Crew Blog

Thankyou from westernaustralia2011.com

12 March 2008

WA team pose for a photo as they head to Midway

Bobbing about mid Pacific enduring everything it has to throw at us, from 25 foot waves and Force 9 winds to millponds and less than a whisper of breeze, with nothing more than a couple of pocket handkerchiefs to help us on our way, it would be very easy to feel the solitude of our predicament. Rocking along hundreds of miles behind the fleet, morale could easily drop but, despite the odd moment of stir crazy cabin fever behaviour (which was apparent well before we broke anything!) all is well onboard and that is largely thanks to the huge numbers of messages of support we’ve received.

Many, many thanks to our fellow skippers and crew for your support. We even received an incredibly generous offer from another boat to leave the race and shadow us all the way to Hawaii ‘just’ for moral support.

Thanks to all those family, friends, fellow crew and supporters who have sent messages and emails to wish us well and let us know that despite being in the middle of one of the world’s largest oceans with nothing more than a few albatross in sight, we are certainly not alone.

That is the community we’re living in. That is the team spirit that we enjoy across the fleet. Whilst there is an important race being fought for, there’s also a camaraderie and shared bond that runs much, much deeper. That is why we’re taking on this challenge.

And from all on WA2011.com, I would like to pass on our gratitude and thanks for your unending support and good will and for just being there for us. However, be warned, we may well be taking up your offers of beer and rum once we finally catch up with you…!

Johnboy! & all onboard the BBB

1. Susan Revie, Scotland 12 March 2008

We were shocked to hear of your accident, relieved to hear that everyone is OK, intrigued and impressed by the video of your antics to set up a jury rig and now impressed again by the apparent unending and generous offers of help and support from the rest of the Clipper fleet as well as the many followers of the race. We have put ourselves in your shoes and wondered if we would cope as well as you have done. Well done Billie for your contribution( in the galley) to crew morale! Robert must be very proud. Safe sailing to Hawaii!

2. Ray Hall, Rockingham 12 March 2008

A hearty “good on you, fellers ! “
Now, just what does your jury rig consist of ? Did you have a spare boom and fix that to the stub of the mast, or perhaps even were able to fit it above a reefed main to form a gaff-rig of sorts ?

I suppose you were able to reef a spinnaker down to a reduced area, perhaps even goose-winging it ?

Please, let we ‘armchair participants’ feel that we are part of your admirable efforts.

( Highest ) regards,
Ray Hall

3. andi, Stirling 12 March 2008

BBB crew, so good to hear us landlubbers are helping keep you focused and positive! Although i only know my mum, you all are important to me because you are a team and you all need each other. Yes, we are all thinking of you, out there, all the time. And, tree-hugger that i am, i like that a lot! And i’m really taken aback at the kindness and camaradarie offered by one of the fleet crews to chum you along to Hawaai...thats really something.

Ok soppy stuff over, mum, lesley says she’s adding her “overbump” maternity pants to The Jury Rig Sail Fund. No need to tell you thats a serious offer!Everything crossed for a swift turnaround and fix-up at Midway

love you amazing eileen! andi xxxxxxxxxxxxx

4. Nikki Davies, Perth 13 March 2008

Great happy photo - team still looks stylish even if BBB worst for wear. We are so impressed by team spirit obviously aided by the Gourmet Galley Girl! Thinking of you and wishing you safe arrival in Midway. Nikki & Peter Davies

5. Ken Cook (JASON), ftle sailing club 13 March 2008

Bad luck but keep on with the chase, they are not across the line yet! You are gradually catching up Regards, Ken.

6. Lee Edmond, West Sussex 13 March 2008

John and friends

we’ve been following your progress from dry land here at Cottesmore.
Very sad to hear about the mast incident..... but your blogs are inspirational, grounded and remind us of how straightforward life is back in Blighty.
Keep going....

7. Chrissy, Australia 13 March 2008

My fellow WA’s what a testament to how well we are all able to pull together at times like these. It seems from the blogs that apart from hard work, you are all still smiling, most importantly. Sending all my positive vibes from here in dry Bathurst. We signed the final contract for our new boat yesterday. At 33 ft it is somewhere between the Leavy baby Clipper and the mother ship. Will be skipping class this week to go sailing ! Much love Chrissy.

8. Jadranka Lota, Maidenhead, UK 14 March 2008

Hi guys, so pleased you are doing well and are in good health. I guess if weather permits the bikinis and swimming trunks can come out. I can see a drop or two of some exotic coctail too. I am also sure you would have exchanged that for some good winds and intact mast. But what can you do. Still following you on the map with the satelite view. Love to all and big big hugs
J

9. John & Vanessa, S Wales 15 March 2008

Clive and Jacqui - What an adventure. Pleased to see you are all OK. Keep up the spirits - they must have a bar in Midway. Hope you get it fixed. Best of luck and keep smiling.

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