Crew Blog

Snakes and Ladders

06 February 2008

New York's off watch crew get some sleep

So far in Race 6 we have covered around 1400 miles and have a further 1300 perhaps, but it is still agonising to see that you have slipped 1 mile behind the Clipper in front when the 6 hourly race report is received. This morning Singapore appeared on the horizon, tacked and sat some 500 yards directly behind us. Some banter across the VHF was exchanged as we warned them not to use their water maker if they were to insist on getting so close as we were in the middle of a watch change and the heads were being used quite heavily. This, especially in light fluky winds, piles pressure on for the helmsman to not screw things up. As if it wasn’t bad enough with helming criteria of ‘point higher, go faster’ two instructions that are inversely proportional to one another when beating into the wind, leaves the poor person on the wheel with a migraine at the end of their stint.

We are now well into the South China Sea and looking at the chart it feels more like a game of snakes and ladders. To find yourself in a patch of poor wind whilst the rest of the fleet enjoy good speeds can be frustrating to say the least. Whoever is rolling the dice for New York – we need some Ladders!

On the other hand it does give you the opportunity to enjoy things like Shrove Tuesday. Pancakes in the afternoon in the South China Sea seemed like the right thing to do when you’re down on your luck. Thanks Veronica.

This has taken a while to write and in that time the wind has picked up, sail plan has changed and we have jumped on a ladder that will hopefully change our fortunes however, not quite so for Paul whom, whilst on deck, was hit in the face by a rogue flying fish. A very Monty Python moment. Don’t worry, the fish is doing fine.

New race report in and things are indeed more positive we just need to keep this push going. Hold tight - it’s getting breezy.

Mike Cowler

1. Lloyd & Val K-L, Scarborough, Queensland 07 February 2008

Keep clawing them back triple “B”!!

2. Big Al, Kettering 08 February 2008

This morning reads better,up to 4th just 34 miles behind Jamaica. Nicely placed for a big finish. So keep up the good work. Is that Keith in the bottom bunk in the photo. One for the family album there mate!

3. Nick Higgins, London 08 February 2008

Justyn Comer (Josh),
Well done, keep at it. Very impressive.

P.S. I have just had the birth of my son, Max. He is looking forward to meeting you.

Nick Higgins

4. GEOFF & JEANTYO, hertford uk 08 February 2008

Nice blog Mike,keep up the good work, best regards to Duggie and all the crew it was great to meet you all in Singapore at Kepple Bay Marina, what a great send off, we are following the fleets every move.To all aboard keep safe and have a great sail.

5. Susie Jackson, London 08 February 2008

We’re trying to roll as many double sixes here as possible to send you up those ladders New York! Great blog Cowler. You’re all doing a fantastic job and it’s been brilliant to see your recent progress. Gone are the early nights, as it’s bed after the midnight reports again! Hope you all keep as warm as possible and safe during the remainder of your journey into Qingdao. Keep pointing higher and going faster, it’s working!! Sx

6. Steve Hart, southern california 08 February 2008

Gary,
You’re gaining on them! Keep up the good work.(thanks Linda!)

7. michael davison, england 08 February 2008

I’ll have a word with the dice man (luke rhinehart) see if he can roll some good dice your way...your position is change by the hours,looks like its gonna be a close one...again..
Stay safe to all onboard and good sailing.
love you sarah.xx

8. Lindsey Barry, Sutton Coldfield 09 February 2008

Up to third position today, New York there will be no stopping you now. You must be finding all the ladders and avoiding those snakes! Keep safe, sail fast and show them all what we all know , N.Y. is the one and only! Love to Trev and best wishes to all New Yorkers.
Love Lindsey xx

9. James & Denise Archbold, Dublin Ireland 09 February 2008

Saturday evening and we have just had a day of sunshine - unheard of at this time of the year. So here’s hoping the north wind eases off for you. Everything to play very close group following your route with great anticipation every evening. Good Luck to Trevor and all the crew - safe sailing

10. Big Al, Kettering 09 February 2008

Saturday evening and your up to third just 22 miles astern of Jamaica. Good position for the last few days racing on this leg. Don’t let it slide now.

11. James Barry and Stephanie Richards, Selly Park Birmingham 10 February 2008

Go New York, only 1 mile behind keep pushing and safe sailing to all. our support to the team and Trevor, hope to see you soon keep going

12. Lindsey Barry, Sutton Coldfield 11 February 2008

Woo hoo, I go to bed happy tonight , NY leaders by 9 miles! This race is ruling my life, up early in the morning and late to bed at night, just to get the latest positions but I love it. New York you are the best, go for it.
Love Lindsey x

13. Jo, London 11 February 2008

Wow - in second position this morning - great work - really, really exciting! Well done and keep it up - LoL Jo xxx

Page 1 of 1 pages