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Leicester Avenue, CliftonvilleBACK HOME AGAIN - It has been so busy since I returned to UK, the story of my life it
seems! However, that's no complaint - I like it that way! It is quite wonderful to be back in England at this time of year to experience the delights of the beautiful flowers in the well-tended gardens, the varied
greens of the beautiful Kent countryside and the scent of cut grass in the air. The warmth of the sun is a bonus as I sit here in my parents' garden tapping away at my keyboard whilst watching the seagulls
swooping high and low and listening to the hum of the light aircraft making the most
of the scenery overhead. But I digress, you are here to read about a yacht race, aren't you? |
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SHAKEDOWN - In the days before departure from the Mayflower Marina, Plymouth, there was the buzz of excitement and
anticipation in the air as crews joined their respective yachts and got down to the varied tasks to prepare for the shakedown trip to St Katharine's Dock in London. This was to be for all of the yachts, their first real
journey. A parade of sail was organised which took the fleet in line, one behind the other, up to the Tamar Bridge. Then turning seaward once more, we passed Devonport Dockyard where the fleet's builders were lining the
route. Each in their turn, the yachts sounded their klaxons in salute and gave three cheers to the master craftsmen. The Plymouth public turned out in support as well and the waving and cheering continued until at last
we reached the open sea. |
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TOWER BRIDGE - The bascules rose at 7.30am to allow the fleet through. Prior to that however, on the Isle of Man,
we noticed that some yachts had sent a crew member up the mast. Not to be outdone, we needed a volunteer too, and I heard the words "I'll go" coming out of my very own mouth! Within minutes, I was hoisted
aloft to enjoy a fantastic view over the city, let alone the wonderful vision of thirteen Challenge yachts circling round. I have been to London many times, but never before had I seen the sights like
this! The crowds cheered and waved, the media helicopter buzzed overhead and I fortunately discovered the footrests at the top of the mast which meant that circulation to my legs was not totally
cut off! 70 minutes of fun later, I was ready to put my feet back on the deck. What an experience! |
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WE WANT TO WIN! - It is great for the Skipper and crew of the 'Isle of Man'
to be aboard what is now and will be our home until June, 2001. There is a feeling of great camaraderie amongst the crew as well as immense pride as we clean and fix and strategise in preparation for the event to come. The trip to London gave us a chance to recall how being seasick felt. It gave us a chance to learn more about identifying other vessels at night from their navigation lights in the busy Thames Estuary. It gave us a chance to try 'hot bunking' - that is, waking during one's four hour 'off watch' at 2.30am to move to someone else's bunk on the high side of the boat. This is not a pleasant thing to have to do when one is half asleep and would prefer to be undisturbed and slugabed, but we know very well that if we want to win this race, we need to maximise all opportunities to make the boat go fast - and we definitely want to win!
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TEARS - Once inside St Katharine's Dock, with crowds watching and cheering, Sir Chay Blyth tossed a crate of
champage into waiting arms aboard the 'Isle of Man'. Skipper Lin Parker skilfully manoeuvered the' Isle of Man' into the tiniest and most awkward of spaces. Once we were secure alongside, champagne corks
popped marking the end of our first few hundred miles at sea in the yacht that is to take us in a circumnavigation of 30,000 miles. This was a huge emotional moment - no wonder I wept. |
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AMAZON - On a totally different matter........if you are thinking of buying books at any time, why not click on the
Amazon link and shop at discount prices from the comfort of your own home? The official race charity, Save the Children, will benefit from every book you order. |
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Guestbook updated? Yes / Legs 1-2 updated? Yes / Legs 3-4 updated? Yes / Legs 5-7 updated? Yes
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Copyright © Jan Cambrensis 1999-2004. All rights reserved |
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