Race 3 - Day 22
Crew Diary - Race 3 Day 22: Cape Town to Fremantle
22 November
Observations of a Legger
Joining in Cape Town for Leg 3 just three weeks ago was daunting.
On 27th Nov, I was one of seven new leggers registering with the race office to embark Visit Seattle. Once onboard, the evening was spent doing safety briefs and most importantly meeting the crew continuing from Leg 1 and leg 2. This group included eight round the worlders and three multiple leggers two of whom had been onboard since Race Start and one who joined for Leg 2. As we were briefed and as Leg 3 has progressed, it has become apparent just how much work these round the worlders and multiple leggers put into the overall running and working of the boat and I think this deserves a mention.
In addition to doing regular watches, in line with all crew members, each of the round the worlders has additional tasking which must be completed during the race at sea and during stopovers. Our first introduction to this was meeting the Safety rep, Shannon, who talked us through the life jacket checks. She was kept busy during week one when we had multiple lifejackets inflate on the foredeck crew. Shannon, as a trained nurse, is also an onboard medic and has been keeping us all patched up and in working order throughout the leg!
Then Marek stepped in and talked us through the well-planned watch and duty system which, at first, looked complicated but is now the roster which we abide to every day and learn what task we have for the day. A groan is normally heard from the person tasked with cleaning the heads (toilets) and bilges. Of course, the Dell rep Marek drew up all these schedules on his Dell Latitude Rugged computer.
Simon, the onboard Bosun, has a daily routine which includes checking winches and is regularly seen repairing frayed lines. He seems to enjoy his weekly trips up the mast to check the rigging all done while underway under sail and sometimes in precarious weather. You regularly hear the phrase: "Simon, such and such is broken or needs your attention."
Lizzie and Ian keep us on our toes reminding us to take photos and videos and do our blogs so they can send them back to the Clipper Race Press people. In addition to media duties Lizzie, in tandem with Phil, are our onboard sail repairers. Personally I was flabbergasted to realise we carry a sewing machine onboard and Phil and Lizzie have spent endless hours on this leg repairing rips of all sizes often under pressure to get the sail hoisted again as soon as possible as we are racing and we need to make best speed at all times.
One of my memorable days was spent in the galley (kitchen) cooking meals for the crew, as at least three sails were rotated through the area and the sewing machine was in full swing. While at sea, we are not allowed to run the engine but we do need to ensure it is at the ready at all times in case of emergency. In addition, we have a generator to provide power to all our navigation instruments and to ensure we can charge our speakers and phones for music! Jerome, as engineer, keeps these systems functioning. His other important function as engineer is to ensure there is hot running water for the cook's shower. I can ensure you a weekly shower is a luxury we all look forward to out here.
The eighth round the wolder is Tony, our second medic, who keeps us all healthy. Unfortunately, I have not been on watch with Tony but I hear he is very knowledgeable on the constellations. We have had some wonderfully clear skies with no light pollution. I regret not knowing the constellations better.#
One important role remaining is that of victualler, the person who is responsible for purchasing all the food for the trip and planning the daily menus. Feeding nineteen people for almost four weeks with limited cooking and storage facilities is not an easy task. Onboard Visit Seattle, this job is currently done by Emily. Emily has been onboard since Leg 1 and will depart after Leg 4. She will be difficult to replace as she does a great job. I recall meeting her in a supermarket in Cape Town as she put five shopping trolleys full to the brim through the checkout. Once all the food was delivered, she supervised all the labels being taken off the tins and the tins being labelled with marker. Then all the food was sorted into daily bags which matched her carefully planned menu and cooking instructions. It is a task which requires meticulous planning. Emily does a great job and we have had some tasty food throughout the leg including freshly baked bread every morning.
While us leggers will come and go throughout the Clipper 17-18 Race, these round the worlders will be with the boat continuously. Each stopover, they must plan and prepare for the next leg often at the sacrifice of their own free time. Winches must be serviced, food purchased, sails checked and repaired, media briefs and open days have to be attended... the list is endless. These round the worlders are the backbone of CV26 Visit Seattle. They are the ones who, with Skipper Nikki, ensure the boat is seaworthy and ready for racing and I think they deserve a huge thank you from the leggers. Thank you for having us onboard and allowing us to be part of this fantastic team. Each of you has been generous with your time in explaining the daily processes and procedures onboard and encouraging us to get involved. As I near the end of my leg and my part on this adventure, I wish each of you the best of luck in your continuing adventure. I hope you get from this experience everything you wish and deserve.