Crew Blog

Peg Leg Returns

02 March 2008

westernaustralia2011.com's sail repairers have a job on their hands

From crutches to a walking stick to balancing on two legs. Who would’ve expected when giving a ‘little help’ to pull the Yankee back in pre-Salvador days, it would lead to such a maze of events. From x-rays and MRI scans in Salvador to more of the same in Perth, then onto anaesthetics and an operation in Singapore (no knees up Mother Brown for me, not until we get to Hawaii at least!). Raffles hospital was great as was Doctor Lim (without a ‘B’!). A flight back to Qingdao and feeling the pressure, I was finally given clearance by Dr Tang on the day before race start. At last peg leg had returned.

Back on board listening to the stories from the crew, the Big Blue Boat was much bluer since the Singapore to Qingdao race. What happened to the toilet door? One of many a ripping good yarn to be heard whilst wooling the spinnaker.

My new leg (5) has brought us about 900 miles from Qingdao and all has been going well in sixth place. We’ve dropped the heavyweight for the infamous middleweight in ever changing wind and sea conditions, whilst being hotly pursued by two other Clippers.

Unfortunately this has led to seriously ripping the middleweight spinnaker whilst under too much pressure. The heavyweight is returned after being fully serviced and back in the pits, the middleweight is given a quick once-over, stick and sew.

That’s what Clipper life is like. You break it, you fix it and get on with the race.

Clive Frost

1. Rob & Rachael Arnold, Dubai 03 March 2008

Nicely put!

Hope the leg recuperation is going well over the Pacific and that you are managing to fit in those required leg raises and quad strengthening exercises!!!!

The Big Blue Boat seems to be slipping a bit, but I’m sure your tactics will pay off!!

2. Jadranka Lota, Maidenhead, UK 03 March 2008

Hi Clive, glad to hear you are better and on the mend. Sorry to hear about the op. Looking forward to hearing more from you. Go WA hope the winds are good to you. Hugs J x x

3. oly, perth 04 March 2008

Hi guys nad girls
What fun it has been following your ever step. I am always on the net seeing what the latest positions are. Looks like a better run through the pacific then Singapore to China!
I see that you have made tracks NE, better wind?, tactical move or just lost? now you have some more boat speed catch all BBB and have a real crack.
all the best and good and fast sailing
you can do it gys catch up them up
regards
oly

4. Stuart, Cheshire 04 March 2008

Clive, glad to hear you finally got your knee sorted. Can you use your old crutch as a replacement spinnaker pole ? See you in Hawaii.

5. andi, stirling 04 March 2008

oooohhhhh, ripped spinnakers, cutting north to catch the big wind, wending your way back to the main group....its all go at sea!!! I am transfixed! Was there no win up North?Did it move? Have you no sails left? Anyone got any big pants you can cunningly fashion into a wind catcher?!

Am so proud of you mum (eileen) and wishing you all a fantastic leg!!! GO GO GO