Crew Blog

News on the crews

26 May 2008

For the last eight and a half months I have been an avid reader of the Clipper blogs and now as the newbie it’s my turn to do the “news on the crews”. We slipped lines at Port Antonio on the 24th at 1200 from our moorings and for 2 hours executed a few tacks to refresh our memories in readiness for a short race around the cans to establish the grid windward positions for the Le Mans start later. (The predicted wind was insufficient to guarantee an on time arrival in New York and so a remedy was to motor out of the wind hole for a fresh start 24 hours later) We all jostled for position and following the traditional countdown the cannon was fired from HMS Cornwal stationed on the start line by the very deserving Mrs Cholerton, ‘The Badgers” mother. A while later positions were determined- Qingdao came 5th and would be place next to Jamaica,(the duty boat for the whole race) At the start for real Qingdao got away to a blistering start and quickly eased her way forward to claim pole position to lead the column between Cuba and Haiti as night fall came. It was made all the more spectacular by the opulescent skies of pinks, blues, greys and greens illuminated by the dry sheet lightning that flashed across the skies. Today, we are still holding our position and have had to make a few sail changes in what are choppy seas which is helping us to focus our minds.
The scene here, gliding and bouncing through the Caribean Sea, is quite a bit different for me than some forty years ago. Today is mine and Liz’s ( known by her grand children as “Billie”) 40th wedding aniversary. As I write this I can recall driving north from Beverly. Yorks. to a little town called Aspatria in Cumberland in a 50s light blue, column change Ford Consul accompanied by my bestman Ron and his wife Jane. We were running late and the tradition of the bride arriving late was nearly broken only for the very late start.
On this Clipper ocassion of Race 11, Qingdao’s fantastic crew skippered by “The Badger” are hoping not to be late but arrive bang on time so I can present my good lady Billie with my 1st place pennant.
Here’s hoping

1. John Bagshaw, Wargrave, Berks, UK 27 May 2008

Great sailing - and I know another ‘newbie’ on board who will be doing everything she can to keep your noses in front - c’mon Abi! Go Qindao!

2. Peter Wigley, Cullompton 27 May 2008

Hello Qingdao from your friends in Devon, glad you are on your way, we have been tracking your position. Congratulations to the blogger on his 40th anniversary, hopefully Billie will remember the day, even though there is a rumour she has fled to France. Hope you are enjoying the Caribbean sunshine. Terrible rain in Devon, however the sheep are still standing.
We have our fingers crossed for your arrival in first place

3. The Halletts, Canada 28 May 2008

Nice one Quingdao. Keep it going and we hope to see you in New York or Halifax. Paul & Sarah.

4. Phil and Nicky Hobbs, Exeter 28 May 2008

So exciting to see you in the lead! Well done to all on board - you’re going great guns. This is the one! Lots of love and be safe.

5. Billie Pearce, Camaret, 28 May 2008

congratulations Qingdao _ all of the Sisterhood in Brittany are cheering you on for a first place in New York. Happy Anniversary to Mole from me. See you in the Big Apple _ cant wait Billie xx (and LizC, Jane, Viv)

6. The Badger's Mum & Dad, Ardleigh,Essex 31 May 2008

Congratulations Billie and Mole, we beat you by almost a year.4th.again Lady Qing, never mind,keep safe and enjoy. Best wishes to all from the Ace starting- gun firer!

7. Debs Smales, Hull, East Yorkshire 01 June 2008

Best wishes for your safe arrival in New York. Another crew party to look forward to! Make it a good one. Wish I could be there with you to celebrate but will raise a glass from Hull. Have fun.

8. Vancouver Wedding, 08 June 2008

40th Anniversary already?

9. Ron and Joy, Escondido, CA USA 09 June 2008

Hi Mole - blimey is it 40 years since we raced across Yorkshire. Keep up the great work Qingdao, you’re moving up. I think you’re saving the final race to come first in Liverpool!
Stay safe in those North Atlantic waters - every day we think of you out there . Ron,xJoy

10. Nick and Joyce, Surbiton 14 June 2008

Good luck Qingdao. Keep up the good work. Mole look forward to seeing you and Liz en route home from Cornwall at the end of August. All the Best - Nick and Joyce.

11. Jane & Peter, Surrey 16 June 2008

Well done Mole - don’t fall overboard! We are keeping an eye on you from Surrey now....

12. Peter Wigley, Devon 17 June 2008

Greetings Qingdao
Cullompton calling, still tracking your position all have fingers crossed for the winners pennant this time. Keep an eye out for icebergs. I know from insider knowledge that if a volunteer is needed to climb the mast and act as an iceberg lookout Mole is your man. He has had special training and would be ideal for the job?
Keep safe.

13. Liz Pearce, Cullompton, Devon 17 June 2008

You’re in the lead - Go Qingdao!
Watching local BBC news every evening to catch an update on the fleet from a local reporter. Pity he’s not on your boat but sometimes we get a glimpse of Qingdao and cheer! With you all the way. Watch out for the growlers
Take care and all of you come back safe . Billie x

14. Jane and Jack, Solana Beach CaliforniaUSAW 17 June 2008

Hi Mole Darling. My favourite brother and friend for 50 years is doing fantastic! Well done crew of Quingdoa and in the lead! Congratulations on your Anniversary Mole and Liz, Love Jane and Jack xx

15. Malc and Marleny Watson, Bournemouth 22 June 2008

Hello Qingdao! Here we are in Devon - and catching up on your progress. We’ve moved the sheep and counted them in. Managed to keep the ram separate. Good luck with the rest of the race across the Atlantic.
Malc and Marleny xx

16. Liz Cole, Devon 26 June 2008

Hello Qingdao
See you`ve been in the lead`til now, absolutely brilliant!
Just read the blog of how your crew member`s life jacket inflated `cos so much water over the bow ....wow what will you do next ??Cully will seem very tame !
Take care all of you
Clarky plus 3 stone !!!XXX

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