Crew Blog

Off the coast of France - 24 September 2007

25 September 2007

After leaving the wonderful hospitality, food and wine of La Rochelle, we started our journey to Brazil. It was a beautiful day, and we all smiled that Biscay wasn’t living up to its reputation. However by early evening the Yankee 1 gave way to the #2, then one reef, then two reefs, then drop the Yankeee. Biscay lived up to the billing with 30kts on the deck, rain, and very confused seas. She took her toll on crew stomachs. By mid day on Monday, the sun came out and we are cooking along at 11kts. Nova Scotia is close on our stern.

The crew is settling into the watch routine, but the big change is the thrill of racing. We are all pleased that these big boats not only handle the seas well, but are fast. We are all looking forward to the left turn at Cape Finisterre to head south down the Portuguese coast.

I would like to send a special note to all my family, friends, and sailing buddies back in the San Francisco Bay Area, in Portland, and Hood River Oregon. Make sure you keep track of the race an be there when we arrive in Santa Cruz.

Bob Stephens; 24 Sept.07
Clipper, Uniquely Singapore

1. Judith Warman, Aylesbury 25 September 2007

Hi Angie
Just to let you know that Dad’s out of hospital and making a good recovery so all in all nothing for you to worry about. Enjoy yourself and get a move on!
Love Jude

2. Annette Pursey, Buckingham 25 September 2007

Wow Bob, sounds great! Thanks for letting Daniel use your phone and 5 star luxury shower in La Rochelle. You have really inspired my dad as a man of senior years himself - you give us all hope! Quite fancy doing it myself, until someone mentions sea sickness!!!

3. Mark Newman, Burnham-on-Sea 25 September 2007

Please pass on to Mark, your skipper, who comes from Burnham-on-Sea, that the town is eagerly watching his progress!

The town website’s just run a feature about him: http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/news/2007/mark-preedy-23-09-07.shtml

4. j r ford, manchester 25 September 2007

Bob a excellent blog, albeit I got sea sick halfway thru,
Looks as if you all had a great time in La Rochelle and brought back up the memories and delights in the Bay of Biscay, excuse the pun)
I sent a comment to my son John this morning which was put last on the previous blog so I would like to repeat it,to ensure you pass the message onto our son,
John- In fifth place this morning, you and all the crew are doing brilliantly. Would you however hurry along, and arrive before your ETA date of the 16th October, as this morning I’ve received your credit card bill that needs paying by you by the 18th October, to assist perhaps you could engage the underwater submarine that appears to be pulling the Hull and Humber along !!! Mum and Dad xxx
To all keep safe, keep smiling, and enjoy the experience.
Bob - you are now responsible in ensuring John gets our message. Pleased to note Angie’s
dad is recovering.

5. Sally Mears, London 25 September 2007

Well done Singers!
Keep up the good work - & enjoy!

6. Shari, walnut creek, CA 25 September 2007

Go Dad! Sending you hugs and love from California!!! We’re going to Santa Cruz this weekend, we’ll be thinking of you sailing into port in many months. Hard to believe how long you journey will be! The kids and I are very excited and proud of you. We’ll share a long distance moment of silence, laughter, tears, and love and most of all wonderful memories this friday (sept 28)....lots of love, Shari

7. Jamie, Satellite Beach, Florida 25 September 2007

Just saw the photo Timothy and I’m sooo jealous. I wish I was there with you!! (although it sounds like I would have been doubled over the side of the boat much of the time Miss you already! James

8. Mark's uncle Terry, Barking Essex 25 September 2007

Go Mark. Keep it up, you’re steaming.

9. Peter McMillan, Tillicoultry 25 September 2007

Bob, will you pass this message to Graham. Thanks.

Graham,Stavros Niarchos wants you to do 9 days So’ton to La Coruna in November. Shall I tell them you’re busy? Peter

10. Eric, Berkeley 25 September 2007

More love and hugs from California! I guess it’s a bit different than racing on the Bay - hard to steal each other’s wind when you’re miles apart. I’ll be waiting for the photo-finish though.

Be strong, and have some great moments out there. We’ll be thinking about you.

11. Mark Lomas, Cheriton Fitzpaine Devon 26 September 2007

Hey Phil

Radio Devon called and wanted to know why you have not been phoning in to their general knowledge quiz. I think they are worried that they now only have one listener!

Seriously chum, I hope you are keeping well and are thoroughly enjoying it.

All the best to you and the rest of the Crew. Go Singapore Go!

Mark

12. Lisa Stephens, San Francisco, CA 26 September 2007

Hi Uncle Bob!!!!

I’m so proud of you! You must be having the greatest time. I’ve been telling the sailing buffs at work about your race and they are envious. Your team looks like a great mix of people from all over the world. Enjoy your adventure at sea and see you in Santa Cruz… love, Lisa

13. Rachel Weeden, Fremantle Western Australia 26 September 2007

Hi Little Red Boat crew,

Keep up the good work !! Looking forward to welcoming you into Fremantle in December.

Go go go Singas

Take care Rachel Weeden

Make sure you beat that blue boat from WA

14. Jon Dicky Wiese, Western Australia 26 September 2007

Err nice one Singapore; must be great to see that big Blue Hull in front of you ;anyway at least you will be eating well with Director Mitchell on board. Just make sure he gets his afternoon nap and a little drive now and again.Happy sailing and good luck; Standing bye Captain Drumstick,Dicky & Co

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