Crew Blog

Chronological Order

25 April 2008

westernaustralia2011.com gives Santa Cruz the seal of approval

Well here we are whizzing out of Santa Cruz and my turn to write the 250!! You have all become accustomed to my in depth sailing reviews, but it has been suggested I change the format and tell you a little about the inmates of the BBB.

We are now only 14 for this leg, as we have lost the amazing Lou to the arms of Shane (they have become engaged!!) and very sadly we have lost Jack, who has had to rush back to the UK for personal reasons, we do hope he will be back to annoy us very soon!!

We have all the old family members (the round the world sailors) in chronological order!! Clive whose knee is nearly mended now after an op in Singapore which meant him and Jacks missed leg 6. Talking of Jacks she has been promoted to watch leader for this leg, not before time, well done Jacks. (Jacks is defiantly out of chronological order!!)

Next we have Bruce who will navigate for this leg, to give his poor old hands and arms a rest (why we need a navigator I do not know surely we just come out of Santa Cruz turn left follow the coast and turn left into the Panama Canal!).

Lynn is next in line after me and she is taking on the onerous job of mechanic for this leg; good luck Lyn, maybe Genny will behave better for a female than she has been doing.

Well right out of words so you will have to wait for part 2, a bit like big brother!!!

Billy Hawes

1. Jadranka Lota, Maidenhead,Uk 25 April 2008

Can’t wait for BBB part 2. Only you didn’t mention what was your promotion for this leg! I assume from a mother you are now probably a supermother, tending to the crews every culinary whim!!
Hugs
J )

2. Becks & Jack, London 25 April 2008

Hiya arrived in London ok! V sad seeing you all off u have no idea how painful this has been but you all know i needed 2 come hm, we r both thinking of u all, all of the time!

Keep Billie busy, get marts out of bed, keep miagi off the helm jacks and get JB up that mast, i will b watching.

drive the boat as hard as u can and see u all soon, i’m very proud of all u guys

J&B;x

3. Sister Sue., Aberdeenshire 25 April 2008

Ah bless! My sister talking chronological! Nearly got it right too!!
Well done the beaut BBB moving up from 9th to 6th in one easy movement, keep going and - who knows, you could be in the lead by this time tomorrow )
Take care, look after yourselves and if Jack gets to read this, good luck to you and yours and to Sale tomorrow!! xxxxxxxx

4. Rick Palmer, Perth Western Australia 26 April 2008

Great to see Westernaustralia2011.com “catch up” over night. (Our time anyway)

I wonder how many Australians are on the board. It was ANZAC day our time when you headed off. On the 24th, a special commemorative service was held in Sydney to remember the 640 Australian sailors lost in the sea battle with HSK Kormoran when HMAS SYDNEY was sunk. Bothe have been found not far from each other in two kilometers of water. The video has been amazing.

(For readers who would not know, Kormoran was a very effective German raider during WW2. It seams she tricked Sydney into approaching her and at the last moment opened fire. Both vessels were lost but not one soul survived from the Sydney.

“What happened?” has been a question asked by many Australians for over 60 years. The loss represents the worst for the Royal Australian Navy ever. Finding the Ship and evidence of her last few hours has overwhelmed many Australians, especially those who live in Western Australia, as she was lost just north and west of Geraldton; and of course the people of Sydney.)

The event was a great precursor to a very special ANZAC Day. More than 3000 people gathered for the Dawn Service at small coastal town of Geraldton and all around the Nation, the crowds were bigger. Reportedly, 10,000 attended Gallipoli and 2,000 gathered at Kokoda. Huge!

The Footy matches which are dedicated to the memory of the ANZAC’s were the usual big hit. 89,999 saw Collingwood thrash the Bombers at the MCG and Subiaco was packed out. The Dockers led the Cats by 38 points at one stage in the second quarter but went in at half time with just a two point lead. In the middle of the final quarter, the Dockers had not been headed and lead by 25 points. Then things changed. Geelong turned it on to take the lead; but the Dockers fought back. With less than 30 seconds to go, Pavlich lined up. A goal would give his team a two point victory. He hit the post! Geelong by one point!

Rugby is not my game but here are the scores in case anyone is interested (Though I’ll never understand why!) Crusaders - D - Blues; Brumbies - D - Lyons. In League, Dragons - D - Sydney; Brisbane - D - South Sydney.

Keep safe. It is a pleasure to see the Australian Flag up among the leaders.

Cheers

Rick

5. Monica, Melbourne, Australia 26 April 2008

Good to see the BBB back in business and near the front of the pack. I can now also track brother Pete again so looking forward to part 2 (or will it be 3?) to read what he’s up to on board. I’ll be staying tuned to BBB progress. All the best. Monica

6. Rachael Arnold, Dubai 26 April 2008

Clive, I hope you are obeying your watch leader!!!

Good to see your prohess over night! Long may it continue! Safe sailing.

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