Crew Blog

Crash, Bang, Wallop…

05 March 2008

westernaustralia2011.com's skipper manhandles top section of the broken mast

Today was a day of loud noises, bringing out the special tools; a day of excitement, exhilaration, and fresh experiences.

Conditions were exceptional - sunny and calm; the kite was full but not bursting; the boat heeling but only just; and then crash, bang, wallop, it all came tumbling down.
When the noise occurred I was at the Nav station, and I stared at the chart plotter thinking “what the hell have we hit out here?”

Once on deck it was a time for calm deliberate thinking, quick decisions on what to keep, and what to throw away. It was time for a spring clean; so out went the Number One, 6 spreaders, any halyard with the slightest wear marks, a few sheets and braces; and oh, did I mention half a mast?

Cutting the rig free whilst ensuring nobody got caught amongst it was satisfying in a strange kind of way, considering it was trying to smash a hole in the side of the boat; but also very sad, as my first reaction was to save everything and arrive in Hawaii simply looking for a bag of rivets!

It wasn’t actually fun as our race was over and our ‘Sultana Plan’ never saw its final glory, but every disaster has its ‘silver lining’, however you look at it. Dealing with challenging situations, having the rare opportunity to sail an ocean under improvised rig or simply seeing the strength of teamwork are making this a positive and enlightening experience for me.

Martin (shaken, but not stirred)

1. Mum and Dad Silk, Tenterden Kent 05 March 2008

You’ll get through this WA...you’re a good team.
Think positive Skipper.. like you always do..you are ‘Capt Courageous’ now..
Get safely to the nearest Island for repairs.
Take care.. much love
Mum and Dad xx

2. Sue Haslam, Chester 05 March 2008

Thinking of you all and wishing you safe passage to Hawaii - whatever the diversion! A truly extrodinary thing for you all to experience. Thank heavens you are all OK. Keep keeping each other safe. See you in Santa Cruz to hear all the tall stories you will have to tell - they are bound to be more embroidered than the sails as each day goes by! Very best wishes from all of us here. Sue Haslam Liverpool 08 Leg 6

3. Jadranka Lota, Maidenhead, UK 05 March 2008

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-(
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4. Sister Sue, Aberdeenshire 05 March 2008

Oh God bless you all! My thoughts are with you all and I think I can imagine some of the (foul) language on deck meantime!!
Try to enjoy your ‘cruise’ to Midway Island (which looks quite nice on internet!) and on to Honolulu. Speak soon. Love you all lots xxxxxxxxxxxx

5. david gauld, somerset 05 March 2008

well done WA,glad you’re all ok ,don’t be too dispirited as there’s plenty more to go.Great teamwork. Best of luck in your further crossing.Best wishes David Gauld erstwhile of Liverpool 08

6. Alida du Preez, Illovo Beach 05 March 2008

So sorry to hear about the de-masting episode. Luckily no one got hurt and that is very good indeed. You guys will figure something out. Cut it shorter, sica a block inside and poprivets work, has seen it done. Step it again and away you go. Good luck.

7. Harm Hoen, Melbourne 05 March 2008

Great to hear no-one was hurt and everyone is fairly positive considering the circumstances, amazing how good we are at changing gears when circumstances force it upon us, Paul, I hope you never have to give us the benefit of this experience on Outrageous!

8. Ze'ev Petrucci, Tel Aviv 05 March 2008

Be well and take care. Sounds like you have things well thought out.

9. Dan [Digit] Cudmore, Melbourne 05 March 2008

Very sorry to read the news last night; but admire your attitude and that of the crew, well done, now for a bit of good luck from here on in!
I reckon there will be a few other crews taking special attention to the condition of their sticks eh?
A bag full of pop rivets eh, wouldn’t the insurance companies love it if that were all it took?!
Safe journey east with some time to re-group and plan the next leg
Best wishes
Dan Cudmore [Digit]
P.S. Just got back from Antarctica after four weeks sailing with Dave Pryce and Hannah McKeand, Hannah heads to Alaska Friday to start her ski/trek to the North Pole [shot gun in hand in case of recalcitrant bears!] Amazing woman.

10. Roy Stevens, Lytham St Annes 05 March 2008

Dear Martin and Crew of Western Australia,
So sorry that you’ve suffered this calamity. Thank God you are all safe. You are justifiably proud of your crew. I did deep sea survival course with Jack, I’m glad he didn’t have to use it. I’m sure I speak for all the crew of Liverpool 08 in wishing you a safe passage to your port of refuge and a speedy return to the rest of the race.
Best wishes
Roy

11. peter Nuttall, Sydney Oz 05 March 2008

It never happens like this in the civil service Johnboy! Still - whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger - keep safe and take care.

12. Judy, Melbourne Australia 05 March 2008

Bad luck you guys, at least you looked after each other!! Keep battling on, am trying to get to Midway islands to meet you. Hope the weather is kinder to you from now on. Obviously my stern has faired a lot better than the BBB. Miss you heaps
Judy

FROM THE CLIPPER WEB TEAM: The Race Team has not confirmed that westernaustralia2011.com will stop at Midway. If they do it will be for a very short time and crew will not be able to leave or join the boat.

13. H, Perth 05 March 2008

guys we are all absolutely devastated, but so relieved that at least all the crew are in one piece even if the BBB isn’t. billy - i know you have enough porridge and pasta for at least 6 weeks so will you please stop panicking. midway atoll looks like a lovely place to spend a couple of days - they have a gift shop but no mention of a coles or carrefour on the website! stay safe everyone, and keep the spirits up. aussie aussie aussie! h xx

14. PETER LAWRENCE, Melbourne, Australia 06 March 2008

Marty, a sober and poignant summary of the BBB’s mid-ocean blues. But above all, a great testament to your leadership and the great spirit and teamwork of the crew. That silver lining can still turn to gold. Hold it all together to Midway ... Jude’s on her way to help! Start planning for the rest of the race and maybe now add some raisins to the Sultana plan! Peter

15. Bill & Patricia Pidgeon, Cottesloe WA 06 March 2008

Dear Martin
We send our sympathy to you and your trusty crew on the unexpected mishap and hope that all will be well from now on.
All the best
Bill and Trish Pidgeon Cottesloe

16. K K-L, Brisbane 06 March 2008

Sickening news, but so glad you are all safe. Making the jury rig should be FUN...not many people get to do that! Seems like “wa” has decided not to aim for convential wins, but attempt to become famous for “firsts” of a different kind. Enough now. Time for some plain sailing, I think. It could be a lot safer. Jack, I hope you were safely below when this happened, so you don’t think you can add it to your list of responsibilities. Martin, glad to hear you WERE wearing your harness when you went paddling. Anyway, my thoughts are with you all, and I wish I was too. Sorry, but it does actually sound a little bit exciting!

17. Sue Hardie, Fremantle WA 06 March 2008

Such very bad luck Martin, but you sound so calm about it all. Very dissappointing for you all after working so hard. Fingers crossed you can pull a rabbit out of the hat and continue on after Hawaii. Consolation-Billy still working miracles in the galley!!

18. The COWES posse, COWES isle of Wight 06 March 2008

Tough break..( no pun intended ) WA but good to hear all are ok. Very positive blog considering what you have been through.Good luck to all on board.

Cowes Crew

19. Kaye Dorian, Perth WA 06 March 2008

Hello Chris Mum here please to hear you are all well and fit. No injuries. Proud of you and all on board. Looking foward to a safe return.
Lots of Love
Mum

20. JP and Jaye, Broome, WA 06 March 2008

Hi Marty and Crew,
You poor buggers; no luck at all on this leg, it seems. We returned home to Broome last night only to read all about it this morning! We are just glad to hear that all are safe and unhurt. But as you say, the “silver lining” is the chance to learn how to set a jury rig! Somehow, we don’t think that will be much compensation, though. Keep safe and hope you get to Hawaii sooner than you expect!

21. Rob & Rachael Arnold, Dubai 06 March 2008

Gutted for you all but pleased you are all ok and no major casualties! The stories you will be able to tell just get better and better! Anyway safe sailing under duress to your next pit stop - oh and Andy Murray is doing well at the Dxb Tennis!

R&R;

22. Linda, Banbury Oxon 06 March 2008

WA crew, hard luck . so sorry you have to limp to Midway but lets hope you get fixed and back racing quickly.
Eileen I am sure you are taking it all in your stride, a bit of a bugger but what can you do except get onwith it. Take care,love you sis XXXXX

23. Jadranka Lota, Maidenhead,Uk 06 March 2008

Well now that the shock of it all is over (probably was worse for BBB crew), glad to hear all are well and standing. Do you feel like saying ‘Oh yeah, is that all you got… Bring it on!’ Because, looking at it from a distance BBB seems to have adventure after adventure (or shall I call it missadventure) and its still sailing ) x x x

24. Liz Watson, Chichester UK 06 March 2008

So glad to hear you are all safe and well, never a dull moment on the BBB! I suppose you’ll lose a few points with a repair bill like that! Keep the music playing and spirits up and hope the weather stays OK. Lots of love Lizzie

FROM THE CLIPPER WEB TEAM: Whether westernaustralia2011.com is penalised for the sail and equipment repairs will be for the Race Committee to decide, however, it is unlikely that they will lose points as it is equipment failure rather than negligence.

25. Nigel, Perth, W.A. 07 March 2008

Bugger, I liked that mast!
I’m releived that you are all well. Keep on enjoying life on the high seas whilst the jury is still out.

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