Crew Blog

The motion of the ocean

25 April 2008

New York battles for position at the race start in Santa Cruz

UTC 0420 and it’s Friday – Leg 6 Race 9 to Panama. What a brilliant time: the start yesterday was exciting. It’s great to be actually racing – watching from my laptop since September bears little reality – this is fantastic!

The welcome from the crew was superbly matched by the considerable generosity and kindness from the people of Santa Cruz, especially the SC Yacht Club. You have a huge place in our hearts here on New York - thank you all so much for all your support, it was quite overwhelming . The hats and hairbrushes, in particular. We really do hope you will send us loads of messages on the NY blog and the Crew look forward to seeing many of you again when we arrive in our home port, New York.

Settling in is the expected challenge – little space and boy, you get used to the motion of the ocean quickly – however, King Neptune still has surprised up his sleeves! Plastic bags contain all our personal kit and are stuffed into the bunk lockers, oilies are in the wet locker – everything has been stowed away – hopefully, to be found instantly when needed.

Having eaten a pasta special from Nate (great olives), we are enjoying a star studded clear sky, sail changes and constant indoctrination which is focused, everything is about the race, safety and tactics.

We will be at sea for c19 days, in two watches – and the “newbies” are integrating with the experienced old timers, under the constant eye of Skipper, Duggie.

Keep sending your messages – we need them in this mascara free zone – lol from us all - Jo xx

1. Peter and Ionett, Aberaeron 10 May 2008

So glad to read your blog - at last. We have been avidly tracking your progress and that of every other yacht especially Glasgow with Dafydd on board. What a close run finish it was, such a shame Glasgow was out manoeuvred.What a tricky second gate. Well done all of you, we are looking forward to your next race with considerable anticipation. LoL the Lloyd Harveys

2. Pandora, Bournemouth 13 May 2008

Well done team New York i think you all deserve the air conditioned lodgings that await in Panama keep up the great sailing!! Pandora x

3. Judy Barrows, UK 14 May 2008

So glad to know you’re still alive ! Will have the bubbles in the bath and the glass waiting for you when you get home. All well here. K and M are so proud of you. Well done our Kid !! Tons of love ‘The Barrows’

4. Katie Barrows, Oxford 14 May 2008

Keep on going! It sounds like you’re having a “whale” of a time. Go New York. We won’t recognise you when you come home with all this time at sea, you’ll have grown a tail and become a mermaid. Lots of Love, Katie xxxx

5. Phil, My desk - Cheltenham 15 May 2008

...........don’t know what happened to my first message! Warm & sunny greetings from Chelters and great to hear your cheery blog. Keeping up with everything, have you seen the message from Annabel? Am going to sign up myself and lie about my age and everything in fact! I’ll be watching for your bowsprit coming round Lochtyn (ask Peter!). Keeping an eye on the Canal CCTV - lol and stuff Sue & Phil xx

6. Georgi Curtis, Leamington Spa, England 15 May 2008

Hi Jo, great to read your blog thanks to Ionett’s assistance at Mission Control! Hope you have now switched off a bit more from work and life back home. Thinking of you and wishing you lots of thrills on your adventure. Lots of love Georgi and Sean xxxx

7. Annabel Haywood, Pembrokeshire 15 May 2008

Sorry I haven’t responded I just couldn’t find this page! Congratulations and well done to everyone on New York - its an amazing thing you’re doing and I’m full of admiration. A genuine Welsh dragon was bound to do well! Annabel x

8. Aly, Burnham 16 May 2008

Hello poppet -sounds like you are having big fun, well done you and Team New York. Looking forward to having a glass of rum with you and seeing your new hair do, really think the curls suit you! Luv ya - Aly

9. Annabel Haywood, Pembrokeshire 17 May 2008

Good luck for the start of race 10 tomorrow - you surely feel refreshed by 2 nights in the hotel! Will look forward to hearing your cocktail recipe. Back to reality! Go, girl!
Lots of love from us all. A x

10. Annabel Haywood, Pembrokeshire 22 May 2008

Wow that must have been some finish arriving in Jamaica! 1 minute between you and the winner!?! Well done, yet again, hope you have a fabby celebration! Annabelx

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