Crew Blog

Ten months at sea

21 June 2008

westernaustralia2011.com receives a dolphin escort

Well, it’s been quite a while since we left Liverpool to head off around the world, and here we are only a couple of weeks left of our adventure.

So what’s the last 10 months been like? We’ve been becalmed in almost every ocean; we’ve had storms and squalls with lightning flashes that burns images into your eyes; we’ve had huge seas and freezing temperatures with snow off China; we’ve lost our mast which sent us to the incredible Island of Midway; we’ve had sweltering heat that makes the decks so hot you can’t stand on your bare feet; we’ve sailed passed an active volcano burping thick smoke in Indonesia, we’ve fought our way through fishing nets and unlit boats at night; we’ve dragged up and down and flaked more sails than I care to remember, we’ve struggled into our wet and cold oilies in the depth of the night, when we would much rather have stayed in our cocoons; we’ve traveled through the Panama Canal marveling at its construction; we’ve sailed into New York past the iconic statue of Liberty; we’ve had hilarious times crossing the equator, singing and dancing on deck, celebrating our birthdays; we’ve seen wildlife; whales, dolphins and birds that one can only imagine back at home; we’ve spent sensational evenings watching shooting stars and planets go through their nightly ritual …. And all this time our world back home has continued to operate without us.

But when I return to Melbourne it will be with great anticipation as I will meet my brand new grandchild, Thomas Alexander, who was born 2 days ago……..

What an exciting trip!

Judy Lawrence (JuJu)

1. Eileen, w 23 June 2008

Congratulations Judy - a new grandson. Also wishing you and Pam, and skipper Martin the happiest of birthdays, on our day 25th June - especially the birthday boys 40th! Bet you have a big celebration; I will raise a glass to you all as well.

Keep smiling and sailing safely.

Eileenxx

2. Eileen, west midlands 23 June 2008

Sorry to hear you feel your tactics going South nwere wrong guys - but you of all people know a lot can happen in a thousand miles. Keep working hard, and sail safe.

Eileen xx

3. Pam Rothfield, Melbourne 23 June 2008

JuJu - Thomas Alexander is not the only one waiting with great anticipation for your homecoming! Keep safe and on Wednesday may both you and Martin eat more cake! Hippo Birdy!
XXX
Pam

4. Karen McRobert, Ashford, Kent 23 June 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Big Brother and Uncle Martin, you don’t look a day over 21 of course!!!!!
This will certainly be a birthday you will remember in years to come........
Stay positive on this leg and get them whales to earn their keep and help push you along!! Stay safe and drink plenty of rum to keep those spirits up and of course to celebrate, loads of love Kaz, Lee and chatterbox harry xxx

5. Dave Parr, Fleet, UK 23 June 2008

Jude,
Congratulations grandma and Happy Birthday too!
And did you know you’re also a TV star describing the cullinary delights that WA is famous for? Check out the Clipper TV series…
Many Happy Returns
Dave, Alison, Alice & Katie xxx

6. ida alcock, bristol.u.k. 23 June 2008

I knew you could do it Jamaica! Keep it going!! If you get in first Ralph you can have a Guiness in Cork - only one mind you!

Best of Luck. See you soon.

Ide

7. Philip Booth, wollongong / Hong Kong / Ashford! 24 June 2008

Hi to all on the BBB, a truly inspirational voyage has been brought to life via these blogs. It’s been essential reading for the last 10 months. Can’t wait to catch up with the skipper over the summer.

Happy Birthday to Martin for the 25th, welcome to the veteran’s class!

Currently enjoying a week of sunny winter in the ‘gong - I’ll race you back to the UK! I think 4 Rolls Royce engines might make me favourite.

Wishing you all a safe last leg.

Phil Booth

8. Vic Silk, 24 June 2008

Happy Birthday Mart. I really wish i was there to share it with you. All my love, Vicx

9. Mum and Dad Silk, Tenterden Kent 24 June 2008

The Skipper on the BBB is 40 yrs today…
From all those here in Kent uk…
A big Hip Hip Hooray.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTIN

10. PETER LAWRENCE, Melbourne, Australia 25 June 2008

Of course, a great blog Jude, bringing back all the good and not so good memories that the BBB’s shore based crew and groupies have followed with so much expectation and excitement these last 10 months. We still expect another win in this leg, despite the “crook” race viewer advice! Keep enjoying it guys and soak up the moment. Ollie and Tom send you big kisses and hugs JuJu. I’m looking forward to giving mine next Monday in Cork. Cheers

11. Nigel, Perth, W.A. 25 June 2008

Happy Birthday Martin! Enjoy the gifts of the ocean and thanks for the fantastic daily updates.

12. PETER LAWRENCE, Melbourne, Australia 25 June 2008

JuJu, a big happy birthday kiss and hug and the immediate present is for a big push through the fleet. And Marty, a very happy 40th and have a great day with such good friends on the BBB with you. Look forward to giving my personal wishes in Cork; have a big celebration and enjoy your cakes. Thinking of you both today. Jude, our love, Pete and Bryce XX

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