Crew Blog

North Atlantic highs and lows

28 September 2007

Hello everybody, New York here, dropping in with the latest from the Atlantic.

The last few days have seen highs and lows in terms of the race having slipped into as high as third spot and for the time being at least, back down the pecking order. On one night we had our heavyweight spinnaker up and were making great progress until we had an interesting broach situation where we lost control of the boat with our rudder out of the water. We had no steerage and were listing heavily on our port bow. Nate though, braved it out and was hoisted up the pole to get the spinnaker down in high winds and treacherous conditions. Afterwards his quote was, “That’s the first time I have prayed outside of church in a long time”.

Since then we have become prolific at putting holes in our spinnaker and likewise Big Bird and Al have become prolific at sewing it back together.

Apart from the sailing we have been keeping ourselves entertained, with our watch leaders leading the way. Justyn and his fantastic library of film quotes has kept our brains ticking over and with Al on mother watch today we have had fresh olive bread, flap jacks, and tonight it’s his signature dish, pasta with pesto. Aidan however is still ruling the roost as “GO” champion, although he did bring the game and no one else really understands the rules.

We now stand 180 nautical miles north of the Island of Madeira and are further west than most of the competition. The plan is for the winds to pick up and to cut them off at the pass so to speak. Next time you here from us we should be somewhere around the Canary Islands. Here’s hoping!

1. Event, London 28 September 2007

With regards to “Go” be advised that I taught Aidan everything he knows

2. Gary and Gail Robb, Boise, ID 29 September 2007

We’re cheering for you! Tell Big Bird “hello” for us!

3. Richard & Pat Leavy, Western Australia 29 September 2007

ALL THE WAY , WA

4. Thirza Dodd, Kefalonia, Greede 29 September 2007

Hi No 1 son, keep at it we’re all with you in Kefalonia as are friends in Amsterdam and all the family in the UK. Lots of love Mum

5. Jo, London 29 September 2007

Well done Nate and thank goodnes you had the team to get you up there and safely back. Keep stitching Gary - have some MS & C to keep your energy levels up. Interesting tactics - keep going! With you all the way. Much love to all Jo x

6. Bob T-D Lees, Bethesda, MD 30 September 2007

Go for it New York!
A big hello to Yankee Dave- hope he is eating better than I am.

7. Class 5W St Mary's Primary, Newport South Wales 01 October 2007

Hi John and all the crew
we here at St. Mary’s in Newport South Wales are following your journey and hope that you are all okay out there in the Atlantic.
The Children have some questions for you and the crew.
They are very interested in what you all eat and drink nad were very surprised to read that you had flapjacks and brownies. They want to know how you cook and eat when the sea is rough.
They also keep asking how much sleep you get and how do you all manage to sleep!!
What is it like being so far from land and is anyone still being sea sick?
Good luck with the rest of your journey. We’ll be watching!!!
Class 5W

8. Nicky Pocock (on behalf of Besly kids), Swindon 01 October 2007

Dear Alistair,

Happy Birthday Dad! Thinking of you and hope you’re having a good day.
Missing you lots… good luck with the race!

love Lucy and Josh xxxx

Happy Birthday Al, love Chris and Nicky x

9. Zeeee, North Wales 02 October 2007

Hi New Yorkers All, Especially Tony Paramedic,
Thinking of you all so much. Take care.
Zeeee

10. Douglas, New York 02 October 2007

Greetings Justyn and the NY Crew:
Keep it up everyone! NY-ers aren’t known for taking it slow! “Quick! take all your change and put it into your left pocket! do it now!”
May you enjoy the ride and have Vayu at your side!
~Douglas, NYC

11. Jennifer Leech, Poole 02 October 2007

Hi Guys,

Shiver me timbers.....sounds like morale is still high - good news. Hope Gerald has changed his socks at least once since you left La Rochelle! Looking forward to hearing all the stories in Salvador. Please let me know if there is anything you would like me to bring from the UK. I leave on the 14th Oct.

See you all soon.

Jenxx

12. Layla Al-Momani, 04 October 2007

Message: HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEY!!!!!!!!!!
Its me again.

By the way just wanted 2 say mum, the white t-shirts have all turned pink
out of the washing, the washing machine broke, so did the dishwasher, the
dog died, we dug up an unexploded bomb in the back garden oh and we forgot
to pay the school fees. but apart from all of those things and a few more,
we’re doing great.

OH YER GOOD LUCK TO THE CREW AND ESPECIALLY NATE WHO ISN’T DOING ANYTHING
IN THE RACE ACCORDING TO HIS PROFILE

LUV U MUMMY WUMMY

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

13. Kim Bignon, Orlando,Florida 05 October 2007

Nate Thompson!!
What in the world are you doing way out there in the middle of the ocean? GOOD FOR YOU! You know I’m all about world travel before college! SO THRILLED FOR YOU! Get that boat on track and in the front of the race! I’m pulling for you and all the crew of The New York! Praying the Lord will blow the winds in your favor soon! Take care and sail on!
Love, Kim B.

14. Sue Bing, Poole, Dorset 05 October 2007

Hi Jerry - Thought we’d have a look and see where you were - mmm come on Jerry we’re rooting for you. Sue & Brian

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