Just to let you all know that we have arrived safely in Hobart. A tough start to the race saw us doing well but we eventually came in ninth. All the Clipper boats were close together, finishing before night set in on the 30th, so in good time for the partying. Weather has been fantastic for the past couple of days but it was a rough start with a 'southerly buster' that saw 30+ boats retire from the race.
We have a very short stopover, leaving on the 2nd but I will try and post something else before I leave. I am staying with Janice's aunt while here and I am looking forward to getting off the boat for a few nights.
Happy New Year to everyone and keep in touch.
Kate xx
Wednesday 30 December 2015
Wednesday 23 December 2015
Sydney stopover - episode 2 - time with the family
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| Sydney Opera House |
Saturday morning dawned and weather wise it was a warm and beautifully sunny morning. The heat
hadn't quite hit yet! Breakfast of fresh mango followed by Patrick's homemade scones and strawberry
jam set us all up for the day. I love that the Australian family are all still so very English even after nearly 45 years of living out here. When we meet up it doesn't seem like ages since we last saw each other and it is wonderful to meet the next generation and to witness them growing up into such delightful young adults. The importance of family is highlighted and I know that one of the 'side effects' of this trip is that I will try and keep in touch with everyone more. I would love to come out
and spend a decent amount of time travelling around and catching up with everyone - two weeks, although ages in 'Clipper' time is not nearly long enough. It is lovely to be away from 'The Clipper
Family' for a few days and to get some sense of normality away from the pressures of having to get the boat ready for the next race.
The day continued with a very English tea of cucumber and egg sandwiches, strawberries, cherries
and a Victoria sponge, made by Caroline, followed by a viscous game of croquet. The setting was perfect and under the shade of an Angophra tree. Congratulations to Molly and Patrick who shot
round the course sending the rest of us skuttling in all directions whenever we were unfortunately
close enough to be 'roqueted'. Caroline and I came in a veritable third after having great trouble in
hitting the finishing pole. What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
Sunday dawned, another perfect day, and it was off to church for the early service before we went to a small cafe for a wonderful breakfast overlooking a stunning view. I am loving the closeness of the 'Australian' family and how they all seem to look out for each other. It would be great if I could live closer to mum and my siblings back in the UK - yet again it highlights the importance of family and how I need to make more of an effort when I get back.
Patrick, Anne, Caroline and I then headed up to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains where we visited
the Three Sisters, an eroded rock formation surrounded by spectacular views. Not too hot and enough time for Patrick to buy a Panama hat in a famous hatterie before we had to head back, Caroline and I to Berambing where I stayed with her for a couple of nights, and the others back to Richmond where Anne was taking part in a choral concert.
I then had the privilege of staying with Caroline for a couple of nights. John and Caroline have been building their beautiful house for an number of years now and although not yet completed the potential is enormous. Secluded, quiet and with beautiful views across the Blue Mountains. Caroline and I spent the next day talking, relaxing, preparing lunch for the family, feeding the horse in the dark and generally catching up with each other. We last saw each year two and a half years ago when she visited Australia so lots to catch up on.
I needed to be back on the boat on the 22nd so it was a day out for the family and we all came down
to Sydney on the train so that they could visit the boat and see where their mad cousin/niece was spending the year travelling around the world.
I am now back on the boat but will be catching the train back to Richmond so that I can spend Christmas Eve and Day with the extended family. Boat preparation continues apace and I am hoping
that I can get away by about 2pm. Patrick and Anne will then bring me back to Sydney early on
Boxing Day so that I can settle on the boat in time for slipping lines just after 1000 hrs.
This will probably be my last post before the race starts as everything is going to get quite chaotic with Christmas and final preparations. So I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I will be back in touch again when I get to Hobart. This will be a very short stopover so I can't promise I will b able to write much more than to let you all know that I have arrived safely.
Sunday 20 December 2015
Sydney stopover - episode 1
I am in the middle of a two week stopover in Sydney and have decided to try and keep this blog updated on a regular basis rather than wait until just before I leave.
The first few days after arrival were spent on CV30 carrying out various aspects of maintenance including mending and replacing various pieces of ropes (sheets, reeking pennants. and halyards), winch servicing and tidying up down below after everything got shaken about during the storms around Tasmania on our way here. There is also quite a lot of work involved with the Sydney Hobart race including radio checks, numbering sails, updating the medical box etc that is keeping us all pretty busy. I have been staying in an hotel about a five minute walk from the marina which has been really convenient, and with sharing a room not too expensive.
Last Friday a team of took out a number of staff from the Sydney UNICEF office plus their guests on a sail around Sydney Harbour, out through The Heads and back again. It was a perfect day for a 'Corporate' and gave me the opportunity to have a relaxed 'pootle' without the stress of racing. These days are often good fun as we get to meet lots of different people, some of whom have never been out on a yacht before. The variety of boats was stunning as we swept through the harbour on our 70 footer including some of the faster yachts in the race, including Ragamuffin, the older and the tiny, in comparison, Lasers.
After the day with UNICEF I left the boat to go and stay with my cousins up in the Blue Mountains - so more of that in Episode 2.
The first few days after arrival were spent on CV30 carrying out various aspects of maintenance including mending and replacing various pieces of ropes (sheets, reeking pennants. and halyards), winch servicing and tidying up down below after everything got shaken about during the storms around Tasmania on our way here. There is also quite a lot of work involved with the Sydney Hobart race including radio checks, numbering sails, updating the medical box etc that is keeping us all pretty busy. I have been staying in an hotel about a five minute walk from the marina which has been really convenient, and with sharing a room not too expensive.
Last Friday a team of took out a number of staff from the Sydney UNICEF office plus their guests on a sail around Sydney Harbour, out through The Heads and back again. It was a perfect day for a 'Corporate' and gave me the opportunity to have a relaxed 'pootle' without the stress of racing. These days are often good fun as we get to meet lots of different people, some of whom have never been out on a yacht before. The variety of boats was stunning as we swept through the harbour on our 70 footer including some of the faster yachts in the race, including Ragamuffin, the older and the tiny, in comparison, Lasers.
After the day with UNICEF I left the boat to go and stay with my cousins up in the Blue Mountains - so more of that in Episode 2.
Thursday 17 December 2015
Albany
I have now got a system for transferring photos from my camera to the iPod and into my blog so I thought I would share some of the photos from the stopover in Albany.
We arrived too late from Cape Town for the crew party but this was compensated for by the arrival of my good friend, Linda, from university days and her husband, Martin. They had rented an apartment about a ten minute walk from the marina and were very generous in letting Janice, Neill (both RTWers) and myself stay with them. Linda arrived with her arm in plaster having broken her wrist a couple of days previously as she clambered over some rocks to take a closer look. That's geologists for you.
This accident is payback for when Linda suggested I put my feet on the axle of my bike 40 years ago as we cycled back to the caravan after a day's geological field work up in Shropshire. It was a good down hill ride along the A5 until my foot went into the spokes and I somersaulted over the handle bars, only to break my right wrist!
Martin was very helpful to Janice, our Chief Victualler, as he drove her around fetching and collecting shopping while Linda helped with the actual shopping. Thank to both of you for all your help.
When I managed a day off from working on the boat I spent the day with Linda and Martin. We went to the ANZAC centre where there is an inspirational display and memorial to those that travelled from Albany to Europe at the beginning of WW1. We then continued to the other side of the Bay to the old Whaling Station. Unfortunately we were too late to get into the museum but instead went for a lovely walk along the cliffs looking out towards the Southern Ocean and our route into Albany. M and L then stayed to wave us off as we left for Sydney a couple of days later - thank you.
We arrived too late from Cape Town for the crew party but this was compensated for by the arrival of my good friend, Linda, from university days and her husband, Martin. They had rented an apartment about a ten minute walk from the marina and were very generous in letting Janice, Neill (both RTWers) and myself stay with them. Linda arrived with her arm in plaster having broken her wrist a couple of days previously as she clambered over some rocks to take a closer look. That's geologists for you.
This accident is payback for when Linda suggested I put my feet on the axle of my bike 40 years ago as we cycled back to the caravan after a day's geological field work up in Shropshire. It was a good down hill ride along the A5 until my foot went into the spokes and I somersaulted over the handle bars, only to break my right wrist!
Martin was very helpful to Janice, our Chief Victualler, as he drove her around fetching and collecting shopping while Linda helped with the actual shopping. Thank to both of you for all your help.
When I managed a day off from working on the boat I spent the day with Linda and Martin. We went to the ANZAC centre where there is an inspirational display and memorial to those that travelled from Albany to Europe at the beginning of WW1. We then continued to the other side of the Bay to the old Whaling Station. Unfortunately we were too late to get into the museum but instead went for a lovely walk along the cliffs looking out towards the Southern Ocean and our route into Albany. M and L then stayed to wave us off as we left for Sydney a couple of days later - thank you.
Wednesday 16 December 2015
Race 4 - Albany to Sydney
So what was it really like sailing through the Southern Ocean?
The morning before the race started I met our new skipper, Martin, who is standing in for Jim for Leg 4, Albany - Sydney - Hobart - Airlie Beach. Quite an undertaking to take on a new crew and unknown boat and sail it around Australia though he is definitely up to the task as can be seen from our brilliant result of 6th. Martin was a skipper in the 2000 edition of the race which went round the world the other way following the Trade Winds and taking in the Galápagos Islands, Hawaii and Japan.
After the opportunity to go for a short sail with our new skipper the race started and we left Albany in good sailing conditions with medium strength winds and relatively flat seas. After a couple of days the winds started to build though we never got the following winds that were promised. We were heading into winds that reminded me of conditions sailing towards Albany: the boat heeling over at 45 degrees and a constant banging as we crashed over the waves. Not particularly comfortable!
The racing was good as we managed to keep up with the fleet and it was great to see other boats as we headed east. Our position in the race was constantly changing and there was a real incentive to work hard and increase our efficiency. For me, Martin has been a great skipper and is always leading by example as he is often up on deck helping with sail changes and coaching those behind the helm. He has pushed us hard which isn't to everyone's taste and I think it will be difficult to go back to how it was with Jim.
We raced hard and with increasing winds our skills were stretched to the limit but everyone pulled together which resulted in us being able to maintain our position in the fleet and eventually come in 6th. The conditions in the Tasman Sea were much more challenging than the Southern Ocean with
winds gusting up to 65 knots and huge following seas and waves towering over the boat. The guys on the helm did a fantastic job of keeping the boat going in the right direction and with only a couple of
broaches that saw me clinging onto the nav station seat with muscles I never knew existed. We eventually came out of the strong winds and we're lucky, or skilled enough, to avoid the wind hole that was building along the East Coast and that some of the boats fell into. We eventually came into the Heads thinking that we were 7th only to discover that we had left 'Visit Seattle' behind and that 6th place was ours.
Our sense of achievement was fantastic as we came to celebrate our best result. We always knew we could sail the boat and with a bit of a push from Martin achieved something only dreamt of. The challenge is now to continue with our success and do well in future races.
Sailing into Sydney Harbour with the spinnaker up was fantastic and a fitting end to a great, but challenging, race. The CYCA is a wonderful yacht club and with all the professional crews gathering for the Sydney Hobart race has an amazing atmosphere. I am now left wondering how much more difficult this next race is going to be, or have we experienced the worst.
As I write this Sydney has just experienced a tornado with winds of up to 200 kph, rain and hail stones as big as golf balls. Luckily it was far enough from here otherwise boats could have been severely damaged and the race put in jeopardy. I have spent the past few days repairing damage to the boat and after a UNICEF corporate day on the 18th will be free to go and stay with my aunt and cousins who live around Richmond towards the Blue Mountains. I can't wait to spend time with them and to get away from Clipper life that can become all too consuming.
The next race is the classic Sydney Hobart starting on Boxing Day. Sydney Harbour will be filled with boats, both racing and spectator, and it is a privilege to be able to take part. We head back north to The Whitsundays on the 2nd of Jan where after a short stopover and crew change we set of for Vietnam and China.
I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year. You will all be in my thoughts as I bask in hot sunshine and celebrate with my Australian relations.
Kate
The morning before the race started I met our new skipper, Martin, who is standing in for Jim for Leg 4, Albany - Sydney - Hobart - Airlie Beach. Quite an undertaking to take on a new crew and unknown boat and sail it around Australia though he is definitely up to the task as can be seen from our brilliant result of 6th. Martin was a skipper in the 2000 edition of the race which went round the world the other way following the Trade Winds and taking in the Galápagos Islands, Hawaii and Japan.
After the opportunity to go for a short sail with our new skipper the race started and we left Albany in good sailing conditions with medium strength winds and relatively flat seas. After a couple of days the winds started to build though we never got the following winds that were promised. We were heading into winds that reminded me of conditions sailing towards Albany: the boat heeling over at 45 degrees and a constant banging as we crashed over the waves. Not particularly comfortable!
The racing was good as we managed to keep up with the fleet and it was great to see other boats as we headed east. Our position in the race was constantly changing and there was a real incentive to work hard and increase our efficiency. For me, Martin has been a great skipper and is always leading by example as he is often up on deck helping with sail changes and coaching those behind the helm. He has pushed us hard which isn't to everyone's taste and I think it will be difficult to go back to how it was with Jim.
We raced hard and with increasing winds our skills were stretched to the limit but everyone pulled together which resulted in us being able to maintain our position in the fleet and eventually come in 6th. The conditions in the Tasman Sea were much more challenging than the Southern Ocean with
winds gusting up to 65 knots and huge following seas and waves towering over the boat. The guys on the helm did a fantastic job of keeping the boat going in the right direction and with only a couple of
broaches that saw me clinging onto the nav station seat with muscles I never knew existed. We eventually came out of the strong winds and we're lucky, or skilled enough, to avoid the wind hole that was building along the East Coast and that some of the boats fell into. We eventually came into the Heads thinking that we were 7th only to discover that we had left 'Visit Seattle' behind and that 6th place was ours.
Our sense of achievement was fantastic as we came to celebrate our best result. We always knew we could sail the boat and with a bit of a push from Martin achieved something only dreamt of. The challenge is now to continue with our success and do well in future races.
Sailing into Sydney Harbour with the spinnaker up was fantastic and a fitting end to a great, but challenging, race. The CYCA is a wonderful yacht club and with all the professional crews gathering for the Sydney Hobart race has an amazing atmosphere. I am now left wondering how much more difficult this next race is going to be, or have we experienced the worst.
As I write this Sydney has just experienced a tornado with winds of up to 200 kph, rain and hail stones as big as golf balls. Luckily it was far enough from here otherwise boats could have been severely damaged and the race put in jeopardy. I have spent the past few days repairing damage to the boat and after a UNICEF corporate day on the 18th will be free to go and stay with my aunt and cousins who live around Richmond towards the Blue Mountains. I can't wait to spend time with them and to get away from Clipper life that can become all too consuming.
The next race is the classic Sydney Hobart starting on Boxing Day. Sydney Harbour will be filled with boats, both racing and spectator, and it is a privilege to be able to take part. We head back north to The Whitsundays on the 2nd of Jan where after a short stopover and crew change we set of for Vietnam and China.
I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year. You will all be in my thoughts as I bask in hot sunshine and celebrate with my Australian relations.
Kate
Sunday 13 December 2015
Arrival in Sydney
Just a quick post to let everyone know that we have arrived safely in Sydney after a very tough race from Albany. The Southern Ocean gave us a tough ride but nothing compared to the Tasman Sea where we experienced winds up to 60 knots and enormous seas. The toughest race so far but exhilarating once trust was put in the boat and the new skipper.
We got in earlier today, a very good 6th place, and I am now sitting in the CYCA (Cruising Yacht Club of Australia) drinking beer and eating ice cream. A fantastic atmosphere.
A big thank you to my cousin Anne and her son Christopher who were on the pontoon when we got in - it couldn't have been a better welcome.
I will get to post a more detailed account of the past two weeks, this is just an update to let you all know that we are safe.
Be back soon
Kate
We got in earlier today, a very good 6th place, and I am now sitting in the CYCA (Cruising Yacht Club of Australia) drinking beer and eating ice cream. A fantastic atmosphere.
A big thank you to my cousin Anne and her son Christopher who were on the pontoon when we got in - it couldn't have been a better welcome.
I will get to post a more detailed account of the past two weeks, this is just an update to let you all know that we are safe.
Be back soon
Kate
Monday 30 November 2015
Leg 3 - Cape Town to Albany, WAu
So, we are now here after 28 days at sea. It was a tough Leg with a number of storms, winds gusting up to 60-70 knots, precarious living at a 45 degree angle for what seemed like most of the time and many hours spent huddled on the deck trying to stay warm. We didn't see much of the sun with the rain generally staying away though there were times when we were all drenched by water coming over the bow as we crashed through the waves.
A bit of damage was sustained as we stretched the sails, sheets and halyards to their upper limits, but nothing that is not fixable and less than some of the other boats. The medium weight spinnaker landed up in the water a couple of times which got all crew up on deck in the middle of the night, but we were able to retrieve it without too much damage though Neill is having to spend a couple of days trying to mend it before we leave in a few days time.
On a more positive note I never questioned what I was doing and was able to recognise that sailing from London to Australia is something to be proud of. We were able to see the enormous albatross at close quarters as well as many other sea birds, dolphins and a number of whales, one of which swam alongside the boat for a short time. Meals were nearly always delicious and we have all become proficient at baking bread and making cakes while hanging on for 'dear life'.
There was a lot of time for thinking as we stayed on one tack for most of the time and it was family and friends that I missed most. But I think that although I knew that is was going to hard I hadn't appreciated how hard. The ocean seascape goes on for miles and miles, as you would expect, with only the colour of the water and the shape of the swell and waves changing. With the cloud cover that we experienced for most of the journey there was little warmth from the sun and we didn't have the moon and stars to watch and wonder about during the hours of darkness. There were few birds at times and many days when we didn't see any sea life. When we were visited by dolphins and the occasional whale there was great excitement though also disappointment if the creature had vanished before being able to get on deck with a camera at hand.
But what I must remember is that I have sailed across the Southern Ocean for 5,500 miles in a 70 ft yacht and that bar a few minor injuries to different crew members and an ill skipper for part of the Leg we all arrived safely in Australia after 28 days at sea. We didn't come last but 11th this time and it is just our luck that we missed the trip to a local distillery because we didn't achieve 12th place. Our sailing has improved and I am now able to look forward to the next Leg around Australia.
The next part of this adventure takes us from Albany to Sydney, the Sydney-Hobart race and then from Hobart up to Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays, Queensland. We will be crossing the Bass Strait, notoriously known for rough weather and seas, three times, but spending Christmas in Sydney and New Year in Hobart. What more could I ask for!
A bit of damage was sustained as we stretched the sails, sheets and halyards to their upper limits, but nothing that is not fixable and less than some of the other boats. The medium weight spinnaker landed up in the water a couple of times which got all crew up on deck in the middle of the night, but we were able to retrieve it without too much damage though Neill is having to spend a couple of days trying to mend it before we leave in a few days time.
On a more positive note I never questioned what I was doing and was able to recognise that sailing from London to Australia is something to be proud of. We were able to see the enormous albatross at close quarters as well as many other sea birds, dolphins and a number of whales, one of which swam alongside the boat for a short time. Meals were nearly always delicious and we have all become proficient at baking bread and making cakes while hanging on for 'dear life'.
There was a lot of time for thinking as we stayed on one tack for most of the time and it was family and friends that I missed most. But I think that although I knew that is was going to hard I hadn't appreciated how hard. The ocean seascape goes on for miles and miles, as you would expect, with only the colour of the water and the shape of the swell and waves changing. With the cloud cover that we experienced for most of the journey there was little warmth from the sun and we didn't have the moon and stars to watch and wonder about during the hours of darkness. There were few birds at times and many days when we didn't see any sea life. When we were visited by dolphins and the occasional whale there was great excitement though also disappointment if the creature had vanished before being able to get on deck with a camera at hand.
But what I must remember is that I have sailed across the Southern Ocean for 5,500 miles in a 70 ft yacht and that bar a few minor injuries to different crew members and an ill skipper for part of the Leg we all arrived safely in Australia after 28 days at sea. We didn't come last but 11th this time and it is just our luck that we missed the trip to a local distillery because we didn't achieve 12th place. Our sailing has improved and I am now able to look forward to the next Leg around Australia.
The next part of this adventure takes us from Albany to Sydney, the Sydney-Hobart race and then from Hobart up to Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays, Queensland. We will be crossing the Bass Strait, notoriously known for rough weather and seas, three times, but spending Christmas in Sydney and New Year in Hobart. What more could I ask for!
Saturday 31 October 2015
CapeTown
I am standing on the jetty waiting to go to immigration after a wonderful stop over in Cape Town. So different to Rio where the facilities were worse than basic and numerous crew were mugged. Here we have had fantastic weather, too much food, good company and too many late nights.
I apologise for the rushed blog and hope that can get my act together in Australia.
I wasn't able to get up Table Mountain as on the two days that I tried the cable car was not running due to high winds. We did manage an open top bus tour that took us to the lower cable station and then on to Cables Bay, a beautiful beach where we ate ice cream and paddled in the sea. I also got out to Robben Island - a tour that I found very moving as we were guided around by someone who spent time there. I can't understand why people can be so cruel to others!
It has been a great place to stay and I would love to come back and to spend more time exploring the city and surrounding area. The people have been really friendly and keen to hear about our adventure. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a bubble in the city where only the affluent can afford to visit. Fortunately the Rand:£ exchange rate is in our favour so everything is very cheap. £15 for a three course meal with wine and beer for those partial to such things. My best meal was a 'game kebab' of ostrich, kudu, Impala and wildebeest. Really tasty with the wildebeest melting in my mouth. The fish has been excellent and with other lunches and dinners eaten out I have probably a gained all a the weight lost to date.
Just heard that immigration are running at least 45 minutes late, so more time to get this finished.
I sit here (in reality standing while leaning on a convenient dustbin), slightly anxious about the journey ahead. The Southern Ocean is notorious for high winds and big seas though we have an advantage in that we experienced something similar in the storm as we approached Cape Town. We need to make sure that everyone is clipped on at all times and there is always one hand for the boat
and one for ourselves. Most injuries occur below decks so moving carefully will be the order of the day. I am sure we will all be OK, just a bit wary of what is ahead.
It has been lovely to get everyone's messages, comments and emails and to know that I have the support back home. Please continue. Time is always short in port so apologies for to always being able to respond but my thoughts are with you all. What this adventurers teaching me is that I need to be more nurturing of my relationships and friendships as every one of you is important to me - I have only just realised how important.
I must sign off now. I will try and add some photos but as you regular readers know I am not always successful. Here goes!
Kate xxx
I apologise for the rushed blog and hope that can get my act together in Australia.
I wasn't able to get up Table Mountain as on the two days that I tried the cable car was not running due to high winds. We did manage an open top bus tour that took us to the lower cable station and then on to Cables Bay, a beautiful beach where we ate ice cream and paddled in the sea. I also got out to Robben Island - a tour that I found very moving as we were guided around by someone who spent time there. I can't understand why people can be so cruel to others!
It has been a great place to stay and I would love to come back and to spend more time exploring the city and surrounding area. The people have been really friendly and keen to hear about our adventure. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a bubble in the city where only the affluent can afford to visit. Fortunately the Rand:£ exchange rate is in our favour so everything is very cheap. £15 for a three course meal with wine and beer for those partial to such things. My best meal was a 'game kebab' of ostrich, kudu, Impala and wildebeest. Really tasty with the wildebeest melting in my mouth. The fish has been excellent and with other lunches and dinners eaten out I have probably a gained all a the weight lost to date.
Just heard that immigration are running at least 45 minutes late, so more time to get this finished.
I sit here (in reality standing while leaning on a convenient dustbin), slightly anxious about the journey ahead. The Southern Ocean is notorious for high winds and big seas though we have an advantage in that we experienced something similar in the storm as we approached Cape Town. We need to make sure that everyone is clipped on at all times and there is always one hand for the boat
and one for ourselves. Most injuries occur below decks so moving carefully will be the order of the day. I am sure we will all be OK, just a bit wary of what is ahead.
It has been lovely to get everyone's messages, comments and emails and to know that I have the support back home. Please continue. Time is always short in port so apologies for to always being able to respond but my thoughts are with you all. What this adventurers teaching me is that I need to be more nurturing of my relationships and friendships as every one of you is important to me - I have only just realised how important.
I must sign off now. I will try and add some photos but as you regular readers know I am not always successful. Here goes!
Kate xxx
Friday 30 October 2015
Leg 2 - Rio to Cape Town
Wow - a journey that was tougher than I could have imagined, but I expect easier than the next race to Australia.
Race start was fast and furious with winds much stronger than expected and many of the boats being overpowered. The decision to change the sail plan on our boat was made late in the day but after a slow start we were able to race through the fleet. Unfortunately a tactical decision midway through the race meant we landed up having to tack into some pretty strong weather, the wind always seeming to come from exactly where we wanted to go. Our track looks a bit like a Christmas tree, but then that is racing for you.
The storm we hit before getting into Cape Town was fierce with winds up to 40/50 knots and gusts to 65 knots recorded on a regular basis. Waves of 10 metres came from all directions and it was not a comfortable ride. The boat would get to the top of a wave and after a second when the boat felt as if it was suspended it would fall back in one of two ways; either smoothly down the other side or with a hugh crash; crockery flying, saucepans crashing and crew hanging on for dear life. I was never scared but took comfort from the fact that these boats have been built to withstand such conditions. We had damage but nothing serious and other than a few minor injuries the crew were all safe and sound.
But there were also times when the stars were so beautiful and bright, the colour of the water so vibrant as Albatross soared around our mast. Such huge birds. We saw turtles swim by and dolphins dance around the boat as we made our way east to Cape Town. Flying fish were not as abundant as the first leg but there was a definite increase in the number of squid that landed on the deck. The 'deck walk' each morning would reveal dead squid trapped in sails, under ropes and caught up with the shrouds. Funny looking creatures with enormous eyes and ink filled bodies.
Our entry into Cape Town was spectacular. We managed to get caught in a wind hole and bobbed about in Table Bay for about 18 hours waiting for the wind to pick up. The benefit of this was that the other watch, not mine as we were asleep, were able to watch the sun rise over Table Mountain. A spectacular day with bright sunshine though little wind, an essential element for sailing! We watched whales spout plumes of water into the air, with one managing to launch itself into the air reasonably close by. There were numerous seals, heads down and flippers in the air, entertaining us as we slowly crawled our way into Table Bay with the spectacular back drop of Table Mountain towering over us.
We were met by the Clipper race control boat that circled us taking photos while Neill entertained us on his trombone. We eventually crossed the finish line and after putting all the sails away we motored into the Victoria and Alfred marina. Family and friends were there to welcome us as well as many other crew who were busy working on their boats. At one point a canon was fired which made each and every one of us jump out of our skin. A memorable and spectacular entry into Cape Town.
The race was much tougher than I could have imagined. Living conditions when heeled over at 45 degrees are not easy. Just going to the heads (toilet) is an issue as I struggled to sit on a bouncing loo hoping that the next crash wasn't going to cause too much damage. At one point the entire contents of the starboard watch snack box came flying though the heads 'door' (in reality a curtain) and landed at my feet. Cushions in the saloon kept falling onto the floor and it was virtually impossible to keep the galley tidy. The water maker wouldn't work and water couldnt drain out of the sink plug holes as they were at the top (certainly designed by a man). Cooking was a challenge though I did manage to make bread at 45 degrees. The cake was shaped like a wave as it was impossible to keep the oven horizontal as we rocked from side to side, up and down. Towards the end we lived on Pot Noodles, biscuits and cheese as it was impossible to cook and those on Mother duty were feeling ill.
But we survived, we were challenged and we finished the race. It was mixed. There were times when I could have given up, times when I wondered what on earth I was doing sitting on a cold and wet deck, times when I could lie back and take in the starry sky and times when I watched the Southern Cross track its way across the heavens.
It is time to finish this post and to move onto our time in Cape Town. I still haven't worked out how to get photos into my blogs but there is hope yet. I will ask Marcus at breakfast tomorrow morning (my IT consultant on Legs 2 and 3) and will get the photos put into a separate post.
Race start was fast and furious with winds much stronger than expected and many of the boats being overpowered. The decision to change the sail plan on our boat was made late in the day but after a slow start we were able to race through the fleet. Unfortunately a tactical decision midway through the race meant we landed up having to tack into some pretty strong weather, the wind always seeming to come from exactly where we wanted to go. Our track looks a bit like a Christmas tree, but then that is racing for you.
The storm we hit before getting into Cape Town was fierce with winds up to 40/50 knots and gusts to 65 knots recorded on a regular basis. Waves of 10 metres came from all directions and it was not a comfortable ride. The boat would get to the top of a wave and after a second when the boat felt as if it was suspended it would fall back in one of two ways; either smoothly down the other side or with a hugh crash; crockery flying, saucepans crashing and crew hanging on for dear life. I was never scared but took comfort from the fact that these boats have been built to withstand such conditions. We had damage but nothing serious and other than a few minor injuries the crew were all safe and sound.
But there were also times when the stars were so beautiful and bright, the colour of the water so vibrant as Albatross soared around our mast. Such huge birds. We saw turtles swim by and dolphins dance around the boat as we made our way east to Cape Town. Flying fish were not as abundant as the first leg but there was a definite increase in the number of squid that landed on the deck. The 'deck walk' each morning would reveal dead squid trapped in sails, under ropes and caught up with the shrouds. Funny looking creatures with enormous eyes and ink filled bodies.
Our entry into Cape Town was spectacular. We managed to get caught in a wind hole and bobbed about in Table Bay for about 18 hours waiting for the wind to pick up. The benefit of this was that the other watch, not mine as we were asleep, were able to watch the sun rise over Table Mountain. A spectacular day with bright sunshine though little wind, an essential element for sailing! We watched whales spout plumes of water into the air, with one managing to launch itself into the air reasonably close by. There were numerous seals, heads down and flippers in the air, entertaining us as we slowly crawled our way into Table Bay with the spectacular back drop of Table Mountain towering over us.
We were met by the Clipper race control boat that circled us taking photos while Neill entertained us on his trombone. We eventually crossed the finish line and after putting all the sails away we motored into the Victoria and Alfred marina. Family and friends were there to welcome us as well as many other crew who were busy working on their boats. At one point a canon was fired which made each and every one of us jump out of our skin. A memorable and spectacular entry into Cape Town.
The race was much tougher than I could have imagined. Living conditions when heeled over at 45 degrees are not easy. Just going to the heads (toilet) is an issue as I struggled to sit on a bouncing loo hoping that the next crash wasn't going to cause too much damage. At one point the entire contents of the starboard watch snack box came flying though the heads 'door' (in reality a curtain) and landed at my feet. Cushions in the saloon kept falling onto the floor and it was virtually impossible to keep the galley tidy. The water maker wouldn't work and water couldnt drain out of the sink plug holes as they were at the top (certainly designed by a man). Cooking was a challenge though I did manage to make bread at 45 degrees. The cake was shaped like a wave as it was impossible to keep the oven horizontal as we rocked from side to side, up and down. Towards the end we lived on Pot Noodles, biscuits and cheese as it was impossible to cook and those on Mother duty were feeling ill.
But we survived, we were challenged and we finished the race. It was mixed. There were times when I could have given up, times when I wondered what on earth I was doing sitting on a cold and wet deck, times when I could lie back and take in the starry sky and times when I watched the Southern Cross track its way across the heavens.
It is time to finish this post and to move onto our time in Cape Town. I still haven't worked out how to get photos into my blogs but there is hope yet. I will ask Marcus at breakfast tomorrow morning (my IT consultant on Legs 2 and 3) and will get the photos put into a separate post.
Wednesday 7 October 2015
Leg 1 to Rio
First of all I would like to thank everyone who came to St Kats to see us off way back on the 30th August. It was great to see so many of you and to know that I have your support as I travel around the worlead.
We have now arrived in Rio after a long 33 days at sea despite all that the Atlantic had to throw at us in the way of squalls, strong and sudden gusts, no winds, baking sun, as well as the full moon, starlit skies, whales, dolphins and numerous flying fish.
"So what was it really like?" I can hear you asking. It was hard, especially having to get out of bed, tired, and feeling seasick. There were times when I was sitting on deck that I wondered what I was doing and whether or not I would make it around the world. How was I going to explain my early departure from the race to everyone who's is supporting me back home? But then I thought of advice given by a Round The Worlder (RTW) from the last race who suggested writing down the reasons for doing the race and revisiting the piece of paper whenever doubt comes to mind.
For me one of the reasons for taking part in this race is to be able to visit all the different places around the world, to sail into Rio, Cape Town, Sydney, New York etc. Coming into Rio was incredible. The weather could have been clearer but Sugar Loaf was there in all its splender. Rio is situated around Guanamara Bay and when we crossed the finish line at about 0730 hrs there was a sense of achievement. We had crossed the Atlantic Ocean, 5600 miles, and arrived in Rio by boat. Eduardo, a Brazilian national, had never seen the city from this angle - he was given the honour of 'driving' the boat in.
It was not all bad. We had stunning starlit skies, a full moon, hot (sometimes too hot) days when we were unable to find any shade. The winds were variable - sometimes too strong and gusty and at other times so light that we moved backwards. We came in the middle of the fleet for the ocean sprint to the south of the Doldrums but last in the overall race. Room for improvement - we can only do better, and as one friend pointed out "at least you didn't run aground".
Living at 45 degrees is not easy, especially when on the same tack for days at a time. I became adept at setting my bunk at the correct angle though my 'bunk buddy' would lower it, only for me to raise it up again when it was my time to sleep. A bit like windows on a train - always being open and closed by different passengers.
I was wary about sharing a bunk to start with but it wasn't as bad as I had expected. My 'bunk buddy' was on the opposite watch so that we never needed the bed at the same time. I would sleep while she was working and vice versa. Being tidy is the key to sharing such a small space. I am lucky in that I can go to sleep quite easily, and then stay asleep despite the noise going on around me. It was a bit of a challenge when the door to the engine room was opened right next to my head but I generally slept well. The first night in the hotel was strange as my bed didn't move and the noises from a sailing boat - sails flapping, ropes flogging, winches grinding etc - were absent.
Time has run out and I am going to have to sign off. It has been hard to keep in touch with people here in Rio as Internet connection is not good and we don't have any connection on the boat where I have been spending most of my time. I need to be on the boat in about an hour and anxiety is increasing. The seas are going to be big but the upside is that we should be in Cape Town in less than three weeks. Hopefully the marina is fit for purpose as the one here is a building site in preparation for the Olympics next year. Also apologies for the lack of photos - I don't seem to be able to get my camera to talk to the iPad. Hopefully all will be sorted for South Africa.
Thanks for all your support and I will be in touch soon.
We have now arrived in Rio after a long 33 days at sea despite all that the Atlantic had to throw at us in the way of squalls, strong and sudden gusts, no winds, baking sun, as well as the full moon, starlit skies, whales, dolphins and numerous flying fish.
"So what was it really like?" I can hear you asking. It was hard, especially having to get out of bed, tired, and feeling seasick. There were times when I was sitting on deck that I wondered what I was doing and whether or not I would make it around the world. How was I going to explain my early departure from the race to everyone who's is supporting me back home? But then I thought of advice given by a Round The Worlder (RTW) from the last race who suggested writing down the reasons for doing the race and revisiting the piece of paper whenever doubt comes to mind.
For me one of the reasons for taking part in this race is to be able to visit all the different places around the world, to sail into Rio, Cape Town, Sydney, New York etc. Coming into Rio was incredible. The weather could have been clearer but Sugar Loaf was there in all its splender. Rio is situated around Guanamara Bay and when we crossed the finish line at about 0730 hrs there was a sense of achievement. We had crossed the Atlantic Ocean, 5600 miles, and arrived in Rio by boat. Eduardo, a Brazilian national, had never seen the city from this angle - he was given the honour of 'driving' the boat in.
It was not all bad. We had stunning starlit skies, a full moon, hot (sometimes too hot) days when we were unable to find any shade. The winds were variable - sometimes too strong and gusty and at other times so light that we moved backwards. We came in the middle of the fleet for the ocean sprint to the south of the Doldrums but last in the overall race. Room for improvement - we can only do better, and as one friend pointed out "at least you didn't run aground".
Living at 45 degrees is not easy, especially when on the same tack for days at a time. I became adept at setting my bunk at the correct angle though my 'bunk buddy' would lower it, only for me to raise it up again when it was my time to sleep. A bit like windows on a train - always being open and closed by different passengers.
I was wary about sharing a bunk to start with but it wasn't as bad as I had expected. My 'bunk buddy' was on the opposite watch so that we never needed the bed at the same time. I would sleep while she was working and vice versa. Being tidy is the key to sharing such a small space. I am lucky in that I can go to sleep quite easily, and then stay asleep despite the noise going on around me. It was a bit of a challenge when the door to the engine room was opened right next to my head but I generally slept well. The first night in the hotel was strange as my bed didn't move and the noises from a sailing boat - sails flapping, ropes flogging, winches grinding etc - were absent.
Time has run out and I am going to have to sign off. It has been hard to keep in touch with people here in Rio as Internet connection is not good and we don't have any connection on the boat where I have been spending most of my time. I need to be on the boat in about an hour and anxiety is increasing. The seas are going to be big but the upside is that we should be in Cape Town in less than three weeks. Hopefully the marina is fit for purpose as the one here is a building site in preparation for the Olympics next year. Also apologies for the lack of photos - I don't seem to be able to get my camera to talk to the iPad. Hopefully all will be sorted for South Africa.
Thanks for all your support and I will be in touch soon.
Saturday 22 August 2015
Gosport prep week 10th - 14th August
I have been a bit slow in letting you all know how the Gosport week of boat preparation went so here goes --
The aim of the week was to get the boats as prepared as possible for the circumnavigation. A lot of work for up to ten crew who were down for most of the week. We started with the ropes.
All the running rigging was replaced - halyards, sheets, outhaul, running backstays etc. They were all whipped and milked - what on earth does that mean I can hear you ask. New ropes need to be prepared so that the outer sheath doesn't bunch up over the inner core and therefore get stuck in the blocks and jammers. The end is tied up with string (whipped) and then the outer sheath is stretched (milked) over the core and held in place by further whipping. This involves crew laying out the lines on the pontoon, tying the first whipped end, using the dreaded bowline, to a cleat on the pontoon and then using a sail tie to pull the outer sheath over the inner core (milking).
This milking is done up to six to eight times until there is no movement between inner core and outer sheath. It can be hard work, especially with ropes that are up to 45 metres long. Once milked the outer sheath is held in place with a vicious looking spike until the end can be whipped.
When the replacement halyards were ready the old ones were removed and using a 'mousing line' the new ropes were fed through the mast and into position. Once in position, shackles were connected using a 'blood knot' - does the introduction of new terminology every end! I am beginning to realise that we will also be learning a new language as we become more evermore familiar with workings of our UNICEF boat, CV30.
There were new sails to put on the boat and mark up, winches and jammers to be serviced and the engine and generator had to be looked over and serviced by the Chief Engineer for leg 1, the Bosun and various other interested parties.
There has been a suggestion of putting a video together as how to put the winches back together again as there was an interesting moment when the crew thought that all the bits had been mixed up. A good idea guys! Handles have been added, storage nets for fruit, veg and baby wipes have been fitted. Helm pockets were installed, someone went up the mast to give the rigging a thorough check, the heads were serviced and the oven door replaced. It had exploded the previous week on the last Level 4 course!!
I was involved in taking the inventory for the medical supplies - amazing to see what we are taking with us. Something for what seems like everything including scalpels, stitching thread, bed pans, a body bag - I have asked what would happen if someone did die on the journey and the answer was that the body is put into a body bag and this is then put into a deployed life raft and towed behind the boat until the next stopover.
Inventories for tool boxes, the galley, navigation station. A library full of books on everything from celestial navigation to ocean current maps and tide tables. Even though we will have access to electronic charts we are taking paper charts for every part of the world we will be travelling in. Paper charts don't rely on a battery supply and electronics working so are much more reliable.
Seals on deck fittings were checked and repaired/replaced to prevent leakage onto bunks and into the boat. The transom (back of the boat) was cleaned and waxed, rudders brushed clean, baffling sewing machines conquered by the sail makers and I went on a course to explain what I was supposed to be doing. Lots of information regarding stopover management, watch patterns, rotas for mothers, engineers, navigation and the deck etc. Also a chance to meet the other Team Coordinators as we will be a source of support for each other as we sail round.
Most of the victualling supplies were put onto the boat. First all the food had to be laid out on the floor in a large room. Dried milk was weighed and put into plastic bags for water to be added, packets of bread and cake mix were put into individual dry bags (thank you Linda and Martin for their help with this), and the food for each day was gathered together. The menus had all been worked out by our very hard working victualler, Janice, a seven day rotation for thirty two days. A phenomenal amount of food. Once all sorted, divided and put together the items were put into a couple of dry bags for each day, labelled and sorted into numerical order. These bags were then all taken back to the boat and Andrew had to find somewhere to store them until needed. A feat of engineering in itself as he squeezed bags into every space available.
On top of the 32 days there were an extra five days for emergencies and two days for bad weather. One bad weather menu consisted of pot noodles - only need to add hot water. I hope the recipe has improved since they first came out as pot noodles were some of the less appetizing meals I consumed while at uni.
Copious amounts of tea was drunk during the day with Guinness, gin and tonic and bitter consumed each night as we gathered in the local pub to chill out and discuss the adventure ahead. It was a good week of bonding and getting to know the crew on the boat as well as being able to be involved in the basics of getting an ocean going racing yacht ready for a 45.000 mile journey.
Some vital items were still missing as I left early evening on Friday 14th - including our supply of toilet paper for the next 5 weeks. Will it arrive on time?
A week of extremely hard work but at the end of it I have a much better understanding of the workings of the boat and especially how to repair and replace the running rigging. I now look forward to a weekend away from the boat and to the delivery trip next week which will see all twelve Clipper yachts journeying up to London and St Katharine Docks.
The aim of the week was to get the boats as prepared as possible for the circumnavigation. A lot of work for up to ten crew who were down for most of the week. We started with the ropes.
 |
| Laying out the lines on the pontoon |
 |
| End of whipped line tied onto cleat |
 |
| Milking the line |
When the replacement halyards were ready the old ones were removed and using a 'mousing line' the new ropes were fed through the mast and into position. Once in position, shackles were connected using a 'blood knot' - does the introduction of new terminology every end! I am beginning to realise that we will also be learning a new language as we become more evermore familiar with workings of our UNICEF boat, CV30.
There were new sails to put on the boat and mark up, winches and jammers to be serviced and the engine and generator had to be looked over and serviced by the Chief Engineer for leg 1, the Bosun and various other interested parties.
There has been a suggestion of putting a video together as how to put the winches back together again as there was an interesting moment when the crew thought that all the bits had been mixed up. A good idea guys! Handles have been added, storage nets for fruit, veg and baby wipes have been fitted. Helm pockets were installed, someone went up the mast to give the rigging a thorough check, the heads were serviced and the oven door replaced. It had exploded the previous week on the last Level 4 course!!
I was involved in taking the inventory for the medical supplies - amazing to see what we are taking with us. Something for what seems like everything including scalpels, stitching thread, bed pans, a body bag - I have asked what would happen if someone did die on the journey and the answer was that the body is put into a body bag and this is then put into a deployed life raft and towed behind the boat until the next stopover.
Inventories for tool boxes, the galley, navigation station. A library full of books on everything from celestial navigation to ocean current maps and tide tables. Even though we will have access to electronic charts we are taking paper charts for every part of the world we will be travelling in. Paper charts don't rely on a battery supply and electronics working so are much more reliable.
Seals on deck fittings were checked and repaired/replaced to prevent leakage onto bunks and into the boat. The transom (back of the boat) was cleaned and waxed, rudders brushed clean, baffling sewing machines conquered by the sail makers and I went on a course to explain what I was supposed to be doing. Lots of information regarding stopover management, watch patterns, rotas for mothers, engineers, navigation and the deck etc. Also a chance to meet the other Team Coordinators as we will be a source of support for each other as we sail round.
 |
| Day bags all labelled and sorted |
 |
| Bottles of sauces |
On top of the 32 days there were an extra five days for emergencies and two days for bad weather. One bad weather menu consisted of pot noodles - only need to add hot water. I hope the recipe has improved since they first came out as pot noodles were some of the less appetizing meals I consumed while at uni.
Copious amounts of tea was drunk during the day with Guinness, gin and tonic and bitter consumed each night as we gathered in the local pub to chill out and discuss the adventure ahead. It was a good week of bonding and getting to know the crew on the boat as well as being able to be involved in the basics of getting an ocean going racing yacht ready for a 45.000 mile journey.
Some vital items were still missing as I left early evening on Friday 14th - including our supply of toilet paper for the next 5 weeks. Will it arrive on time?
A week of extremely hard work but at the end of it I have a much better understanding of the workings of the boat and especially how to repair and replace the running rigging. I now look forward to a weekend away from the boat and to the delivery trip next week which will see all twelve Clipper yachts journeying up to London and St Katharine Docks.
Sunday 9 August 2015
A virtual tour of a Clipper 70' yacht
For those of you who are unable to come and see the boat please find below a link to a guided tour of one of the Clipper 70' yachts - not the one I will be on, but identical.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ffpRY0VwsA
My skipper, Jim, is giving the tour and having just watched it myself have discovered that we will not be having showers on board. I hadn't quite heard that before!
If any friends or family would like to come and see the boat for a personal guided tour, either in Gosport (10th - 14th August) or London (24th - 29th August), then please get in touch with me and I will try and arrange it. Otherwise have a look at the Clipper website and once the boats are up in St Katharine Docks there should be 'open boats' for people to view.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ffpRY0VwsA
My skipper, Jim, is giving the tour and having just watched it myself have discovered that we will not be having showers on board. I hadn't quite heard that before!
If any friends or family would like to come and see the boat for a personal guided tour, either in Gosport (10th - 14th August) or London (24th - 29th August), then please get in touch with me and I will try and arrange it. Otherwise have a look at the Clipper website and once the boats are up in St Katharine Docks there should be 'open boats' for people to view.
 |
Saturday 8 August 2015
Saying Goodbye
With just over three weeks to go before I set sail from St Katharine Docks I am starting the process of saying 'Goodbye' to the family and friends I won't be seeing for the next year. This week is the last full week on land as I go down to Gosport on Monday 10th August to start the first boat 'prep week' before the delivery up to London, the final 'prep week', and then departure on the 30th.
This past week has been one of great personal learning as I am realising how much my friends care about me, and how much they are going to miss me while I am away.
Angela - Thank you for all your support while I have been moving house, and what about our lunches at The Good Intent. Perhaps we should be booking for August 2016!
The 1830 hrs swimming class at the Hart Leisure Centre on a Monday evening - I really enjoyed our 'goodbye' dinner after swimming on Monday, and thank you for paying for me.
Lindsey and our walk around Fleet Pond on Tuesday evening. No deer this time but a lovely amble followed by the usual Indian takeaway.
Linda and Martin - a wonderful 'Tea at the Shard' with friends from University days. Lots of banter, too many sandwiches and cakes, and copious amounts of champagne. The view was stunning as well!
A bizarre experience as we sat and ate our picnic while the general public wandered around staring at us, but definitely worthwhile and if you get the opportunity to go up to the top, then take it. We could see as far as Croydon to the south and the views all around were magnificent.
Thank you Linda and Martin, and Charles.
Frensham Pond Sailability on Thursday morning - a place where I have always felt welcomed and included, and 'at home'. My usual 'B&B' (brie and bacon roll) was followed by an enormous slice of chocolate cake. Thank you, Carol, for your thoughtfulness.
Then again this evening, Friday evening, as I joined helpers and sailors for the annual summer BBQ. The kind words of encouragement and support, the wisdom of Paul and Clare who both sailed in the second Clipper race back in 1998-99. Thank you to everyone.
Today, Friday, brought further farewells from friends and colleagues I used to work with during my oil company days. The traditional NBL with unrepeatable poems, pirates, and gifts from 'secret' donors, all taking place in the upstairs dining room of The Royal Oak in Tabard Street.
I appreciate the effort everyone made to be there, all ten of you, and again, thank you for your words of support and friendship as I embark on this madcap adventure.
People keep asking how I am feeling about going away and if I am honest it is difficult to answer. I fluctuate from being a frozen 'rabbit in headlights' to a 'headless chicken'. The whole concept seems a little surreal at the moment and as the time for departure gets closer I realise how much more preparation is needed. At the end of the day I will be leaving on the 30th and if I haven't bought something, packed something else or thought of yet another thing - then what is the worse that could happen. And as Paul pointed out this evening - there are shops in the rest of the world.
I don't think I am worried about the sailing aspect of the adventure but rather leaving the family behind. How are they going to cope? What will happen if ........ ? The irrational worries of a mother who is leaving behind her two 'children'. They are both old enough (and ugly enough) to be able to look after themselves and I think that this year will be the making of them as they learn to become responsible for their own day to day life.
What next - Prep week down in Gosport from the 10th to 14th of August. I will come back home for the weekend and then return on Monday 17th to prepare for the delivery trip to St Katharine Docks between the 18th and 20th. Back down to Fleet for the final weekend and then to St Katharine's on the morning of the 24th in time for the 'Boat naming Ceremony' in the evening. I am attending a one day seminar/workshop on 'Mentoring' (I think) being run by one of the boat sponsors, Mission Performance, on the 25th and then all crew on Leg 1 need to report to Clipper on the morning of the 26th for the final countdown to the race. I also have to fit in a Clipper party on the 28th and a final Unicef 'do' on our final evening in town, the 29th.
All this partying is tiring with too much food and drink being consumed on a daily basis. Still, in a couple of weeks time I will embark on an 11 months weight loss programme, so maybe a couple of extra cakes won't cause too much damage.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of my fund raising efforts. Both Ocean Stars Trust and Frensham Pond Sailability are charities close to my heart so please dig deep and make a donation
This past week has been one of great personal learning as I am realising how much my friends care about me, and how much they are going to miss me while I am away.
Angela - Thank you for all your support while I have been moving house, and what about our lunches at The Good Intent. Perhaps we should be booking for August 2016!
The 1830 hrs swimming class at the Hart Leisure Centre on a Monday evening - I really enjoyed our 'goodbye' dinner after swimming on Monday, and thank you for paying for me.
Lindsey and our walk around Fleet Pond on Tuesday evening. No deer this time but a lovely amble followed by the usual Indian takeaway.
 |
| Martin, Me, Linda and Charles |
A bizarre experience as we sat and ate our picnic while the general public wandered around staring at us, but definitely worthwhile and if you get the opportunity to go up to the top, then take it. We could see as far as Croydon to the south and the views all around were magnificent.
Thank you Linda and Martin, and Charles.
 |
| St Katharine Docks from The Shard |
 |
| St Paul's Cathedral from 'the top' |
Frensham Pond Sailability on Thursday morning - a place where I have always felt welcomed and included, and 'at home'. My usual 'B&B' (brie and bacon roll) was followed by an enormous slice of chocolate cake. Thank you, Carol, for your thoughtfulness.
Then again this evening, Friday evening, as I joined helpers and sailors for the annual summer BBQ. The kind words of encouragement and support, the wisdom of Paul and Clare who both sailed in the second Clipper race back in 1998-99. Thank you to everyone.
 |
| The Pirates of Tabard Street |
Today, Friday, brought further farewells from friends and colleagues I used to work with during my oil company days. The traditional NBL with unrepeatable poems, pirates, and gifts from 'secret' donors, all taking place in the upstairs dining room of The Royal Oak in Tabard Street.
I appreciate the effort everyone made to be there, all ten of you, and again, thank you for your words of support and friendship as I embark on this madcap adventure.
People keep asking how I am feeling about going away and if I am honest it is difficult to answer. I fluctuate from being a frozen 'rabbit in headlights' to a 'headless chicken'. The whole concept seems a little surreal at the moment and as the time for departure gets closer I realise how much more preparation is needed. At the end of the day I will be leaving on the 30th and if I haven't bought something, packed something else or thought of yet another thing - then what is the worse that could happen. And as Paul pointed out this evening - there are shops in the rest of the world.
I don't think I am worried about the sailing aspect of the adventure but rather leaving the family behind. How are they going to cope? What will happen if ........ ? The irrational worries of a mother who is leaving behind her two 'children'. They are both old enough (and ugly enough) to be able to look after themselves and I think that this year will be the making of them as they learn to become responsible for their own day to day life.
 |
| Unicef boat on Level 4 training, August 2015 |
All this partying is tiring with too much food and drink being consumed on a daily basis. Still, in a couple of weeks time I will embark on an 11 months weight loss programme, so maybe a couple of extra cakes won't cause too much damage.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of my fund raising efforts. Both Ocean Stars Trust and Frensham Pond Sailability are charities close to my heart so please dig deep and make a donation
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