Crew Blog

Reflections

04 July 2008

westernaustralia2011.com's skipper Martin Silk in reflective mood

There is a new aura amongst the crew, the stress has gone, focus precedes over-expectation and the mood is calm and positive.
For ten months now we have set our own objectives, followed our own instincts and taken losses in our stride. We have overcome failure, picked up the pieces and patience is now our middle name. Other teams have achieved their goals, collected their flags, and relished in their glory but we have achieved far beyond that. Our team is strong; we are family now, new or old, we have satisfied our dreams and discovered our inner-selves. In essence we are victorious; we are successful and wherever we finish, we have won.

We’re enjoying this final race; we’ve been near the front, the back, we’ve made huge gains and plundered them overnight, we’ve shared the trim, the bow, the helm, the tactics and the decisions and we still learn from them, everyday.

The competition within is healthy and for this race it’s the Girls vs. Boys. They will strive to out perform each other, yet work as one, pushing towards a common goal. By the next day the game will be over; reality will arrive and emotions may be showing.

Reflecting on the race I feel satisfaction. I’ve watched the family grow and change, improve and strengthen; there’s compassion, love and best of all tolerance and goodwill; we’re a new breed now, and all we fear is the future.

So bring on Liverpool and whatever the end may hold; the future may be Dark or Stormy, it may be Wild or Windy, and yet again it may be Fair or Very Dry!

Marty

1. Rachael Arnold, Dubai 04 July 2008

Come on wa! Following your travels over the last 10 months has been amazing. Enjoy the final few hours!!

2. Steve Sharpe, UK 04 July 2008

Great note skipper, you can be proud you have kept everyone safe and sound and at the sametime developed a top performing team. I am proud to say that I have sailed with you. P.S. Let the team know the funeral went well to-day, thank everyone for the support.
Steve

3. Eileen, West Midlands 04 July 2008

Hey guys - glad to hear you are still enjoying yourselves. It was a pleasure to sail with you Marty and the rest of the family. I will never forget you all, and as Marty said when I left you in Santa Cruz - maybe we will meet again on the water. I really hope so. Im sorry not to have made it to Cork, but hear it was a great stop over. Take care and sail safe. Eileenxx

4. Peter Lawrence, Melbourne Australia 05 July 2008

Marty and the WA2011 07-08 Clipper crew. It’s been great fun, a real pleasure and my thanks for including us in so much of the great race. Pam and I have really enjoyed meeting you all at many different ports around the world, and we have felt very much part of the family, although never quite the same as being on the water. Marty, a fitting final blog today, which summed up so much of the last ten months. I thank many wonderful people for their friendship shown towards me and many family and friends who have avidly followed everyday your great adventure. I hope you all find as much fulfillment in your future endeavours, and along with Jude, look forward to catching up somewhere in the years ahead. Bye bye BBB!!

5. Jamie Weeden, Fremantle 06 July 2008

Reflection is a powerful thing, well said Marty and memories for me of the 05-06 adventure came flooding back as I got goosebumps reading your thoughts.

Congratulations to all who sailed on the BBB in 07-08, you are all winners.
And a special welcome to the RTWers to the exclusive circumnavigators club.
You join the 9 of us who completed the circumnavigation on the BBB in 05-06.
Lets hope that we will be joined by more aussie adventurers in 09-10 sailing on the BBB.

Although our races were very different in so many ways, we did share so many ups and downs, highs and lows, challenges and adversity, and something very very special.

I remember fearing the future at the end of the race. Do not fear, there is no need. You are all so much stronger from your experience and will be able to achieve what ever you wish. I have readjusted to life ashore, however my feet are always itchy and I know that I have lots more dreams and challenges to chase.
This is only the beginning for us all.
Celebrate your achievements as I know you will.

Jamie Weeden
Watchleader westernaustralia.com 05-06

6. Nomes, Geelong, vic 06 July 2008

Hip Hip, Hooray! Was an exciting, eventfull 10 mths! Congratulations to you all on the BBB!!! I have thoroughly enjoyed watching each encounter with you (from the warm, dry, comforts of my arm chair!) and wish you all best of luck with whatever the future brings, (so are you signing up for the next trip Lynette?) Nomes

7. rick palmer, ROCKINGHAM WESTERN AUSTRALIA 07 July 2008

WELL DONE TO ALL ON THE BIG BLUE BOAT. WHAT A GREAT ACHIEVMENT.

NOW, TAKE HER HOME.

WASH HER DECKS, PACK HER SALES AND DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN THE OVEN!

IT’S MY TURN (OUR TURN) NEXT YEAR.

CHEERS

RICK

8. Sister Sue., Aberdeenshire 07 July 2008

You, my dear, are, in my eyes, and those of my sister, a complete hero! May I wish you all the luck in the world - go for it and, with the luck you deserve, you will achieve.
It has been an honour to meet and know you (and Vic!)
Take care, love and hugs xxxxx

9. Paul, Seattle 08 July 2008

So, who’s up for a second lap ?

10. Mum and Dad Silk, Tenterden Kent 09 July 2008

It was great to see the BBB and crew all arrive safely back in Liverpool on Saturday.
Even better to give Martin a big hug and welcome home after his great excitement
of sailing round the world.What an achievement..well done to you all WA..especially skipper Martin.Enjoy your break..have a good rest.Love Mum and Dad xx
P.S.Happy Birthday to Vic xx

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