Crew Blog

Ultimate trust….

10 November 2007

westernaustralia2011.com's skipper tackles the spinnaker wrap

The views from aloft of the Big Blue Boat are amazing; huge Atlantic rollers coming in amongst the white caps of the wind driven waves, dazzling white against many shades of blue. This almost makes up for the perils of actually being 85ft in the sky when the boat pitches 20-30º from side to side… it is no place for the feint hearted.
Wearing a climbing harness with karabiners to attach yourself to anything available you begin the ascent placing ultimate trust in those steering the boat.

My latest trip was during darkness to recover the top section (head) of our spinnaker which had torn off in 30knots (60km) of wind. I can only describe it as painful with forearms being torn out of their sockets, hanging on as those below pulled downwards on the human hoist.

Having reached the top I realised that our sail was now wrapped around the wind instrument – the gadget that helps us steer the boat safely and the tool that my friend on the helm was relying on to keep me safe! I quickly grabbed the sail in one hand, removed the instrument with the other and untangled them lurching from bruise to bruise. It all went to plan and the gadget was relocated while I tied a line around the flogging sail. Soon I was safely on deck level, and we pulled the flapping remnants down ready for the sail repair team to perform their operation.

Martin (Skipper)

1. Mum and Dad Silk, Tenterden,Kent.uk 10 November 2007

Hi Mart, up the pole again ! why don’t you put a crows nest up there it will save you a lot of climbing in the future.Dad

2. Akmed, Brazil, still.... 10 November 2007

Hello Aus boat…
nice to see your finally pulling your weight Martha and by the sounds of your blog you make it sound like you hate it up there but I know otherwise, your like a child in a bouncing frame in your harness...the conditions sound quite rough so you�ll be excused if you didn�t break the 2 min barrier up the mast but I hope you still beat Brenda�s poor effort during part A (5 mins I think but he made it feel like 5 days)…

fair winds, stay safe, keep smiling and stay warm (aus and warm beaches are literally round the corner)…

Akmed

3. Philip Booth, Ashford, East Kent 10 November 2007

Hi Martin and crew,

or should that be ‘high’ Martin! Saw the video from a couple of days ago from the top of the mast, must be the best seat in the house!

We’ve been following daily since Liverpool, Aisha is tracking your progress on a world map and is always keen for updates. It’s an awe-inspiring journey mate. Noticed that sneaky stowaway - I think your front tyre needs some more air.

More power to your pedals and keep the wind in those sails, once they’re attached that is.

All the best Phil, Jo, Aisha and Harvey.

4. Jadranka Lota, Maidenhead 11 November 2007

Martin, Martin, Martin… you are actually, really enjoying doing all the hard work, aren’t you? It all sounds very Erol Flynn swishbuckling, heroesque adventure like. Is there a damsel in distress or we need to wait till you reach South Asian waters and meet ‘real’ pirates? May I suggest that you don’t do anything with your bike as at certain point it could be rendered useless (there are no BUSHES at sea nor on the boats). So......I would realy suggest you talk to Freddie (I assume he is still alive) and get some tips on… well.. how to survive!!!! x x x x

5. Norma laing, Blackpool 11 November 2007

Morning WA, glad to see you have sorted the washing problems out and you are now on your way. Can send some of the Breezy Weather from Blackpool if you need anymore ‘wind’. Jack hope your ‘personals’ weren’t involved with washing line fiasco, Grahame may need to have a borrow in the future. May the wind be with you.
Norma and Grahame.

6. Paul, Melbourne 12 November 2007

Chaps,

Will you please leave some spinaker intact so that I can wrap it round the forestays in the Pacific.

Paul

7. Steve Sharpe, UK 12 November 2007

Let someone else have some fun Martin..... I know he’s a little shy so I’ll suggest John Boy on his behalf .....!!

Steve

8. Robert, Perth 12 November 2007

Well done WA overnight Mon/Tues overtaking to reach 7th - now for the next one with some more good runs. Go for it from all the Perth watchers and groupies.

9. campbell geeves, Auckland 13 November 2007

Martin Martin centre partin..... stop doing silly things! Come cruising in Fiji, it;s far more civilised! Glad to hear you’re doing well....

10. Sister Sue, Aberdeenshire 13 November 2007

Hands up those of you out there that think these are just the vert bestest blogs ever!! Three cheers for Martin and his wonder-crew
Take care all of you and enjoy the whale-watching prior to the beer in Durban xxxxx

11. Stu Robinson, Cheshire 13 November 2007

well done to you all for taking 7th position.
john-boy, good effort on wrap. someone had to do it. you look well mate,stay safe and happy.

12. Peter & Sue Jones, Cheshire 14 November 2007

Now you’ve stopped playing with your sails Google tells us you are pulling the others back - keep it up - and Stuart, grab the opportunity with all RH’s best wishes I’m sure

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