Crew Blog

Howaaaaard?

02 October 2007

Every day before lunch, two people are pulled out of the rotating watch system to be the “Mother Watch,” those responsible for preparing the next three meals and cleaning the boat below decks until the next mother watch takes over 24 hours later. It is perhaps the hardest job onboard, for the conditions in the galley can be demanding when the sea is rough. Pots and dishes that wander back and forth with each roll, and in handling our own personal ability to stomach the gas smell, the heat, the motion, and the challenges of cooking for 17 people.

One of the few delights of mother watch (the primary one being the right to a brief shower at the end of one’s watch) is Howard, who we’ve termed “the Mother of all Mothers.” A businessman by trade, he nevertheless astounds us with his epicurean skills in his input to our original menu selection back on land and, now that we’re at sea, he continues to make a huge difference in his culinary organization and a consistent willingness to assist any mother in need. Perhaps the commonest sound to escape the galley is a meek and plaintive, “Howaaaaaard?”

More often than not he is found with a hot drink in each hand on his way to a pair of tired and thirsty crew members, or emerging from the galley with a tray of satisfying snacks miraculously culled from what anyone else would have thrown overboard as waste or useless.

This crew holds a mixture of Howard-like people, each with their own particular ability in some useful skill. As we are driven by our stomachs as much as by the wind, however, Howard is worth a special note.

Timothy Ettridge

1. Sally Nettleton, London 02 October 2007

Oh gosh I think this may all go to his head.....but yes being the usual consumer of the Howard food extravaganza’s back home I really am finding mealtimes mighty dull.
Guess it will be a challenge for him now with only the non fresh left..........Sail happy.
LOL sally x x x x

2. Jim Crooks, Hants UK 02 October 2007

Nice one Timothy. Well done Howard I had no idea about this hidden talent. Hello team - keep up the great work. We are rooting for you and obsessed with the six hourly updates, and behind you every step of the way. Weather a bit cold here as it gets hotter for you. Hope you dont have to spend too long in the doldrums car park. All the best to you all I’m proud of you. Jim

3. Jo Nettleton, london 02 October 2007

Don’t get too used to our Howard - the stomachs of South West London want him back, and soon !
Glad you guys are having fun and good on you for what you’ve achieved so far. Keep up the good work x x

4. Roger & Tina Leonard, Derbyshire 02 October 2007

We’ve known Howard for years and feel quite envious of your meals and snacks! We watched you all leave Liverpool and log in every night to see the latest positions.
Have lots and lots of fun and Howard don’t forget the salmon pinks!!
Go U.S. go
Luv R T G & P

5. Spoons, UK 02 October 2007

How, Great to hear you are contributing to the mother ship. I would expect nothing less. Looking forward to all the stories and may the Singapore team get a fair wind! Thinking of you

Spoonsx

6. Vicky Armory, Brighton 02 October 2007

Well done dad (Howard) enjoy your moment of fame.

Love

Vicks and Micky

7. anne marriner, broadstairs 02 October 2007

Hi Angie, dad and I are following you all the way. Keep up the good workand keep posting yhe 6 hours update. they are great. mum and dad.

8. laura, leeds...too far away 02 October 2007

this is very true, i can imagine my dad being an excellent mother… never thought i’d say that! love you and miss you loads, so proud of you xxx lou xxx

9. Pate Thomson, USA 03 October 2007

We are following your exploits with no small amount of envy. Expecting the lead boats to sail into a hole and uniquely Singapore to soon emerge as leader.
Special greetings to Bob Stephens.
It Sounds like you have the essential crewman in Howard.
Good luck.
Pate and Judy

10. Rod, Chester 03 October 2007

We thought you could only cook in a big kitchen Howard!
US Crew, methinks you have been eating too much of this extravaganza and you have slipped down a peg or two.
Joking apart, you all sound a great team and we are all behind you.
Go Singapore Go

Rod and Pam xxx

11. Julie Gibson, London 03 October 2007

...very pleased to hear you are not letting the side down Howard...! Your new name is spot on! Great being able to keep track of your progress - keep it up team - we’re all rooting for you! Jules

12. Sarah, Edinburgh 03 October 2007

Keep up the good food, good fun and good sailing chaps. Hope you have found some wind. There’s plenty in Edinburgh I will send some your way. Stay safe. Sarahx

13. Andy Broadwood, Chester 03 October 2007

Wow Howard it sounds like your as popular on sea as you are on land!!!
Well done mate keep it up. - Andy

14. jackie fleming, 03 October 2007

Hi michelle faneran,
Hi. am absolutlely useless with info re your married name but know your husband is Joe.

Really proud of you. Was great seeing you leave Liverpool. Have lost your blog site address of course as i am absolutely useless. Pete will confirm this of course! Take Care. Enjoy yourself. Will try to contact Ged and Joan as they are good at the communication thing.

Love Jackie Fleming

15. Tricky Nicky, Stevenage 04 October 2007

Hi Spanna,
Watching your moves all the way… it’s quite exciting, particularly from the safety of my desk, even Curly’s not frightened just viewing it on the screen! It was great to see the pics over the last few days.
Just received your Great Run entry bumph sent on by your Mum. Mark promises to set a good time for you!
Take care,
lots of love
Tricky & Curly
xxx

16. rupert bassett, llandysul 05 October 2007

howard / really enjoying the show / it’s better than television / like a soap opera with sport and cooking / especially looking forward to when you start voting each other out…

17. Jon Dicky Wiese, Western Australia 05 October 2007

Asold Captain Drumstick would say, nice one Director. What did i say before about eating well, you actually seem to created a bit of a fuss ,anyway i would go for a bit wider brim as it warms up ,we dont wont a burnt cook. I think maybe even old Drumstick might put on a bit of weight before you get to Brazil . hello Jim , I bet you would like to be there, Happy sailing & standing bye Dicky & Co.

18. Sandra & Brian, Calpe Spain 05 October 2007

Proud to have you as big brother, Howard. We are keeping an eye on you from an internet cafe in Calpe. Great to hear you are all well. A great thrill seeing you off from Liverpool. Enjoy & remember every moment. We envy you sailing alongside the dolphins. Take care. All our love Sandra & Brian

19. Ian Forshew, London 05 October 2007

Hi Anna,
Great to see the pictures - even better to see that you now know how to use a needle and thread!
Looks like Uniquely S is back ‘in the groove’.
Keep smiling.

Love Ma and Pa xxx

20. Jamie, Satellite Beach, Florida 06 October 2007

Hey Timothy!! We have a condo! Today we installed this incredibly beautiful travertine floor in the bathroom...you’re gonna love it.

Love and miss you, James

21. Eric, Berkeley 06 October 2007

Good to hear that everyone’s keeping well nourished. Time for a winger, pops! Go find the magic wind. Good luck.

- Eric.

22. Trixie, Coventry, UK 06 October 2007

Hope everyone now has their stomachs under control after the bumpy first leg. Watch out for flying fish. Love Trixie xxx

23. Julie Turnbull, County Durham 07 October 2007

Hi Angie, We’re behind you all the way. Diane sent us a route map so we are follow you more closely, it’s great! Have fun and keep going!
Luv Julie and the gang. xx

24. Hannah, wirksworth 07 October 2007

WOW daddy i’m so proud of you!!!!!! your a huge inspiration and i’m glad you staying true to the kitchen. LOVE YOU and MISS YOU xxxxxxxxxxxx

25. Doug and Jeannie, carlsbad, CA 08 October 2007

Bob Stephens:
It looks like the boats are closely clustered. We are expecting you to some how find the magic and break out from the pack. You are still our hero!! Good luck and fast sailing Uniquely Singapore. Doug and Jeannie

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