Crew Blog

New York’s Race Start - 16 September 2007

18 September 2007

Finally the day of the start of the race had come around. For many this was after months and even years of planning. Emotional farewells were said. Friends, family and crewmembers on later legs waved us off from Albert Dock as each boat paraded around to her boat song. We felt proud to be part of the Clipper fleet as we waved to the many citizens of Liverpool whom had come to see us off.

The wind picked up as we ventured out into the Mersey. Our sail plan was decided and we prepared for the race. Problems were immediately discovered as we attempted to reef the mainsail. There was no choice other than to overcome these with hurried improvised solutions as within moments the race was underway!

It was exciting to be so close to the other boats as we raced up and down the Mersey, particularly as we rounded the final mark with all the Clippers vying for the prime spot for the run down to France.

The time had come to say farewell to our fine host city of Liverpool, each boat looking forward to the many thrilling adventures in store before our return next July.

1. Layla Al-Momani, London 18 September 2007

HEEEEEEEEEEEEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am Sharon Al-Momani’s 12 year old daughter (the crazy lady that climbed up the mast and waved pom poms around). I would just like to say how pproud of her i am and that i miss her soooooooooooo much and i hope she is enjoying her time with Jerry and the crew.

I am missing you loads mumsy wumsy and can’t wait for you to be back.

Good luck to the rest of the crew…

LAYLA
XXXXXX

2. Hana, London 18 September 2007

I just wanted to say good luck to the whole New York crew. Mum we saw Hen on the train coming back to London! e-mail soon, evryone sends their best regards.

Nice helming! But you need to get back up to 2nd or even 1st place!!

3. Brian Luster, Brooklyn, NY, USA 18 September 2007

I was the only New Yorker on New York Clipper in the last go-round. I’ll be watching the successes (I know there’ll be many) of the current crew. Looking forward to cheering you across the line in New York, in first place. Sail fast; sail safe.

4. hen southby, 19 September 2007

I hope Jerry’s feet aren’t too pungent yet, am so jealous of you guys and checking the website far too regularly for my health see you all in Salvador
x x x x x x xx x hen

5. Linda Purdom, Bainbridge Is., WA USA 20 September 2007

Been keeping track of New York for this whole first leg. My husband, Gary, is on NY for the long haul. My friend’s 1st grader brought info on the Clipper Yacht Race to share with her class. Of course, NY is her favorite boat. Keep working to go up the ladder but be safe and have a blast! See you in Fremantle!!

6. Richard Oliver, UK 20 September 2007

Great to see NY off and running. As a several legger last time round I am very enviuos of you all. Good luck and I know you’ll keep up the record of 05-06 or even better if you improve.
Richard

7. tony & norma reynolds, south wales 20 September 2007

Jerry and crew of New York , glad you are in safely , obviously been following your progress on the excellent clipper site ,(well done clipper management !!) At one stage you were right up there ,in light breezes its always a lottery ,remember , one sandwich does’nt make a picnic ! remember the positives from the race and work on your strengths .Sian ,find Daffydd remind him Wales v Japan @ 2000 hrs GMT. tonite ,(must get our priorites right!) Enjoy your night out , you all deserve a run ashore.
tony and norma reynolds

8. MikeB, Stockport 20 September 2007

Well done NYC. We were there to see you off in Liverpool (we were waving the Stars & Stripes from the wall of the Albert Dock!). It was a good opportunity for the 05/06 Crew to get together and support the 07/08 Crew. We will all be watching your progress and sending words of support throughout the Race. Have a fantastic time, learn how the NYC performs as you go and get the most out of the amazing experience you have undertaken. Have a fantastic party in France and Go Go Go to Salvador. MikeB (NYC 05/06 Leg 1 crew).

9. zipper nimrod, israel 22 September 2007

HI NEWYORK CREW.
HOPE YOU LL GET TO THE PODIUM AS MANY TIMES AS POSSIBLE.SAIL SAFELY AND ENJOY YOURSELVES.
I was a crew member on NEW YORK in the last race and it is nice to see that the previous crew support you strongly.Keep well-NIMROD/ISRAEL.

10. Lorna & Jon Darke, Vale of Glamorgan 22 September 2007

Jerry & Crew - New York

Onwards & Upwards - always safely! Good luck for the 2nd leg, will keep close eye on your progress through Clipper site (must get a life!). Love to Sian - family sooo proud! May the winds be with you!.
Jon & Lorna.

11. Daniel & Emma, Cardiff 23 September 2007

Dear Auntie Siany and all the New York crew,

We wish you all our very best wishes as you start your next race later on today.
We are really proud of you and will be watching your progress every day.
Good luck and keep smiling,
lots of love, hugs and kisses from Daniel and Emma XXXXX
P.S Mummy and Daddy send their love too!!!

12. Jo, London 23 September 2007

It’s Sunday morning and I have to confess to being a complete web site junkie this last week. Hope you have had a wonderful time so far. Missing you all - stay safe and aim for that podium - onwards and upwards! LOL X

13. Bego, Lisbon, Portugal 23 September 2007

Cheers to Sharon and the whole NY crew! I don’t know the first thing about sailing but it looks like you guys are having a real thrill. I would love to read more about your exciting adventure, so please, please, keep adding to the blog. The best of luck to you all and a big hug for Sharon. Go girl!

14. Sam & Gerry, Newport, S.Wales, UK 23 September 2007

To Gerry and all the crew, good luck and God Speed for the rest of the trip. To our great friend Sian, we hope you still have plenty of conditioner left, no matter, but with your looks, who cares. We’re keeping tabs on your progress and hope by now you have worked out how to work your camera !! You have at last lit your candle to help you follow your path, and remember -Spiders Rock, big time. Our thoughts and those of everyone you know are with you and we are all singing in unison, to the rafters, “Start speading the news........” keep well and safe, and remember, there’s only 3 trillion NM left to go, and no shops. XXX Sam & Gerry

15. lawrie procter, uk 25 September 2007

Good luck Jerry, remember to try and get a McDonalds map for each stopover port so you can navigate in by way of the Golden Arches!!
Lawrie (SY Communicator - Middle Sea Race 2004)

16. Del, Kefalonia 25 September 2007

Hi Brother!

Really proud of you and wish you and your CREW (Ha ha) all the luck in the world, hope that you win. If you are passing Kefalonia and you have a big enough lead, call in for a drink!

Lots of love Del XX

17. linda, new jersey 25 September 2007

Hey Justyn (and the rest of you....)
all of your sailing and drinking buddies from twin lakes are rooting for you.
Go New York go—you can catch those guys.
Linda

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