxx

13. Kym Troyer, La Grande Oregon 15 November 2007

Gary I hear that plastic spoons work in a pinch for slinging corned beef, shall I send some ? Enjoy Durban if you can pull yourself away from that sewing machine

14. Pam Young, Liverpool 15 November 2007

Won’t be able to go to bed till the next positions come in. Hopefully you’ll be home and dry
by then. Fantastic performance, well done. Pam x

15. Jo, London 16 November 2007

Congratulations - great/sensational/fantastic finish - what a team! Over the moon with delight - loads of cold beers for all of you. LOL Jo xxxxxx

16. Adrian, New York 18 November 2007

Go Justyn!

Ann & Adrian.

17. Derek Stuart, Berkshire 25 November 2007

Great blog Tony! Think you’ve found a new career out there! Who would want to come back to the Ambulance Service after this experience! We’re all following your trip - good luck with the next stage.

Derek

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