Crew Blog

Character Building – is this what the Clipper Race is all about?

04 March 2008

westernaustralia2011.com's crew crossing the Pacific

On personal reflection, the last few days have been very tough, on many levels! As you will all know, being away from home for long periods of time can be extremely hard, knowing that family, friends and a partner are not there on hand when you need them the most. The people onboard become the most reliant supply of support.

This has been highlighted in a big way, having recently lost a close family member. Without your usual network of support, it’s hard to pick yourself up when feeling very low. During this time you find out more about yourself and your fellow crew members than ever before. For me, all members of the crew have been so supportive, and it shows how people come together in an environment such as this!

From a sailing point of view, frustration has become paramount; people who know me know that light wind sailing is not my cup of tea, I hate it. I have to confess, I did say that I would rather go to the dentist than go through all of this lulling around (and I despise the dentist). Also discovering that the boats we were level with just two or so days ago are now leading is the worst part (especially knowing that the gap has increased due to one mistake which has cost us dearly). I have seen this as a personal responsibility, as all major breakages on this trip have come from my watch.

In an ocean race as big as this you do have time to make up for your mistakes, but the question is ‘do we have the wind in our favour?’

Jack A Heald

1. Margaret and John Heald, Great Eccleston 04 March 2008

Jacko excelent blog,. to the team keep your spirits up.as well as the team work on both watches your turn may come. as you all know I only wish I was on board and I am in spirit . Golum keep it going.God love you all and speed you on. John.

2. Sister Sue, Aberdeenshire 04 March 2008

Go Jack!! Was looking for a blog comprised totally of expletives - but.. . well done dear!
Take care and keep pushing Captain Courageous to get your beautiful BBB into a winning position (against all predictions ! ) xxxxxxx

3. Nigel Smith, Perth, W.A. 05 March 2008

Don’t despair Jack, there’s still heaps of time left and you’ve got a great skipper, crew and boat. Keep the pressure on!

4. Vic Silk, Woolloomooloo 05 March 2008

Lots of smiling faces! But where’s Skip?

See you’re swooping down on the fleet now...go get ‘em WA. Hurry hurry to Hawaii. And keep smiling!

5. andi, stirling 05 March 2008

Just heard the news :( :( I’m in tears here, so you all must be devastated.....so sorry to hear you’ve lost your rig and are gonna miss the start of the next leg as you’re now limping to Hawaii via Midway island...i get the feeling thats the race over, but hope you keep going. You’re a great team and obviously are good support for each other, so try to keep hold of that and enjoy it! And you’re all safe so thats the main thing.

Take care of each other - mum, I love you

andi xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

FROM THE CLIPPER WEB TEAM: The Race Team is working to get westernaustralia2011.com racing again as soon as possible. It is not certain that they will miss the start of the next race.

6. Erica Revie, Edinburgh 05 March 2008

So sorry to hear about your mast guys! Glad no-one was hurt. I know the entire extended Clipper “family” will be feeling for you now. I know I certainly am. Stay safe, and keep your spirits up. I’m sure Clipper will get you sorted out and back racing in record time.

Erica (Glasgow:Scotland with Style)

7. Vic Silk, Woolloomooloo 05 March 2008

Remember what they said about that fat lady...it ain’t over guys! That’s yacht racing. Keep those smiles happening and get cracking. Aussie’s are battlers...Lots of love and good vibes, Vic.

8. andi, stirling 05 March 2008

thanks Clipper web team for cheering me up! The nice lady who called me to tell me the news did say they would miss the next leg start, but sounds like its not a certainty so I’ve dried my eyes and crossed everything again! So....GO GO GO! Motor on and may your repairs be swift

love andi xxxxx

9. Becks, London 05 March 2008

For once i’m lost for words! What a terrible shame for you all after you were battling so brilliantly! Your extended Aussie crew are all so proud of you - chin up! B x ps. Stay strong Jack, I love you x

10. Fiona Loasby, Dorset 05 March 2008

Sorry to hear the terrible news, you must all be feeling pretty low at the moment. Keep your chin up and show the rest of the fleet what you’re made of! I’m still hoping to see you in Hawaii!!

11. Val Marshall, Hedon,East Yorks.England 05 March 2008

What devastating news! Hope the Clipper Web Team gets you racing again quickly. The good news is that no-one was hurt. Eileen, keep smiling, as I know you will. Just think, what a story to tell your grandchildren! Val

12. Nikki, Huddersfield 06 March 2008

devastated to hear the news guys wer’e all thinking about you your WA family thank god your’e all safe with no injuries well done, keep your chins up, keep smiling and can’t wait to see you all in Santa Cruz whatever !!!! loads of love keep safe
Nikki xxxxxx

13. Anthony(Chester Frosties), 06 March 2008

Lifes a Bummer, then you die.
Bad luck to all the crew, but come on, when the going gets tough the tough get ..........
clean sheet from Hawaii.

Good luck Clive & Jackie

Chester Frosties

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