Crew Blog

Snapping lines and spinnaker tears

27 September 2007

The rising sun on our third day of sailing finds us off the Portuguese coast, rolling along in the Atlantic swell. There’s an old adage that says if it can break on a boat, it will. Last night this proved too true as Uniquely Singapore chanced upon high winds and bad luck when our mid-weight spinnaker tore from top to bottom, our main-sheet blew and our preventer line snapped. Thanks to our supremely safe and careful skipper, everyone was out of the way of any possible harm and the damage to the boat was negligible. As dawn broke it was all hands on deck in a flurry of maintenance and repairs. A passing cargo ship radioed to ask us if we were okay. When we assured him we were and that we were fixing last night’s breakages, we could hear him chuckling over the airwaves!

Our chapter of accidents aside, life at sea is beginning to settle into a comfortable rhythm. The highlights of the day are undoubtedly the twice daily “scheds” – when each Clipper reports its latest position. After the results are announced, we post them on a whiteboard in the salon. Conversation over breakfast and dinner usually revolves around how well we’re doing against the competition – good for focusing our minds on the race. We’re pleased with our efforts so far; now onwards towards the Canaries.

John Ford

1. Jim Crooks, Hampshire UK 27 September 2007

Hi Everyone, Sorry to hear about your overnight mishaps. Hope the clear up operation is proceeding well. We continue to follow your progress closely (highlight of my day is my “scheds” when I log into the interactive race viewer!). Take care and keep up the good work.
Jim
PS its starting to get cold and autumnal here in the UK as it must be getting progressively warmer with you!

2. caroline joyce, Nottingham England 27 September 2007

John - good to hear you have come through the trials and tribulations of last night unscathed .... see you in Oz - safe sailing! Caroline (a Durban wife).

3. Sally Herbert-Jones, Shropshire 27 September 2007

Hi Guys, it sounds as if this sailing lark is keeping you busy, and Ian thought he was leaving us behind for a rest!!he he!! I tried one of these after reading your last blog but I dont think it worked!!
E,T&O;send sloppy kisses and love to daddy! We are watching the website everyday!love always Sallyxx

4. George Clover, Crediton, Devon 27 September 2007

Hi to all onboard Uniquely Singapore!
What a night! Well done Mark for keeping the crew safe. Who would have thought that twice daily race updates would be so exciting! We are all watching and wishing you closer to the lead boat. Tell Phil T that we all miss him and are proud of him and the rest of the crew. The sun is shining here today and I hope it shines on you all too, take care and lets see you pull in the distance to the lead boat..rugby updates to follow! George

5. Annie Thicthener, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Devon 27 September 2007

Hi Philip, Sounds like you have all had a busy time but from the 12 noon report it looks like you’re making ground on the leaders. Well done to you and the team. I will be looking for an internet cafe as soon as I get to Monaco tomorrow so I can get an update. Love Annie x

6. Susan Dierauf, Portland, OR 27 September 2007

Sounds like you all will have plenty of stories to tell!
Keep safe! Love, Susan

7. viki warman, aylesbury 27 September 2007

KEEP GOING SINGAPORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!XXX

8. Suzanne Wagner, Lansing, MI, USA 27 September 2007

John, thanks for writing the blog entry! Ed and I are reading as often as we can, so keep the reports coming. Sorry to hear you had to deal with so many repairs so early in the race. Your eat-sleep-work schedule sounds really wearying. And to think you used to laugh at me for getting up at 5 to go to the river…

9. Andy Wells, Kidderminster 27 September 2007

Hi Philip. Just a quick note to let you know we’re keeping on eye on you here in the “Midlands Navy” bar! Will be in Dartmouth at the weekend in the company of Will Savage and Martin Johnson so I’ll be rattling the collection tin for your charity appeal. Stay safe mate. Cheers. A

10. j r ford, manchester 28 September 2007

Hi John and all shipmates! - It’s midnight and I’m on the website again. Great to read your blog today. Thank goodness for your safety conscious skipper! Knew you would enjoy the experience but didn’t expect to enjoy following the race so much myself. Push on US - you’re doing really well! Love Mum & Dad xx

11. Rachel Weeden, Fremantle, Perth, WA 28 September 2007

Yipee yi yay !!!! Go go Singas you are in fifth place !!! Just keep chipping a way. Take care of your kite I mean spinnaker they are sooo… precious .
I am thinking of you guyes having to do all that sewing but it will be worth it once you get it flying again.

kindest regards Rachel Weeden RTW Clipper 05-06 Uniquely Singapore

12. Caroline Drew, Purley 28 September 2007

Trying again to leave a post for Philip,well done so far and just keep enjoying yourself. Bemember you are unlikely to get to do this again. We are all thinking of you and the rest of the crew.

13. Nick Barry-Tait, Corfu, Greece 28 September 2007

Good skippering Mark, its a long, long race, don’t go too hard too early.....

England v Tonga tonight will update tomorrow!

14. David White, England 28 September 2007

Hi Uniquely Singapore,
I have just returned from Lanzarote and can report that the weather in the Cannies is great and should make for much better sailing conditions than you have had so far. You look as if you are doing really well in the race - keep it up. And, keep flying the flag for us oldies, Tery - well done.
David White and all at Web-Clubs.

15. Terry Hughes, London 28 September 2007

Well done Mark. Having sailed with you I know how safety comes first. Shame about the spinny, it was really getting the job done. all the family’s love and best wishes.

16. Baz, Basingstoke 28 September 2007

Keep the blogs going as its interesting reading. Watching the videos, seeing the photos and reading the blogs brings such a smile to my face. I yearn to be out there with you!
Keep up the excellent work!

Baz

PS: Doesn’t anybody shave on board

17. Shari, california 28 September 2007

Hey Dad and Uniquely Singapore crew! We’re keeping a close eye on your progress and you are doing fantastic! You are certainly on an extreme adventure and we are very proud of all of you. Happy Birthday to Mom today, we love you. Susan said you called and sounded tired but good. Lots of love and hugs, --xoxoxox Shari

18. The Treloar's, 28 September 2007

Go spanner Go! Sorry to hear about your troubles, it looks like you are progressing well now though! We are in portugal and have looked out to sea but did not see you! Keep up the good work! Following progress with enthusiasm! P.s love to Bob and Wendy, tell them thanks for the post card!

19. j r ford, manchester 29 September 2007

Hi John and all aboard Uniquely Singapore!

Enjoyed reading your blog John. Thank goodness you have a safety conscious skipper! We’re all glued to the website and following your every move. We knew you would enjoy the experience, but hadn’t realised how much we would enjoy watching your progress. Keep pushing on guys.We’re with you in spirit! Love, Mum, Dad and the family.

20. Doug and Jeannie, carlsbad, CA 29 September 2007

Bob, We saved your picture to remind us of your adventure. We love you and glad you’re on this voyage. Fun to read Susan and Shari’s emails. Bet your skipper is glad you are on board for damage control. Doug and Jeannie

21. Julie Turnbull, County Durham 29 September 2007

Hi Ang, Glad to see your days as a girl guide are of use with your sewing skills in great demand! Hope you all have a fantastic time. See you soon. luv Julie xx

22. stefan, portland, Or 30 September 2007

Hey Grampa! fourth place WOO!
I bet you win.

23. Emma and Ben, Welsh borders 30 September 2007

Hello Mark and team… we are following your progress closely from autumnal UK, baby is doing loops for you.
Australia not very convincing against Canada… maybe England are in with a chance yet.

24. Anna, Singapore 30 September 2007

Hi Jeanne and all shipmates! Glad to see you all doing so well, take more photos! Make Jeanne stand in front of the camera! Her mom and I follow your progress everyday in the local newspaper and the website. Take care you all

25. jennifer johnston, Chennai, India 08 October 2007

Well well, it was never going to be plain sailing if you opt to go the hard way round!
Glad to hear you are all safe, and flying through the ocean swells though, try and keep it that way

Best of luck and keep smilling

Jenny

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