Crew Blog

Hello from the Bahamas…

30 May 2008

New York have a great view of the Le Mans restart line up in Race 11 from Jamaica to New York

...or somewhere vaguely near them. A stopover in Nassau would have been very nice but you don’t really have the time on a race. We left Jamaica on Saturday after a great reception there but due to light winds and to help stick to schedule we motored up to the north of Cuba for a Le Mans start. Well that was a new one to me but we seemed to do well. Since then the new crew – Sharon and Mike (both returners or should I say gluttons for punishment) Ben, Mark and I have rediscovered the joys of living at a 45 degree angle. No major bruises yet, touch wood but plenty of minor ones.
Seasickness has hit a few of us but not too hard and everyone seems to be getting over it now.

So here we are with the RTWers on their homeward leg still having to show us the ropes - and believe me there are plenty of those around! They’ve even sneaked a few extras on board since training. We are currently lying fourth but hoping to move up obviously as we still have about four days sailing to New York. The intense heat of the Caribbean has abated and temperatures are getting a little more comfortable although the Gulf Stream waters washing over the decks are still like a warm bath. A swim would be good!

We get to visit some great places on this leg. After the Big Apple it’s on to Halifax and Sydney – that’s Nova Scotia not Australia, then Cork before the final race to Liverpool but having only just come aboard that seems a long way off yet.

Happy 18th birthday Sarah Young for Friday.
Pam x

1. Susie Jackson, London 30 May 2008

Ah ha, you’re back New York! Good to hear you’ve all settled in and clearly working well together. Watching avidly for that next 1st place! Come on Captain Cowler, don’t disappoint! Lacking in wind? All I can say is it’s time to present your 10 bean casserole!! Good luck guys. Sx

2. Joanna, Jamaica 30 May 2008

Pam - you are in first place and with the news that the race will be called in the next few hours, please stay there! Keep wiggling that stern at the rest of them!!! Podium essential! Still not quite used to dry land and rowing furiously all the way! LOL Jo xxxxxx

3. eileen moore, West Midlands England 30 May 2008

Come on Duggie and crew - you are so close to getting the lead on H&H;. Glad I’m not there tho’ - light winds drive me crazy. Enjoy the big apple - its one of my fave places. Enjoy the free lunch (dinner?) Jo was arranging for you as she left Santa Cruz and, hopefully, see you in Cork. Eileenxx

4. Margaret, Kingston upon Thames 31 May 2008

Wonderful news. Congratulations to all the team and skipper. A double cause for celebration, not only winning, but also because this is your home port race. Enjoy whatever hospitality the wonderful city of New York has ready for you. You have truly earned it. Margaret

5. Amanda Tusler, Godalming Surrey U.K 31 May 2008

To Judith, Skipper and all the crew FANTASTIC AMAZING brilliantly done only the second team in the history of the race to beat the “ home port curse “ wow you willl have such a buzz sailing into New York . You are top of the board keep up the good work and lead all the way to Liverpool. Best wishes Amanda

6. Jo, Jamaica/London 31 May 2008

You won! YIPPPPEEEE!

Well done and great news to travel home with - have fun and loads of beers, celebrations and of course, fresh fruit when you arrive. LOL Jo xxxx

7. Margaret, Kingston upon Thames 01 June 2008

Once again, congratulations to every crew member, especially to Captain Gillespie.
Margaret

8. Linda, Bainbridge Island, WA 01 June 2008

Way to go New York! Gary always said it is about the adventure and not the race but I am sure glad you won going into New York! That was the race to win. Congratulations to all of you on New York. Special hello to Gary! Love ya,
Linda

9. John Young, Liverpool 01 June 2008

Congratulations to all! Fantastic achievement. Good luck on the next leg!

10. Mira Al-Momani, london 02 June 2008

Hi!!!

I hope everyone on board is having loads of fun and enjoying themselves!
Just so you know mum we are all doing fine back here and are managing to cope with the washing! (Nothings been shrunk YET)

I went into the washing room and dad had the dryer on

1) The wrong setting
and
2) He had dried a pair of JEANS

He is so silly!

anyway dad had loads of fun on his birthday and he loved his presents!!!

Loads of love Mira

11. Brod, Herefordshire 02 June 2008

Congrats! Well done Nog and the rest of the crew. You have clealry all pulled together under Duggie to win again. Here’s to the next leg and another top podium place, when the “Corks” will really pop. Good luck to all. Brod

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