Crew Blog

Peeling potential

05 October 2007

Yet another day onboard with relatively low trade winds, 10-12 knots, while our boat speed averages around 8-9 knots. The repaired medium weight spinnaker is flying well and our trimmers are working hard to improve our position on the race track.

“Peeling” is word of the day, a fairly simple procedure with potential for disaster (2 sails to repair at once!) In lay-man’s terms it involves hoisting one spinnaker inside the other, flying both together then dropping the old one. It is quite manpower intensive, requiring both watches, but satisfying when slick, drama free and especially when undertaken by headtorch.

After a good night’s sleep (a luxury afforded to the role of ‘Mother’) Bruce & I are well rested, anticipating the next position report. It will hopefully show that our excellent cuisine went down well and drove the troops through the night!

As a team, we are trimming the boat constantly to achieve its maximum potential, seeking every tenth of a knot out of her to regain a respectable position. Afterall, we owe it to ourselves to improve following the misfortune of the last few days. It seems like a year’s bad luck came all at once.

For me, a big concern comes on Saturday when England play Australia in the Rugby World Cup. I’m praying that England can pull off a win (I better give up now) otherwise I’m going to be in for a bit of stick, especially from Bruce, for a few days.

Jack Heald

1. Grahame Laing, Blackpool 05 October 2007

Hi WA. Just been reading coments about flying fish. Then read Jacks concern about Australia v Englands rugby match on Saturday. Jack, I think that you might be better off looking for flying pigs than fish!
Best wishes Grahame/Norma.

2. Emily Bullock, Thornton, England 05 October 2007

Good day mates, it’s nice to seethat you (Jack) have finally written a Blog! shame about the lack of wind, it’s a bladdy Dabarcle!!! hope your food is as up to scratch as your mums!! hope everyhting’s all good the boat!! good luck for the rest of the race!
emily xxxxxxxxx

3. Graham & hazel, Tenterden,Kent.uk 05 October 2007

Hi Jack I have had a word with Johny Wilkinson and we decided it would be best if we let the Aussie’s win on Saturday as a couple of winging Brit’s is much better than a boat load of winging Aussie’s!.
Well that should create at least 2 knot’s of hot air to get the boat moving.
Keep at it and best wishes to you all.
Bye from Graham & Hazel xx

4. Steve Sharpe, UK 06 October 2007

I’m with you Jack one eye on the game and one on the race..... c’mon WA c’mon England....!!!

Steve

5. Paul Loasby, Melbourne 06 October 2007

Keep up the good work chaps. Like Jack, I’ll keep my head down on Sat.

6. Steve, thornton-cleveleys 06 October 2007

Chin up Jack, Englande were pretty good in their last two games, they might sneak a win yet

7. Steve Sharpe, UK 06 October 2007

We did it Jack.........!!!! What a game, look after the crew until they get over it...!!! I know you wont wind them up to much....

Steve

8. Grahame Laing, Blackpool 06 October 2007

Hi Jack and all crew on WA. What a result in the rugby. Wish I had put a bet on now. Just shows what can be achieved when you push, push, push. Still believe that you will be home in San Salvador in the top three. Expect a little poem from Norma in the next few days as you get close to the doldrums.
Best wishes Grahame/Norma.

9. Sister Sue, Aberdeenshire 06 October 2007

Really do not wanna gloat - but hey!! Yo!! England!! Take care Jack, and all other poms on the boat. Hugs to Billy please x

10. Lynne Rowling, Thornton Cleveleys 06 October 2007

Keep your head up chaps the boys done good, just like WA will Din and Sal xx

11. mum k, 06 October 2007

have you been thrown overboard after the win!!!!!!!Guess what trevor is doing, the cottesmore fling

12. Stu Robinson, Cheshire 06 October 2007

C’mon W.A.
thats what i like to see, slowly moving up the positions. Keep it real. Hope you doing well john and you’vetackled the sea sickness. You guys and gonna get there first, i can feel it in me bones! Stay safe and happy x

13. Steve, thornton-cleveleys 07 October 2007

Ha ha, they did it. England 12 Australia 10. New Zealand lost as well. Sleep tight Jack

14. Patsy Briotti, Cervantes West Aust 07 October 2007

Sadly England won the rugby. But we did win the cricket.

15. Rachael & Rob Arnold, Dubai 07 October 2007

And sneak a win they did - 12 - 10 to England.

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