Crew Blog

Having a good time, having a ball

13 January 2008

New York's Trevor makes his offering to Neptune

As a newbie this has been an exhilarating race and experience so far with a hefty climax still to come. Many at home have asked what it’s like and what are you getting out of it. That’s a harder question to answer than expected.

Initially the big excitement was the amazing sights and the completely different scenery of sailing. As we left Fremantle our first sunset was spectacular – vivid reds and golds, it was like molten metal being doused. Amazing. That first night sky when you could see the heavens with clarity like never before – again amazing, a near religious experience. Epiphanies have occurred gazing at those stars. Standing on the bow watching the waves rush towards you as the boat cuts the ocean swell; that first pod of dolphins shadowing the boat or at night when they were only visible by the jet stream of luminescent darting water; passing by Krakatoa and through the straits between Sumatera and Java – again all amazing.

But you know, this is really hard graft. Long hours, limited sleep, sweltering heat, living in really tight proximity with almost no privacy, hoisting and changing sails; it’s all pretty knackering and after a while scenery will only get you so far. So unless there is a whale breaching or Jaws is following the boat, I think I’ll stay in bed and catch those extra five minutes before watch change.

What gets you going then? Well, the race itself. As a crew we all hang doggedly upon the latest schedule numbers to see what the last 6 hrs has brought us and collectively cheer and despair the good and bad results. Every flawless evolution and change keeps us moving and at racing speed. Every delay or screw up detracts. I’d like to say that we’re a well oiled efficient machine, however….well most of the time we are. The last forty wet minutes flaking a sail might say otherwise though. With sailing, luck and weather are big factors and occasionally, no matter how well you sail, it’s in the lap of the weather gods.

So then you need your crew, the guys you share your life with there. The banter and chats that keep you sane. Whether that’s Justyn singing the boat song “Don’t stop me now” as we hank on a sail at midnight in wet and wild conditions with just a hint of sarcasm, “We’re having a good time” uttered through gritted teeth as yet another wave crashes onto us or the running joke of “Help (helm), a ship!” Or the jollies that happened as we crossed the equator at 3am and gave the traditional sacrifices to Neptune – Marmite on toast, grape flavoured squash, chocolate and Coca Cola. Morale is great and we’ve performed well so far this race, looking out for one another all the time. You need to when you spend half your time crawling around the foredeck.

Finally there’s the sailing itself – it gets inside your head. Often you dream of being on deck when you’re still in bunk. Occasionally someone takes it further and shouts out “Hold, Hold, HOLD!” in their sleep waking everyone else. That gets you a lot of ribbing over breakfast, but keeps people smiling all day long.

We race to the finish, we persevere, and with a bit of luck……

Trevor Archbold

1. Annmarie, Kettering 14 January 2008

Thank you Trevor you have answered the ‘why’ for me. Now Bruv, keep going, no relaxing till you drop the anchor in first place! Keep safe all of you

2. Geoff Connolly, UK 14 January 2008

Greta to see New York in the lead: well done.
Looking forward to seeing my daughter Felicity when NY arrives in Singapore; looks like you’ll have plenty of time to prepare for Saturday’s ‘grand entry’ at the new Keppel Marina.
See you then and good luck for the rest of this sector.
GC

3. Lindsey Barry, Sutton Coldfield 14 January 2008

Wow Trev, we are really on the edge of our seats now , you can do it we know you can. New York and all on board you all deserve that first place. Can’t wait till the next update. Love the blog, you can certainly tell the story. Love Lindsey x

4. Barbara Lawry, Grantham, England 14 January 2008

Trevor, a great article - really gives a taster of life on board NY in hot exotic climes.
Keep it up guys, not far to go now and you’ll be first across the line!
Love to Felicity. B and K.

5. Jo, London 14 January 2008

Trevor - it’s 13.31 on 14th January in London - you have 18 miles to go from the 1200 report. It’s very, very exciting - keep going, keep singing, keep smiling and with that luck ..... dare not say it.

The next few hours will be hell waiting for the next report!! LOL to everyone Jo xxxxx

6. Pam Young, Liverpool 14 January 2008

Fantastic result NY. Well done all. love Pam x

7. John Reynolds, london, england 15 January 2008

Very many congrats on winning the leg New York. I look forward to details, Justyn. Long time no update. I’ve enjoyed monitoring you on the website and would love to have the inside track of how you pulled ahead over the past few days. Happily, proudly, enviously yours, John

8. Jo, London 15 January 2008

Hell it was - the pure Heaven of the result! Thank goodness for text messages!

Well done all. Hopefully, really cold beers and a huge warm welcome. Just brilliant - LOL Jo xxxx

9. MikeB, UK 15 January 2008

Well done New York,
You are doing a grand job. Keep up the momentum.
Have a great time in Singapore.
Regards
MikeB (2005/6 New York Crew)

10. Big Al, Kettering 15 January 2008

Well done Keith and the rest of the crew. To the victors the glory, enjoy it. Have a rest and the same again next time please.

11. Linda Purdom, Bainbridge Is., WA USA 15 January 2008

Well done NY. I had no doubts! After meeting some of you in Australia I can now have a face with a name. I wish you all the best and keep working as a team. It seems to work! The very best to Gary...love you honey. Linda

12. James & Denise Archbold, Dublin Ireland 15 January 2008

Hi Trevor

Well done to you and all the crew. You must be “high” as a kite. What a great achievement for you and all your team mates. Articles were very informative and made great reading - felt we were with you in spirit all the way.

Talk to you soon Trevor.

Love Mum, Dad and expecially a special hug from Martin

13. tomas tom tomson, england 16 January 2008

this team aint as good as arsenal we da best homeys!!! plus u dun good and liverpool suck yeahhh!!!!!!!

14. A.J., Singapore 18 January 2008

Looking forward for your arrival in Singapore! I am 11 years old and from the US. i am cheering you on and look at your website before I do my homework. I live by the marina...so am excited for you to arrive tomorrow!

15. carmel Coyle, Didcot 18 January 2008

From Carmel Coyle Brilliant piece of writing Trevor-glad there have been epiphanies and I’m sure there will be more. Killian is glued to the site every day. You’re his hero and we have a 5 yr old Clipper wannabe!! Enjoy the triumph and Godspeed for the rest of the race. t

16. Margaret murphy, LIVERPOOL 21 January 2008

Well done to all on the the New York. A fine voice Justyn dont stop me now.

We are keeping close tabs on you both

WATCH OUT FOR LIVERPOOL WE ARE OUT TO WIN .
Margaret Ken
LIVERPOOL

17. Helen, St. Helens 23 January 2008

Hi Trevor

Congratulations on the win!

Hope you are having fun.

Take care

Helen

18. Katy, Northampton 24 January 2008

Hey Trev,

Great article - could really picture everything you were describing - especially the night skys - I get lost looking up at the stars on a clear night so it sound incredible!

Keep having a great time, keep safe, and good luck for the next race.

Katy x

19. Damian Lopez, Today in Morelia, Mexico, tomorrow, who knows! 25 January 2008

Yo Trev!

No matter you win or not this race, for sure this is a life experience that you will never forget...you’ll be back being another person and that’s the trick! I still can’t believe you are doing that little crazy thing...as I am cycling the Americas! Who would have thought about it back in Liverpool where we met 8 years ago??

Keep on going! Squeeze it! Enjoy it! Live it!!!

Hugs from Mexico!

Jamerboi

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