Race 1 - Day 30
Crew Diary - Race 1 Day 30: Liverpool to Punta del Este
19 September
MY WATCH
Nell – Watch Leader
An ex-Clipper Legger in 2013/14. Nell is a GP from Bradford (the posh one down south) and as our medic has welfare at heart at all times, often telling us the various grizzly outcomes of decapitation and death if we don't follow the safety guidelines. A splendid watch leader in every sense: strong willed, determined, compassionate and just great fun. So many stories of her extensive travels around the world working in leper colonies in India and being chased by hippos in Africa leaves the rest of us asking for more when chatting late into the night on one of the red eye watches. No doubt this lady will complete her RTW mission.
David - Assistant Watch Leader
An American with lots of sailing experience and knowledge who gives the watch great confidence with his extensive abilities. Always assured, he will rescue any situation if we are struggling when we mess up. A top 6 in the world at cross training so not to be messed with.
David helmed for hours on end early in the race with only Nell as help when the rest of us were not experienced enough.
A true gent.
Jerry
The first Peruvian to undertake a RTW ticket. There is no doubt Jerry wins the contest for the best teeth in the fleet and the nicest smelling crew member.
Sleeps below and has strict personal hygiene routine on rising and retiring to his bunk which puts the rest of us to shame. Whilst we just fall into our bunks, Jerry is busy looking after those teeth and spraying the deodorant on.
Our 'Pants of Power' man who is up for any mast climbing job which comes his way.
Very likeable member of the watch, we all love Jerry.
He and I say every day to each other, "This is the life we choose." A quote by Al Pacino in Godfather 1.
Lyndsay
Have known Lyndsay since Level 1 training, which is 2 years, and this determined young woman is involved in everything and eager to learn and participate. Always leads the quest to find the best hidden snacks and is the butt of some friendly banter at times.
Lyndsay and Nell are as thick as thieves and giggle and chat late into the night when they should be sleeping.
Currently struggling with the meaning of life and should she sign on for another leg. Watch this space and in the mean time, "Get that top back on".
Saj
Another determined young woman who probably chats more than the rest of us put together. If there is anything to be organised then Saj is the go-to person. If we need reeling in then old 'bossy boots' steps in and sorts.
Greatly enhances our watch leader.
Duncan
Appeared quiet and reserved at start of trip and not satisfied with 1 bunk, nabbed a holiday bunk as a backup when he wants a break. When helping me on Mother duties, Duncan kept butting in and telling me what to do when making Spagbol. I politely told him that I was perfectly capable. Unbeknown to me Duncan is an accomplished chef in a previous life and he knows more about cooking than I ever will. I shut up now when Duncan is around the galley.
Has some incredible stories about life including the 'cow in the lift' saga and the 'dead dog in the suitcase'. A must if we need a story late in the night.
Duncan gets very cross if we don't do things his way. We get that Duncan stare and let him to take over.
A great member of the watch and, oh yes, he was a chef in a girls dance school and cooked for 130 girls.
Rowena
Quietly spoken, Rowena fits in nicely to the watch and is either at the back helping the helm by calling the numbers or busy in the pit. "Are we on course?" and "What's our speed?" are regularly uttered during our watches.
An elite marathon runner, so clearly a driven individual, Rowena finds the 40 degree angle of our boat more of a challenge than running a sub 3 hour 15 minute race.
Here to get away from life for a short while.
Toby
Our ace Victualler, Toby satisfies all our gastronomic needs. He has done a massive amount of work before the race started and we have numbered bags scattered all over the boat. Ask Toby where the red lentils or Parmesan are and he will pinpoint in seconds.
Follow his extensive menu cards, don't go off piste; the food will taste good and Toby will be happy.
Our resident 'brain', this well-read gent shows us up with his knowledge of almost everything. A pretty good sailor too!
Art
Another RTW is Art, our engineer and safety officer. Can normally be found at the back of the boat with a 'roll up' musing over world events. Whether it's a blocked grey tank, a malfunctioning life jacket or a faulty gas tank, Art is the go-to man.
This well-travelled individual currently has a house in France and is building a new one in St Kitts.
Art knows his sailing craft as well as his way around a diesel engine.
Scotty
Transferred from Starboard Watch for an undisclosed sum, Scott has been tasked with bolstering the helm team on our watch. Not sure where his sailing experience comes from but he knows his stuff and is a great guy to go with it. A great acquisition who has made the switch seamlessly and has turned our watch into a purring Rolls Royce.
Smithy
Clearly can't comment on myself but probably seem a bit loud at times but eager to get involved. Has the odd moan and has been nicknamed Sarky Smithy by Saj...
Port Watch – probably the best watch in the world