Crew Blog

Change in weather and fortures

11 October 2007

October 10, 2007

Well, we have had a lot of change in the weather and our fortunes in the last 24 hours. What started out as a fine day with clear, sunny skies, a Force 3 breeze blowing out of the NE, in close contact with Durban and a 150+ mile lead on Glasgow, all ended at about 1200 hours when we well and truly entered the Doldrums. In an area that was predicted to have 10 to 12 knots of wind, we had none. At the time we had been moving along under spinnaker, and we tried to keep ghosting along with this, but after having carried out two 360-degree turns trying to fill it, we finally took down the kite and hanked on the No. 1 Yankee instead.

As the afternoon wore on (and the temperatures inside and outside the boat rose to 35+ degrees), we also tried the Wind seeker as well, all to no avail. A squall appeared on the horizon, headed in our direction, but we never realized the much-hoped-for wind energy from this, as we managed to out drift the storm. Other squalls appeared in the early evening, and we continued to wriggle our way towards these, with much tacking. Finally, we got in under one that provided the wind energy we needed and a cooling heavy rain as well.

We moved off towards the next cloud at a great rate of knots, only to lose the wind a few minutes later, or have it clock around to crazy and useless angles. Skipper Rob, who had been up continuously for many hours, was getting very frustrated. During the night, he pushed both watches to the max with many head sail changes, tacking, reefs in and out, with the same go-go-stop pattern being repeated over and over.

This morning found us under grey skies and heavy rain and 27 miles behind Durban with Glasgow 90 miles closer. But the wind is steadier and stronger! And so Skipper Rob barks the orders, the watches work harder, and the pursuit of Durban is on.

GO NOVA SCOTIA GO!!!

1. Steve McInally, Southampton 11 October 2007

Come on guys I know how frustrating it must be and how disheartening it might be to see Glasgow catching and Durban getting away but they will have their duldrum times too.....
Keep up the exceptional work................
Steve

2. Geralyn MacDonald, Halifax, Nova Scotia 11 October 2007

Go get’em, so exciting!

3. Kelly, Zenobia Yacht, Monaco 11 October 2007

Go Nova Scotia Go!!! Come on Monkey get that crew working..... wanna see you on the podium!!! xx

4. Len, Chelmsford 11 October 2007

What can one say other than we are rooting for you. We do feel your frustrations but thank goodness not the temperatures you are experiencing.
I now have three weeks holiday booked in Nova Scotia for June; next best thing to being on the boat on Leg7!
Go, Go, Go Sco

5. sue & steve Wilburn, East Yorkshire, England 11 October 2007

COME ON NOVA SCOTIA, YOU CAN DO IT, still a long way to go, and time for you to catch and overtake Durban !! we have faith in you all. No-matter what position you finish we know you have done your best and we are very proud of you . Good Luck Sue & Steve XXXX

6. Douglas Smith, Ancaster, Ontario Canada 11 October 2007

We have been watching you spar with Durban for many days now, Ashley says it time to get Uncle Rick to use the power of the Mouse and overtake Durban so you can be first to hoist a beverage on the Pier in Salvador.

7. Jim & Mildred, Calgary AB CANADA 12 October 2007

Hope you have your instruments back. Speedometer and windshield wipers required. Jack phoned from his road machine to check in on Nova Scotia’s progress. Eugene and Agnes dropping in to check the net daily. Mary Jane heads to her school to check The Team’s location and race standing.
Go Nova Scotia! Keep up the strategy! Land Ahoy! Don’t fall off the world when you cross the equator…
Mildred Jim Kieran Allegra et al..... Oct. 11, 2007

8. Kate Mullineux, Edinburgh 12 October 2007

Sounds as though you’re having an incredibly frustrating time… my thoughts are with you. I have my fingers crossed that the weather settles down v soon and you get that longed for wind - and can begin your chase of Durban! Kate x

9. Shore Crew No. 1, 12 October 2007

Come on guys you can do it x

10. Jim Cronin, Bath,U.K. 12 October 2007

“Carpe Diem. Seize the day, boys and girls, sieze the day. Make your lives extraordinary!”
with apologies to Robin Williams as Mr.Keating in Dead Poets Society (1989)

11. Mary, Southampton 12 October 2007

C’mon Nova Scotia you are doing brilliantly ... dont lose heart we are all rooting for you. I have nearly the whole of Southampton University watching the Race Viewer!!! Get some sleep Bert ... or there will be trouble when you get home ... Mary x

12. Jim & Mildred, Calgary AB CANADA 12 October 2007

Just finished grocery shopping and Eugene keen to check Nova Scotia’s progress hence had to head for computer central at 8 St. address. Viewed photos and info.
GO TEAM GO!
Mildred, Eugene and Agnes as well as everyone else!

13. James Retty, Squamish BC 13 October 2007

Hey Team,

Dave and I made it through a terribly frustrating wind hole on the our race to Maui. Two boats appeared to be catching up to us but they got the windless blues as well. Those who win can suffer the most!! Keep the sail changes smooth, gentle motion on deck, and weight to leward!!!!

McPhee knows what this is all about. Good sailing everyone, keep it up!

14. Dave Bell, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia 13 October 2007

Watching the races with much interest. Got my info on how to take part...perhaps my retirement gift. Go Nova Scotia!!! Do it for all us Bluenosers...and Canada!

15. Landra Smith, Ancaster, ON 13 October 2007

Wow, this is a nail biter from this end, we are all very excited about the prospects of a drink to mark your safe and timely arrival in Salvador, keep the wind in your sails, have fun!

16. sue & steve Wilburn, East Yorkshire, England 14 October 2007

COME ON NOVA SCOTIA, You are closing in on Durban, less than 500 miles to go for that nice cold beer!! All B P Chemicals & Yorkshire Electric are glued to the computer every morning to check your progress and cheer you on, as well as every body in Hornsea and surrounding villages. Safe sailing. Good Luck, GO NOVA SCOTIA GO !!!!! Love Sue, Steve, Angie & Jess XXXX

17. Jim Cronin, Bath,U.K. 14 October 2007

Eleven miles and closing!
Another quote....Heather Small, M People....”......moving on up......!”
Go Nova Scotia!
Jim

18. norman hicks, bures st mary 14 October 2007

Nova Scotia....Just read the midday positions....very tense !! This is the moment to shine. All the trials and joys, the disasters and achievement have built this team for this moment ! Break through the tiredness. Galvanise the team’s growing skills. Chase Durban.. Be Bold...Be Strong...Salvador is beckoning...Fight to the Finish...OVERHAUL DURBAN....AND WIN !!!
We’re with you...Norman and Linda Hicks, Bures St Mary

19. janice, Victoria, BC 14 October 2007

Hi team,
Have been watching your track all week. keep up the great work - you guys have done great. You can still be the first to finish - anything can happen over the next 400 miles!
Ed - i can’t wait to hear from you first hand when you get back to Canada!
I am sailing in a local regatta this w/e at Royal Victoria YC. Got three firsts yesterday - so i am sending some of our luck your way these next few days!
Keep up the great team work,
Janice

20. Debbie, Windsor 14 October 2007

Keep up the good work and thepressure on Durban Nova Scotia you re not far from those cold brazillian beers !!!!

21. Lucy Robinson, Bath 14 October 2007

Go Nova Scotia Go! Signing off now and see you in Salvador, on the podium I am sure. Good luck, best wishes to you all and really well done, Lucy x

22. Lucy Raffety, Bristol 15 October 2007

COME ON NOVA SCOTIA!!!! Keep going! Lots of love from Lucy and Darius (especially to Kate Wyse!! xxx)

23. Moose One, Bristol 15 October 2007

On behalf of Moose everywhere (including Nova Scotia) may I say what a great job you are doing. May the winds be with you. I hope you’re looking after Chocolat!

24. Cheryl & Roger Mendham, Bookham, Surrey 15 October 2007

We are immensly proud of all of you and the monumental efforts you have put into this race. We cannot even begin to imagine the highs and the lows you have been through but you have given us huge pleasure in watching your progress. Enjoy Salvador and we look forward to catching up with you en route to Durban. Go Nova Scotia! Love from the Mendham family.

25. Sigourney, Montreal, PQ, Canada 15 October 2007

Greetings from Montreal Ed!!
Keep up all the good work. You’re almost there!!!