Crew Blog

Forty Knots…

25 June 2008

Actually it’s closer to 66,000; twenty two different colours, handcrafted by each and every member of the BBB sailing team, warm to the touch, months to build… can you guess what it is yet!

In the throws of racing from Jamaica to Mid-Atlantic something dark and sinister has been happening; a top secret mission unbeknown to the Captain; a tactful creative masterpiece has been unfolding; there has been specialist training; quality control measures have been implemented; I feel elated, stunned, shocked, overwhelmed, special, also quite happy and most of all lucky, lucky to be surrounded by such an amazing, diverse, unique group of people; my new family.

We’ve been through thick and thin together, hot and cold, the good times, the wars; oceans, countries, cities and canals. We’ve sailed the globe (well almost) and soon the adventure will be over, and now I have something to remind me, not just a memory but also a treasure, something to wrap myself in for the rest of my days…

Turning 40 today, halfway to Xmas, I wasn’t the only one to celebrate. Judy and Eileen, current and former team members also share June 25th, quite bizarre in a team of 40.

The idea originated crossing the International Date Line; a night of fun and fancy dress, when I turned out as a cross between Harry Potter and Dr Who (exactly). I did actually wish to be Dr Who and tonight for dinner I shall be. The blazer will be dusted, new Panama hat donned and to top it all I now have the special ingredient, my very own Dr Who scarf.

Exterminate, exterminate…

Marty, Skipper of the Big Blue Tardis

1. PETER LAWRENCE, Melbourne, Australia 26 June 2008

Wrong, I had one more .... Marty, just seen your birthday scarf ...nice! And I thought it was to be a hammock for JuJu’s grandson Tom. Now why would I think that. The Panama finishes off the ensemble superbly; clearly the latest look in trans Atlantic couture. Ciao

2. Bill, Chicago 26 June 2008

One of the more counterintuitive phenomena in the overwhelmingly counterintuitive world of probability theory is that the odds are better than even that in a group of only twenty-five people two will have the same b’day!

As a former schoolmate of Bruce’s, I’ve enjoyed following your exploits. I’m most impressed with the skill and perseverance required. Keep up the good work!

3. Mick Dunne, London via Sydney 26 June 2008

A big happy 40th birthday Uncle Martin from all the family in London. We look forward to seeing you soon.
love
Mick, Tam, Jack, Mark and Harry

4. Monica, Melbourne, Australia 27 June 2008

Happy 40th Skipper of the BBT. By it’s length, the needles were obviously clipping along at a fair rate of knots! A memorable keepsake of a great journey, teamwork, friendships and celebrations. May stronger winds help the BBT travel time more quickly too. Monica

5. Nigel, Perth, W.A. 27 June 2008

Well done Marty! Happy birthday! You look more like a scarecrow than a Dr Who. Just don’t leave that lovely scarf hanging over the side if you don’t want to go to Midway again.... Darn, don’t let me give you any crazy ideas… (I know that you’d go to Midway again in a heartbeat). Enjoy the homecoming..

6. Eileen, west midlands 27 June 2008

Wow fantastic present, wish I had had been able to add a bit to it. Hope you had a fab birthday afloat Marty and Judy. Was wishing you all the best across the miles and the water.

But what I want to know is, whose Pyjama bottoms are you going to wear next time you dress up as Dr Who, Marty? Mine ended up in a bin on Midway island!

Love to everyone. Eileen x

7. Paul Loasby, Seattle 27 June 2008

Congratulations Marty. If only you had the sonic screwdriver to fix the mast/and or engine in the Pacific…

8. Anne and Dai, Wet Perth WA 28 June 2008

Hello BBT. A momentous week. Just a few more hours and you’ll all be heading for the bar in the Crosshaven Yacht Club! Many Happy Returns (Doctor) Marty. You certainly deserve to celebrate all your achievements after skippering us all through this most eventful year. Enjoy the wonderful Irish hospitality and the final countdown to Liverpool with lots of love and hugs to all the team- crew and supporters - wherever they are in the world! Anne and Dai xxxx

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