Crew Blog

Can’t get the staff

02 May 2008

You can’t get good staff these days.

With my promotion to manager of Stormy watch comes many challenges, to motivate the crew I have implemented systems, given incentives and trained the newcomers to the BBB culture and way of life. I arrived on deck yesterday to find saloon cushions spread out, spinnaker trimmers reading books and sleeping on the job and other members throwing tantrums when the fruit cake they requested didn’t arrive (politely told by the galley staff to, “go whistle and eat biscuits”). I have concluded that the relaxed nature and fun spirit of this team, not to mention the gourmet meals put in our laps three times a day, has spoilt our crewmembers.

Actually Watch leading is an enjoyable learning curve made easy with so many good crew who know what they are doing. Over the past few days I thought Stormy watch were cursed. Within ten minutes of taking over the helm the wind, as if it had seen us coming, died off leaving us with a course to steer anywhere but south. We threatened our spinnaker with the windseeker but she responded like a deflating balloon. Two sail changes and a few hours later the wind picks up and we take off in the right direction and then Dark watch arrives on deck and it looks like nothing happened. Today we found 20 knots of wind and are surfing again, the weather is gorgeous and the cushions are piling onto the deck again.

Ps. Hi Jadranka, your Henri Lloyd fleece is hoping to complete its circumnavigation with us, see you soon x

Jacki Walker

1. Rick Palmer, Perth Western Australia 02 May 2008

I’ve just come from a commemorative dinner at HMAS STIRLING, the Australian Naval base that is served by my home town, Rockingham in Western Australia, just south of Fremantle. We gathered to honour the memoroy and crew of AE2, the Royal Australian Navy submarine that was the first allied vessel to succeed in navigating the Dardanelles and reeking havoc upon the Turkish Navy whilst our soldiers struggled on the beaches of what we now call ANZAC Cove. The story of this submarine is remarkable.
I found a transcript of a presentation that will give those who know nothing about this extraordinary crew and their “boat” a good insight.

The Skipper and crew were forced to scuttle and abandoned the sub on the 30th of April 1915 after “running amok” and even scaring off a Turkish Battle Ship that had been shelling our soldiers.

I know you guys are experiencing a mixture of fun and frustration, but I wonder if you can take a few moments to brush up on the story and perhaps shout the memory of those sailors a round. As the Commodore said tonight, the history of ANZAC is covered in a green blanket of the Army. He was not complaining but making the point that our sailors did their bit too and also deserved to be remembered.

Good to see you closing that gap.

Like I said a day or so ago, the wind will come.

Cheers

Rick

2. riolindakaren, rio linda, ca 02 May 2008

Caught this website via panama canal website and we are having a fun time watching the race go. Waiting for the ships to come to Panama to see them on the webcam.

3. Jack and Becks, Norfolk 02 May 2008

Sounds like u r enjoying the roles Jacks, sure u r doing such a great role as we knew u would do. Sos I’m not there on your watch 2 help out sure sounds like fun (well when u have wind). Keep trimming hard and keep the guys focused on the job u doing great

Love J&B;

4. Ray Allen, Dubai UAE 03 May 2008

Jacki,
Clive should know that as he has left his troops behind while he is having a jolly Sailing around the world on The Big Blue.
The Crew on Clives Fleet of Vessels want the same Fodder and Service.

Amazing how the wind and rain blows out the Grecian 2000!

You have to watch the Old Boy with his Brittle Bones but I see he has been on Light Duties
I hope he has recovered 100% so you can work him to his maximum potential.

When you get back to DOSC and put your feet up I hope you pass on all the Seamanship experience you have learnt the hard way to the Jumeriah Janes & Julians. I was a member of DOSC in 1979.

I will be having a light sail in the Baltic end of June on Classic Yacht Ragna R the first time I sailed on her was 1969.

Good Luck and dont forget what RKJ told you about safety.

Best Regards

Ray Allen

5. Ray Allen, Dubai UAE 03 May 2008

Oh forgot to mention tell Clive I hope the crew on Ragna R dont have snow ball fights!

6. Rob & Rachael Arnold, Dubai 06 May 2008

Seems like you have taken to being watch leader like a duck to water! We just hope that you don’t have to discipline your crew too much for the remainder of the leg!
WTCR apt has been snagged FYI and comments sent to appropriate peeps!

Happy Sailing BBB

Rob & Rach

7. Jadranka Lota, Maidenhead, UK 06 May 2008

You know what… I was wondering where I lost it!!! At least part of me (albeit dead skin on the fleece), has seen the world!!

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