Crew Blog

Things that go bump in the night

20 June 2008

westernaustralia2011.com becalmed in the Atlantic

There is something spooky about this leg. The route takes us along the western and northerly path of the slave trade and I cannot have been the only one to reflect on the suffering it involved. We passed near to Haiti where voodoo failed to help wind arrive. Then there were eerie nights becalmed in the Bermuda Triangle. As we approached New York the most incredible lightning storm that surrounded us made us wonder if we had angered some God. So bright were these sheets of lightning, I could see them burned on my retinas the following morning.

As we visited Halifax, it was hard not to be moved by the war stories told by refugees passing through the Museum at Pier 21, on their way to a new life in Canada. I found the records of my Mother’s arrival, as a war bride, in 1946, on the Aquitania. In Halifax was the pier from where the rescue of the Titantic survivors was launched.

In the boat, there are also spooky moments. Lying in you bunk, the creaks and groans of the blocks and lines become familiar and reassuring, but then, dark lumbering figures shuffle about beside you, whispering. Suddenly there is a rush of cold air as the hatch is opened. Shouting starts, as if you are under attack. Large sacks of sails get bullied up the ladder through the hatch and a wet sail flops in to bring a shower of spray, coiling like a docile lizard. In a moment the hatch is closed, the lumbering figures fumble past in the dark and all is returned to creaking and groaning.

Brian Thomas-Peter

1. Dipxy, Dumfriesshire 21 June 2008

Hi Brain, you’re blog is particlarly philosophical and sensitive. I think you’re the first crew member to reflect on their feelings ... remembering that this route has historical significance. Not only was it entrepreneurial through trade, it also was a difficult time in our history, eg penal colony, slave trade, emigration, etc. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Good luck with the race.

2. Kate T-P, Worcester 22 June 2008

Great to hear news. Love the description and atmosphere created by the blog and that spooky photo too. Hope you are all managing to keep up your own spirits despite the conditions. Willing you on to produce a bit of BBB magic!

3. Vic Silk, 22 June 2008

Still along way to go guys. You know you can do it - I want to see the champagne flowing alongside the Guinness in Cork! Keep truckin’, Vicx

4. Ray Hogan, Wirral merseyside England 22 June 2008

Hi Brian,
I read your report about things that go bump in the night, and I was particularly in terested in the peice about the Aquitania as I have a propelling pencil with that ship on it and a newspaper cutting about the history of the ship, if you would like it you are quite welcome to it,and we will be in the Albert dock to see your arrival, my 2 Grandsons came on board prior to your leaving of Liverpool last Sept.
My wife has a brother who is called brian Thomas, and a nephew called peter.
Safe passage to Liverpool to you all and come back winners,
Regards,
Ray hogan
P.S I have been following your voyage all the way round from day 1, and it was total bad luck when you were dismasted, but I was glad to see you make it up after that.

5. Richard Barker, Birmingham, UK 22 June 2008

Brian, sounds like your having a wonderful time!! In your absence, there’s been lots of creaking and groaning at work as well so you should be quite used to it by now. Reading your blog, I’m reminded of one of the first written accounts of a sea voyage, Homer’s Odyssey. Now if I recall, whenever Odysseus angered the Gods (and he did that a lot), he and his merry band of sailors made a libation to them ...tell me you remembered to do that before you set sail? Quick pour the rum overboard and you’ll soon catch up!

Come on Westernaustralia!!!

6. PETER LAWRENCE, Melbourne, Australia 23 June 2008

Jeez Brian, any more blogs like that and my nightmares will get worse! It’s now Monday June 23 and I hope you haven’t spooked the crew out of the big blue winning mode - currently lying a bad last by 70nm. So suggest you scare them into a big push on, you can’t afford to let the pack get away from you. Go BBB and show ‘em your stuff again. Peter

7. Kate T-P, Worcester 24 June 2008

Come on BBB - everyone watching you closely, willing you all on and hoping you are managing to keep up the battling WA spirit!

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