Crew Blog

Yeehaas to California

16 April 2008

Nova Scotia's Susan Winnitoy helming yeeha-style

Day 11 of Race 8 finds Nova Scotia with only some 150 nautical miles to the finish in a glorious and well-earned first-place position.

To motivate and encourage our helmspersons, we have resurrected the Yeehaa system that was so popular and effective in Leg 1. Here’s how it works: The boat is driven to pre-set and agreed speed parameters known as the Yeehaa Threshold and the Rubbish Barrier. If the driver exceeds the threshold, he/she yells out the speed, the watch shouts “Yeehaa,” and the person closest to the binnacle (usually tending the main sheet) grabs the reins set there and shakes them (as on a galloping horse) and sings out the tune to “Bonanza,” as in “DULONG, DULONG, DULONG.TA DA”. Those that fall below the Rubbish Barrier are banished from the wheel, perhaps for life!

All Yeehaas are sanctioned by the International Yeehaa Committee, based in Geneva. Paul MacGillivary, our onboard IYC Rep, is authorized to grant Yeehaas in situ, but the appropriate Y-form must be submitted to the IYC for their review and approval. All approved Yeehaa recipients receive a certificate suitable for framing and display in a prominent location in their home or workplace.

No doubt the Yeehaa System is the secret to our current position.

Roll on California! YEEHAA!!!

Maria & Paul

1. Ingrid Kane, Chichester 16 April 2008

Congratulations to all of you. What a fantastic result for the team. Enjoy the celebrations! Have fun. Ingrid x

2. Katharine King, Suffolk, England 16 April 2008

Yeehaa indeed! We couldn’t concentrate on work all morning, waiting for The Result - another penant - fantastic! Shame Singapore thought of the northerly track too - but it’s really nice to see a couple of new crews on top! Great tactics, and a huge team effort - well done!

3. John H Fraser, Sydney Marine Terminal 17 April 2008

Great Job Beer is in the Green Room at the Sydney Marine Terminal getting chilled. Should be well chilled when you arrive on 13 June. I am now adding Pizza to the treat.

Keep up the great work we are all gunning for you and the crew to continue with your great showing on behalf of our Province.

John H Fraser

4. Amarie Bergman, Vancouver 17 April 2008

How very exhilarating! Congratulations with love to all, especially Paul ... keep on implementing that dashingly inventive Yeehaa System!
Amarie

5. Arthur & Lesley McInally, Southampton 17 April 2008

Well done Nova Scotia brilliant result it was nail biting for us never mind you. You gave it your all and it paid off. If someone is close to hand pat Robert on the back from his Mum & Dad. See you all in NY.

6. Thomas Hayes, Bristol, UK 17 April 2008

Hello Brendon and well done Nova Scotia! Great result! Shame you got pipped to the post but its still a great finish. Hope the shoulder is improving. Have fun celebrating and I’ll see you sometime soon before you’re off again!

7. Bob & Kim Sherwood, England 18 April 2008

Congratulations. Fantastic result. Keep up the good work. Have a great time. xx

8. Janice, Victoria, BC 19 April 2008

Congrats to everyone on Nova Scotia.
You all worked so hard to get that finish. It is wonderful to see you on the podium.
See you all in Jamaica. Enjoy California - have some FUN!
Janice

9. Roger McSweeney, Bath England 20 April 2008

A brilliant and well deserved result for each and everyone of you. Looking forward to meeting up again in Port Antonio. Roll on!
Roger and Lucy

10. kevin murray, Vancouver B C 21 April 2008

This message is for Rick Smith. Congratulations on your excellent finish. Rick, we met in Hawaii - you invited my wife Andree and i on board for a tour - which we very much appreciated. We have been following the race since and we’re really excited to see how well you have done. We’ll be watching for the rest of the race. Thanks for the introduction to your excitng adventure. best wishes. Kevin and Andree from Vancouver

11. Ryan, Halifax 22 April 2008

Congratualtions on a well deserved 2nd place finish! You’ve made all of us back in Halifax proud!

12. Claire (original member of the yeeehaa foundation), Hull 24 April 2008

Hello all,

YYYYYYEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAA all the way home boys & girls.

Glad Paul is there still keeping you all on the ball & Lucy will be back soon to keep up the momentum!! Just need to keep going down the final stretch now boys & girls and show the rest of the crews your “mighty fine stern!” - which makes me ponder on our “Shaking your arse moments on Leg1!!!”

Keep smiling, good luck for the next leg & see you all in Liverpool

Claire

13. Peter Appleby, Cornwall, UK 24 April 2008

Well done you bunch of merry sailors. Good to see you beat my turn on board of a respectfull 5th place. Keep it up now. Peter Appleby

14. Mrs Read, Clevedon, N.Som 24 April 2008

Well Done NS, Mel we’re still here enjoying following your adventure. Hope you are all having fun. We know you don’t want to come home but we are very much looking forward to seeing you in Liverpool.

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