Crew Blog

Scrubbing up for ocean crossing

30 September 2007

westernaustralia2011.com
29 Sept 2007

Pressure is on as Hull & Humber claw back a few miles on our lead. Alarm bells rang when 3 yachts appeared to starboard this morning. However, after closer inspection of the scheds we agreed they could not be ‘Clipper’ boats and must be others in transit to the Canaries for the start of the ARC.

A highlight of the watch included a minor oven fire after we, the Watch Leaders, attempted to make apple crumble! No complaint was heard however, as everyone ate their fill and more.

Sailing conditions are now fantastic with 14 knots of wind from the West and we are rapidly approaching the Canaries. Advantage has been taken of the fine weather with cleaning and washing of clothes. Also few of the more smelly crew finally secummbed to a well needed bucket bath and the rest of us could finally breathe again. For a while the boat resembled a chinese laundry with washing hanging from guard rails and every line in sight. Meanwhile, the tacticians are developing some complex looking spreadsheets for monitoring the progress of the competition.

Although we might regret saying this we are glad to report that Bruce has now got his voice back. Though sorry to report that Clive has damaged his knee during a sail change and is moving around the boat very slowly.

Stuart Sim

1. Vicky, Cheshire 30 September 2007

Can I just point out that Stuart definatley didn’t learn to burn apple crumble off me! Keep up the good work, and don’t let them catch you. Eveyone here asking about you and sending best wishes to you all.
LOL Vxx

2. Martin, Dubai 30 September 2007

This is thrilling! Sorry to see that you now have moved down a step but only a few nm between you and the South Africans. I hope your choice of curse will be more successful then theirs.

Good luck and keep up the good work!

The Dubai Support Team

3. Grahame Laing, Blackpool 30 September 2007

Hi Jack and all the crew of westernaustralia2011.com. Fantastic to see you right up front. Every faith that you will be first into Salvador. Taking photos of the 15th/16th September into work tomorrow Jack.
Grahame/Norma.

4. Lynne Rowling, Thornton Cleveleys 30 September 2007

Enjoyed the video and hearing you sounding so well Jack, hope you are smelling sweet as well! Hope the route through the Canaries is good and that you catch the winds you are expecting. Din and Sal

5. peter silk, penzance 30 September 2007

keep up the good sailing following you all the way, harrison wants to know how many dolphins have you seen?

6. Mum & Dad, Tenterden, Kent. uk 30 September 2007

Hi Martin,
Sorry to here about the burnt apple crumble! must be like your Mum’s cooking.
I would remove all the wet clothes from the rails as they can use up all the wind drying them out,and your Mother said a bit less hair is worth about half a knot?.
Anyway keep at it and mind that great big lump of rock in front of you.
Love from Mum & Dad

7. Pam Rothfield, Melbourne 01 October 2007

Jude, would you be one of those involved in developing complex looking spreadsheets? Just sounds like your thing! Great that you can finally wash! KEEP THE FIRE BLANKETS AT THE READY!
LOVE PAM

8. John C Cowpe, Sydney, Australia 01 October 2007

Go Marty!! Mate, didn’t know you were doing this..how exciting...nice move from Rushcutters Bay. I have a friend Erica Revie on Glasgow...do say hello. ..she is lovely....anyhow, enjoy the moonlight runs and take care, all the best John - Vicsail.

9. Liam and Annie, Sunshine Coast, Queensland 01 October 2007

Western Australia, don’t be slow. Be like Superman and Go Man Go. Aunty Christine you are so cool. We are cheering for you all. xxx

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