Crew Blog

The ocean is beckoning

26 November 2007

New York's view of the flotilla in Durban

The morning of the 25th November signalled the end of the fabulous stop over in Durban and the beginning of leg 3 across the Southern Ocean to Fremantle, Australia. The tension had been slowly building over the last few days and there was a degree of relief as the boats slipped their lines and headed out into the harbour.

The crowds that gathered to see the boats leave made it a wonderful spectacle, with a flotilla of around 200 yachts following the Clippers towards the start line.

It was not the best start for NY as we were one of the last boats to cross the line but ground was quickly made up and we were soon in 3rd place as we left the shallows and headed out to sea.

Durban quickly got further and further away and, as we slipped into the watch system. The city eventually disappeared leaving only the open sea ahead of us. With limited wind we have desperately being trying to trim the sails as best as possible to get as much boat speed as we can but as I look to the horizon with the sun low in the sky, I know that this will not last for long as the mighty Southern Ocean beckons us towards it.

Nick Gibbs

1. Linda Purdom, Bainbridge Is., WA USA 26 November 2007

Might not have been the best start but you made up the time lost. Unfortunately, I just read that a crew member got hurt and NY is headed back to Durban. As a wife watching every move NY makes, it is comforting to know that the welfare of the crew is the priority. I send my best wishes for a speedy recovery to Tony and a safe sail to Fremantle. See you all there.
Linda Purdom

2. Sharon Allen, Wokingham, Berkshire 27 November 2007

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Tony, Happy birthday to you. What have you been up to, we are all rooting for you to make a quick recovery. Be careful out there, best wishes for rest of leg. EMCC x x

3. Jack, London 28 November 2007

Hello to everyone on board New York, especially Nick Gibbs!!
Looks like you have had a troubled start, but im sure you’ll catch up the others in no time!!

4. Ann Boyle, Haslemere 29 November 2007

Hi Nicholas, Life on board sounds more eventful in the first 24 hours than you or anyone ever expected. How worrying but well done skipper for getting your crew member back on board so quickly and so relieved that the casualty is safely on land and on his way home ,cross fingers that he can rejoin New York late on in the race. Despite the shock I hope you are enjoying the experience and your trials and tribulations with Bosham Sailing Club in Chichester harbour have helped! Teneya is happily settled with her sister but missing you madly of course, though she loves us as well! Take care and all the best ,the Boyle family will be watching your every move. Love Ann

5. Tom, London 30 November 2007

Hello everyone on board , especially Gibbsy ! Hope all is well buddy and that your enjoying it ! Tom Sexton

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