July 5th 2010: First Impressions of Ireland
Kinsale is one of the most beautiful fishing villages you will find anywhere in the world although, yet again, the industry is in decline and the town relies heavily on tourism to support the local economy.
The narrow streets climb from the harbour - now dominated by the yachting marina - to the hills either side of the sheltered cove. The buildings are are a delightful mixture of brick, slate and rendered walls. Occasionally, you will find a modern building tucked in but this has generally been achieved sympathetically with the dominant street scene of traditional buildings. The town has 22 pubs and dozens of restaurants to support the tourist industry but there was very little crime or anti social behaviour visible to us. The town was clean and tidy accurately reflecting the images in the tourist
brochures.
Kinsale easily won my vote for the best host of the 09-10 race. It wasn’t just the lengths that the local Councils and yacht club went to make us feel welcome; it was the way nearly every passer by had the time to say hello and engage in conversation about their lifestyle and about our adventures on the Clipper Race. Through talking to local people of all ages, we saw how proud they are to be part of the community of Kinsale.
Kinsale is one of the most beautiful fishing villages you will find anywhere in the world although, yet again, the industry is in decline and the town relies heavily on tourism to support the local economy.
The narrow streets climb from the harbour - now dominated by the yachting marina - to the hills either side of the sheltered cove. The buildings are are a delightful mixture of brick, slate and rendered walls. Occasionally, you will find a modern building tucked in but this has generally been achieved sympathetically with the dominant street scene of traditional buildings. The town has 22 pubs and dozens of restaurants to support the tourist industry but there was very little crime or anti social behaviour visible to us. The town was clean and tidy accurately reflecting the images in the tourist
brochures.
Kinsale easily won my vote for the best host of the 09-10 race. It wasn’t just the lengths that the local Councils and yacht club went to make us feel welcome; it was the way nearly every passer by had the time to say hello and engage in conversation about their lifestyle and about our adventures on the Clipper Race. Through talking to local people of all ages, we saw how proud they are to be part of the community of Kinsale.
June 14th 2010: First Impressions of Cape Breton
Tell a Caper that you are pleased to be in Nova Scotia and you are likely to get a curt but polite response. Cape Breton Island is quite unique as far as Canada goes. A rugged coastline not unlike Scotland accommodates a range of small and medium sized towns like Sydney where the Clipper fleet was moored. The residential buildings are predominantly of wood construction, often painted in pastel colours and nearly always with porch decking. The commercial zones are the less attractive single storey pre cast concrete design so common across North America.
Once again tourism is the main industry, rapidly replacing a declining fishing industry. But the quality of local sea food - especially lobster and scallops - is in high demand in the local restaurants so the two industries are now inextricably linked.
The visual similarity with Scotland has attracted a lot of emigrants from the UK over many years. The association is so strong that the St Andrew’s cross features strongly on their national flag.
Tell a Caper that you are pleased to be in Nova Scotia and you are likely to get a curt but polite response. Cape Breton Island is quite unique as far as Canada goes. A rugged coastline not unlike Scotland accommodates a range of small and medium sized towns like Sydney where the Clipper fleet was moored. The residential buildings are predominantly of wood construction, often painted in pastel colours and nearly always with porch decking. The commercial zones are the less attractive single storey pre cast concrete design so common across North America.
Once again tourism is the main industry, rapidly replacing a declining fishing industry. But the quality of local sea food - especially lobster and scallops - is in high demand in the local restaurants so the two industries are now inextricably linked.
The visual similarity with Scotland has attracted a lot of emigrants from the UK over many years. The association is so strong that the St Andrew’s cross features strongly on their national flag.
June 6th 2010: First Impressions of New York City
What can you say about New York that has not already been written? This is the arguably the most cosmopolitan city in the whole world, the heart of the North American economy and a prime tourist destination all rolled into one. Towering skyscrapers dominate both the waterline and the urban scene generally. At street level, the crowds, the traffic congestion and the sea of yellow taxis can be quite intimidating when you are accustomed to the wide open desolate space offered by ocean racing!
All of that was witnessed and expected. What I did not expect was how spacious the city is despite the massive inner city development. Central Park is huge and provides a green lung to an otherwise polluted city. You only have to walk a few yards into Central Park before the trees screen out the city noise and before long you feel the relaxation of being in the country. This is no accident - it’s part of intelligent town planning. Similarly, to the west of Central Park there are numerous large apartment blocks but the wide roads and sidewalks ensures that there is no feeling of claustrophobia.
What can you say about New York that has not already been written? This is the arguably the most cosmopolitan city in the whole world, the heart of the North American economy and a prime tourist destination all rolled into one. Towering skyscrapers dominate both the waterline and the urban scene generally. At street level, the crowds, the traffic congestion and the sea of yellow taxis can be quite intimidating when you are accustomed to the wide open desolate space offered by ocean racing!
All of that was witnessed and expected. What I did not expect was how spacious the city is despite the massive inner city development. Central Park is huge and provides a green lung to an otherwise polluted city. You only have to walk a few yards into Central Park before the trees screen out the city noise and before long you feel the relaxation of being in the country. This is no accident - it’s part of intelligent town planning. Similarly, to the west of Central Park there are numerous large apartment blocks but the wide roads and sidewalks ensures that there is no feeling of claustrophobia.
May 24th 2010: First Impressions of Jamaica
Jamaica is typical of many Caribbean Islands with lush tropical vegetation kept green by regular and heavy rain showers - seemingly daily! The combination of rain and high temperatures produces a humid environment which, for those that can afford it, demands the support of air conditioning. It is a poor country whose main industry is tourism but nonetheless the people are amongst the friendliest anywhere in the world; although frustratingly laid back when you need something done quickly (a reflection of European impatience rather than a criticism of their culture).
Their extremely dark skin is a reflection of the geographical location of the island near the equator but I was particularly intrigued by the high incidence of eye disease through all age groups.
There appears to be very little restraint on planning and building control. Many of the established buildings were of breeze block construction or reinforced concrete but others are nothing more than plywood or corrugated sheeting. There were dozens of unfinished houses where owners had clearly run out of money. All completed buildings were brightly coloured, the traditional colours of the Jamaican flag (green, black and yellow) reflecting, possibly, the strong community spirit and national identity. Where we were in Port Antonio, we felt very safe at any time of the night or day but we were aware of
drug related violence in Kingston.
Jamaica is typical of many Caribbean Islands with lush tropical vegetation kept green by regular and heavy rain showers - seemingly daily! The combination of rain and high temperatures produces a humid environment which, for those that can afford it, demands the support of air conditioning. It is a poor country whose main industry is tourism but nonetheless the people are amongst the friendliest anywhere in the world; although frustratingly laid back when you need something done quickly (a reflection of European impatience rather than a criticism of their culture).
Their extremely dark skin is a reflection of the geographical location of the island near the equator but I was particularly intrigued by the high incidence of eye disease through all age groups.
There appears to be very little restraint on planning and building control. Many of the established buildings were of breeze block construction or reinforced concrete but others are nothing more than plywood or corrugated sheeting. There were dozens of unfinished houses where owners had clearly run out of money. All completed buildings were brightly coloured, the traditional colours of the Jamaican flag (green, black and yellow) reflecting, possibly, the strong community spirit and national identity. Where we were in Port Antonio, we felt very safe at any time of the night or day but we were aware of
drug related violence in Kingston.
May 15th 2010: First Impressions of Panama
Panama City was actually located some distance away from the Marina in which we were located and the skyline looked deceptively impressive across the bay. What appeared at a distance to be a thriving downtown with office blocks and shops, turned out to be high density housing of very poor quality. At night, we were advised not to walk about and when we took a taxi back an forth to a restaurant, we understood why. Armed guards throughout the city - and especially at filling stations - indicated concerns
for public safety.
Despite this, Panamanian people seemed very friendly and struck me as a particularly attractive race of people with smooth, dark skin (consistent with several South American countries but, particularly, Colombia) and thick black hair.
Panama City and Colon mark the southern and northern ends of the Panama Canal and the canal provides the main source of trade in this area. 3 locks at each end lift vessels from the Pacific and Atlantic oceans so they can pass through the canal. The canal itself is fed from a man made lake that itself relies on the integrity of the rain forests to keep the whole operation viable.
The Panama Canal is undoubtedly one of the greatest engineering feats of our time.
Panama City was actually located some distance away from the Marina in which we were located and the skyline looked deceptively impressive across the bay. What appeared at a distance to be a thriving downtown with office blocks and shops, turned out to be high density housing of very poor quality. At night, we were advised not to walk about and when we took a taxi back an forth to a restaurant, we understood why. Armed guards throughout the city - and especially at filling stations - indicated concerns
for public safety.
Despite this, Panamanian people seemed very friendly and struck me as a particularly attractive race of people with smooth, dark skin (consistent with several South American countries but, particularly, Colombia) and thick black hair.
Panama City and Colon mark the southern and northern ends of the Panama Canal and the canal provides the main source of trade in this area. 3 locks at each end lift vessels from the Pacific and Atlantic oceans so they can pass through the canal. The canal itself is fed from a man made lake that itself relies on the integrity of the rain forests to keep the whole operation viable.
The Panama Canal is undoubtedly one of the greatest engineering feats of our time.
April 17th 2010: First Impressions of San Francisco
Our first impressions of San Francisco also turned out to be our last. After 35 days at sea it was essential that the whole fleet started race 8 together so we had just 26 hours to clean and victual the boat in preparation.
San Francisco is a typical US city with a cosmopolitan population, heavily influenced by the proximity of Mexico but is also a destination of choice for Asian immigrants. Historically, the large harbour has accommodated a thriving fishing industry and a large marine base but both have been in decline over the last 20/30 years. The large bay also has strong currents and Alcatraz Island became infamous as a prison from which their was little chance of escape.
Today, the city’s main industry is tourism. The waterfront, cable cars, fine shopping and extensive parks being the main attraction. The north and south side of the bay is linked by the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. Across this bridge, to the north, visitors have access to the Napa Valley - one of the world's finest wine regions.
Our first impressions of San Francisco also turned out to be our last. After 35 days at sea it was essential that the whole fleet started race 8 together so we had just 26 hours to clean and victual the boat in preparation.
San Francisco is a typical US city with a cosmopolitan population, heavily influenced by the proximity of Mexico but is also a destination of choice for Asian immigrants. Historically, the large harbour has accommodated a thriving fishing industry and a large marine base but both have been in decline over the last 20/30 years. The large bay also has strong currents and Alcatraz Island became infamous as a prison from which their was little chance of escape.
Today, the city’s main industry is tourism. The waterfront, cable cars, fine shopping and extensive parks being the main attraction. The north and south side of the bay is linked by the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. Across this bridge, to the north, visitors have access to the Napa Valley - one of the world's finest wine regions.
February 23rd 2010: First Impressions of Qingdao
Once again, preconceptions about what I would see in China bore little resemblance to reality. I had expected a communist country where human behaviour was heavily suppressed and where there was a wide gulf between the rich and the poor; the wealth largely concentrated in the hands of those who govern.
Whilst there is undoubtedly evidence that this has been the case historically there is also evidence that China is prepared to embrace change in an effort to be taken seriously by the Western world. That is not to say that they now respect capitalism (quite the reverse) but they do recognise that if they are to effectively compete with the Western world, that they need to market themselves more effectively and forge longer term economic partnerships. China attracts a lot of criticism for their poor and underdeveloped respect for the environment but people fail to realise that they are currently going through an industrial revolution of the same scale experienced in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. We have to be
patient with China as they will emerge as a nation that is capable of tackling climate change as well as being one of the major influences on the world economy during the next century.
Locally in Qingdao, we witnessed an enormous gulf between the rich and the poor, the dramatic gap accentuated by China’s efforts to develop a sailing centre worthy of hosting the 2008 Olympic Games as well as three consecutive Clipper Round the World Races. The local Marina provided world class facilities for sailors, five star hotels and a shopping mall with more designer brands than I have ever seen under one roof (including Prada and Cartier). I doubt that these shopping facilities have ever been seen by many of the local residents. Less than half a mile away, the more traditional side of Qingdao
housed shops, restaurants and hotels more accessible to the wider Chinese population.
Chinese people are generally shorter than in Western Europe although there are indications that this is changing. They give every indication of being a healthy nation although an increasing number of people walk around in face masks as protection to the high levels of pollution.
Once again, preconceptions about what I would see in China bore little resemblance to reality. I had expected a communist country where human behaviour was heavily suppressed and where there was a wide gulf between the rich and the poor; the wealth largely concentrated in the hands of those who govern.
Whilst there is undoubtedly evidence that this has been the case historically there is also evidence that China is prepared to embrace change in an effort to be taken seriously by the Western world. That is not to say that they now respect capitalism (quite the reverse) but they do recognise that if they are to effectively compete with the Western world, that they need to market themselves more effectively and forge longer term economic partnerships. China attracts a lot of criticism for their poor and underdeveloped respect for the environment but people fail to realise that they are currently going through an industrial revolution of the same scale experienced in Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. We have to be
patient with China as they will emerge as a nation that is capable of tackling climate change as well as being one of the major influences on the world economy during the next century.
Locally in Qingdao, we witnessed an enormous gulf between the rich and the poor, the dramatic gap accentuated by China’s efforts to develop a sailing centre worthy of hosting the 2008 Olympic Games as well as three consecutive Clipper Round the World Races. The local Marina provided world class facilities for sailors, five star hotels and a shopping mall with more designer brands than I have ever seen under one roof (including Prada and Cartier). I doubt that these shopping facilities have ever been seen by many of the local residents. Less than half a mile away, the more traditional side of Qingdao
housed shops, restaurants and hotels more accessible to the wider Chinese population.
Chinese people are generally shorter than in Western Europe although there are indications that this is changing. They give every indication of being a healthy nation although an increasing number of people walk around in face masks as protection to the high levels of pollution.
January 23rd 2010: First Impressions of Singapore
People speak very highly of Singapore as a safe place to live and work with a cosmopolitan population and a high standard of living. Nothing I saw contested that view but you did wonder at what cost this peace of mind comes. Singapore is subject to stringent laws around behaviour in public places and seems to have a larger than average number of CCTV cameras around the city.
Singapore undoubtedly has a vibrant and healthy economy and constant building demonstrated their determination to maintain their status as an economic hub in Asia with massive offices, executive apartment blocks, shopping and casinos under almost constant construction. Shopping and eating seem to be the main pastimes for local people with high class restaurants along the river and equally enjoyable (but for cheaper alternatives) in Chinatown and the suburbs.
Singapore has probably one of the best integrated public transport systems anywhere in the world with cheap clean and reliable bus and underground networks. Taxis are also freely available without burning a hole in your pocket.
The cosmopolitan population is probably one of the more pleasing features of Singapore life with strong Asian, Chinese and Western influence.
People speak very highly of Singapore as a safe place to live and work with a cosmopolitan population and a high standard of living. Nothing I saw contested that view but you did wonder at what cost this peace of mind comes. Singapore is subject to stringent laws around behaviour in public places and seems to have a larger than average number of CCTV cameras around the city.
Singapore undoubtedly has a vibrant and healthy economy and constant building demonstrated their determination to maintain their status as an economic hub in Asia with massive offices, executive apartment blocks, shopping and casinos under almost constant construction. Shopping and eating seem to be the main pastimes for local people with high class restaurants along the river and equally enjoyable (but for cheaper alternatives) in Chinatown and the suburbs.
Singapore has probably one of the best integrated public transport systems anywhere in the world with cheap clean and reliable bus and underground networks. Taxis are also freely available without burning a hole in your pocket.
The cosmopolitan population is probably one of the more pleasing features of Singapore life with strong Asian, Chinese and Western influence.
December 17th 2009: First Impressions of Geraldton, Western Australia
Our hosts for the Christmas stopover were undoubtedly the friendliest and best prepared so far. The finish line was very close to the new Marina where the Clipper boats berthed and the welcome we received from the local community was nothing short of fantastic. Geraldton certainly recognise the economic benefits that can arise from hosting an event like the Clipper Round the World Race and were very appreciative of our presence.
A guide book described Geraldton as a sleepy laid back version of Fremantle and, whilst I could understand the description, it was a little unfair. Geraldton struck me as a community on the verge of something big. There has been massive internal investment and the waterfront is a delight for both tourists and local residents with executive apartments, marinas, boatyards, commercial port, safe beaches and a variety play areas for all age groups of children. The town, located effectively on the edge of a desert, has been carefully planned and is well laid out with clear industrial, commercial, retail and residential zones. Most of the buildings were low rise and of relatively low cost construction though some effort had been put in to the architecture of landmark buildings such as the museum and court house. Most buildings had flat roofs reflecting the low rainfall in this part of Australia.
Local people were very friendly and mainly of European descent. There were strong similarities with Hampshire with low crime but low tolerance for young people and minority groups. Australia seemed to have a positive attitude toward health with a strong emphasis on support for mental health problems such as alcohol / drug abuse and depressive illnesses.
Our hosts for the Christmas stopover were undoubtedly the friendliest and best prepared so far. The finish line was very close to the new Marina where the Clipper boats berthed and the welcome we received from the local community was nothing short of fantastic. Geraldton certainly recognise the economic benefits that can arise from hosting an event like the Clipper Round the World Race and were very appreciative of our presence.
A guide book described Geraldton as a sleepy laid back version of Fremantle and, whilst I could understand the description, it was a little unfair. Geraldton struck me as a community on the verge of something big. There has been massive internal investment and the waterfront is a delight for both tourists and local residents with executive apartments, marinas, boatyards, commercial port, safe beaches and a variety play areas for all age groups of children. The town, located effectively on the edge of a desert, has been carefully planned and is well laid out with clear industrial, commercial, retail and residential zones. Most of the buildings were low rise and of relatively low cost construction though some effort had been put in to the architecture of landmark buildings such as the museum and court house. Most buildings had flat roofs reflecting the low rainfall in this part of Australia.
Local people were very friendly and mainly of European descent. There were strong similarities with Hampshire with low crime but low tolerance for young people and minority groups. Australia seemed to have a positive attitude toward health with a strong emphasis on support for mental health problems such as alcohol / drug abuse and depressive illnesses.
November 17th 2009: First Impressions of Cape Town
I was sceptical about Cape Town - perhaps because of their apartheid history - so I was delighted by the experience of what has undoubtedly been our best stopover so far.
Cape Town has undergone an amazing rebuild over the last few years; influenced no doubt by their successful bid to host the 2010 World Cup. As well as a new football stadium which will host the 2010 semi final next year, there are new roads, high class hotels, conference centres, and one of the best waterfront developments (restaurants and designer stores) that I have seen anywhere in the world.
I saw no obvious signs of racial tension and people mixed freely in the restaurants and bars. A situation we generally take for granted in the UK but given South Africa’s history, it shows a tremendous cultural leap. That is not to say there are no negative signs; black people (a politically correct term in South Africa) do dominate the serving industry and manual jobs and the townships provide very low quality cramped housing conditions. Most of the dwellings in the townships are of a quality inferior to the typical garden shed in the UK and the townships spread over many miles. Townships are growing despite this because the options are very limited. The Niall Mellon Irish Township Trust has been working here for a number of years building new homes of breezeblock construction to replace the corrugated iron dwellings that are traditionally constructed. Interestingly, these new homes are quickly ‘extended’ with corrugated iron suggesting that the township culture, whilst
horrifying to visitors, is part of South Africa’s culture and an acceptable way of life for millions.
The people are friendly and although we were told not to walk alone at night, I found it quite safe to do so between the waterfront and my hotel where there were plenty of people about. South Africans are very friendly and will often acknowledge you as you walk by. The food is as varied as the UK but more traditional dishes appear to be based around local game (Sprinbok, Impala, Ostrich, etc) and local seafood.
I was sceptical about Cape Town - perhaps because of their apartheid history - so I was delighted by the experience of what has undoubtedly been our best stopover so far.
Cape Town has undergone an amazing rebuild over the last few years; influenced no doubt by their successful bid to host the 2010 World Cup. As well as a new football stadium which will host the 2010 semi final next year, there are new roads, high class hotels, conference centres, and one of the best waterfront developments (restaurants and designer stores) that I have seen anywhere in the world.
I saw no obvious signs of racial tension and people mixed freely in the restaurants and bars. A situation we generally take for granted in the UK but given South Africa’s history, it shows a tremendous cultural leap. That is not to say there are no negative signs; black people (a politically correct term in South Africa) do dominate the serving industry and manual jobs and the townships provide very low quality cramped housing conditions. Most of the dwellings in the townships are of a quality inferior to the typical garden shed in the UK and the townships spread over many miles. Townships are growing despite this because the options are very limited. The Niall Mellon Irish Township Trust has been working here for a number of years building new homes of breezeblock construction to replace the corrugated iron dwellings that are traditionally constructed. Interestingly, these new homes are quickly ‘extended’ with corrugated iron suggesting that the township culture, whilst
horrifying to visitors, is part of South Africa’s culture and an acceptable way of life for millions.
The people are friendly and although we were told not to walk alone at night, I found it quite safe to do so between the waterfront and my hotel where there were plenty of people about. South Africans are very friendly and will often acknowledge you as you walk by. The food is as varied as the UK but more traditional dishes appear to be based around local game (Sprinbok, Impala, Ostrich, etc) and local seafood.
October 21st 2009: First Impressions of Rio de Janeiro
We were told that Rio was not a particularly safe place to walk around on our own so we tended to move around in small groups or by taxi and felt quite safe. Like France people are generally quite reserved but where we spoke to people in shops and restaurants they were very friendly. They are also, on average, shorter than Europeans.
The city is very high density with a strong preference for high rise buildings to accommodate a huge and expanding population. The style of buildings is a little on the sterile side with some of the more affluent buildings reflecting a colonial style. This only goes to re-emphasise a huge gap between the rich and the poor. There are slums in Rio (where we were
not encouraged to go) where even the police do not venture as they are run by gangs. Not a nice place to grow up in and many children end up living on the street with all the dangers that entails.
You see homeless people on the streets quite regularly and with the high density building, the heavy polluting traffic and the heat and dust, it is not a particularly relaxing place to live or even visit.
Despite this, it is a very popular tourist destination and the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugar Loaf mountain were our two most amazing trips. Going into local restaurants was more fun than the tourist spots as we enjoyed cheap local food and drink. There was a strong emphasis on couscous, beans, pasta and rice. Somewhat surprisingly for one of the worlds biggest beef producers, the biggest disappointment was the meat which always seemed tough and salty.
We were told that Rio was not a particularly safe place to walk around on our own so we tended to move around in small groups or by taxi and felt quite safe. Like France people are generally quite reserved but where we spoke to people in shops and restaurants they were very friendly. They are also, on average, shorter than Europeans.
The city is very high density with a strong preference for high rise buildings to accommodate a huge and expanding population. The style of buildings is a little on the sterile side with some of the more affluent buildings reflecting a colonial style. This only goes to re-emphasise a huge gap between the rich and the poor. There are slums in Rio (where we were
not encouraged to go) where even the police do not venture as they are run by gangs. Not a nice place to grow up in and many children end up living on the street with all the dangers that entails.
You see homeless people on the streets quite regularly and with the high density building, the heavy polluting traffic and the heat and dust, it is not a particularly relaxing place to live or even visit.
Despite this, it is a very popular tourist destination and the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugar Loaf mountain were our two most amazing trips. Going into local restaurants was more fun than the tourist spots as we enjoyed cheap local food and drink. There was a strong emphasis on couscous, beans, pasta and rice. Somewhat surprisingly for one of the worlds biggest beef producers, the biggest disappointment was the meat which always seemed tough and salty.
September 27th 2009: First Impressions of La Rochelle
We sailed into La Rochelle in the late afternoon and could see immediately that this was a port of historic significance. Battlements marked the entrance to the main harbour which appeared at first glance to be full of fishing boats. In the event we were directed to a new marina next door where an aquarium showed evidence of a thriving tourism industry. I later found out that the Lantern Tower at the entrance to the harbour was once a medieval lighthouse and graffiti on the walls shows evidence of it being used as a prison once.
La Rochelle is typical of many French fishing ports although once we got into town we found that the fishing industry was in major decline and the main harbour was actually full of sailing boats (much smaller than ours!). Most of the buildings facing onto the harbour were now cafes, bars and restaurants and most had tables, chairs and umbrellas to provide a tempting stop. The buildings were largely of crumbling plaster finish with orange tile on the roof which gave the whole place a very rustic feel.
The roads and pavements are not particularly well maintained and there is a lot of dog fouling (unlike UK) but on the plus side, cars move slowly and many people prefer to cyle or use the cheap local bus service. People are friendly but quite reserved; they mainly speak English a lot better than most of us speak French!
People here tend to eat much later than in the UK and it is not uncommon to see families eating as late as 9pm and for more intimate dining to go on toward midnight. Sea food and steaks dominate the menu in the evening although I shall always remember La Rochelle for pain au chocolat, fresh bread and some amazing ice cream!
We sailed into La Rochelle in the late afternoon and could see immediately that this was a port of historic significance. Battlements marked the entrance to the main harbour which appeared at first glance to be full of fishing boats. In the event we were directed to a new marina next door where an aquarium showed evidence of a thriving tourism industry. I later found out that the Lantern Tower at the entrance to the harbour was once a medieval lighthouse and graffiti on the walls shows evidence of it being used as a prison once.
La Rochelle is typical of many French fishing ports although once we got into town we found that the fishing industry was in major decline and the main harbour was actually full of sailing boats (much smaller than ours!). Most of the buildings facing onto the harbour were now cafes, bars and restaurants and most had tables, chairs and umbrellas to provide a tempting stop. The buildings were largely of crumbling plaster finish with orange tile on the roof which gave the whole place a very rustic feel.
The roads and pavements are not particularly well maintained and there is a lot of dog fouling (unlike UK) but on the plus side, cars move slowly and many people prefer to cyle or use the cheap local bus service. People are friendly but quite reserved; they mainly speak English a lot better than most of us speak French!
People here tend to eat much later than in the UK and it is not uncommon to see families eating as late as 9pm and for more intimate dining to go on toward midnight. Sea food and steaks dominate the menu in the evening although I shall always remember La Rochelle for pain au chocolat, fresh bread and some amazing ice cream!
July 31st 2009: Introduction to Our Home Port
Located on the east coast of England and on the north bank of the Humber estuary, Hull has a population of 243,000. Originally a new town (Wyke Upon Hull) developed by the monks of Meaux Abbey, Hull was later acquired by King Edward I and renamed by Royal Assent to Kings Town Upon Hull, or Kingston Upon Hull. It became a major port for the import of wine and the export of wool and woollen cloth. Hull’s prosperity peaked just before the First World War but in the Second World War it was the second
most bombed city in England after London with 95% of houses damaged or destroyed and 192,000 made homeless. Hull is now experiencing something of an economic revival with a thriving port and massive internal investment including the multi million Quay West and St Stephens projects. Hull already boasts two of the finest shopping centres in Europe and the UK’s first fully digital cinema venue. There are some beautiful buildings and monuments of architectural significance including the Humber Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Hull also has a number of museums dedicated to
its archaeological, fishing and shipping history including The Ferens Gallery, The Maritime Museum, Streetlife and Transport Museum, The Arctic Corsair, Wilberforce House, and The Deep.
Hull is in the running to be named the first UK’s City of Culture which will potentially see some prestigious events such as The Brits Awards, BAFTA TV Awards, The Stirling Prize for architecture and The Turner Prize for art relocate from London. The UK City of Culture will become the focus of national attention for four years from 2013, and is expected to gain more than £100m worth of media exposure.
Despite the fact that Hull has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, Hull businesses deliver an annual turnover of £8 billion and 5 million visitors contribute over £210 million to the local economy. The Clipper Race alone is expected to be worth over £4 million to local businesses. There are good reasons to be optimistic about the future
with the regeneration focus on providing people with new skills as well as establishing Hull as a regional centre. Industry has been focused on the health and chemical sectors with health research linked to the education system through the University of Hull. Associated British Ports have promoted growth of the roll-on roll-off car ferry and container freight to compensate for the declining fishing industry. And Network Rail have invested £14.5 million in a new rail link which more than doubles the capacity for trains each day. So Hull is no longer a City cut off from the rest of the country by poor communication and is now starting to emerge as are regional hub for transport, commerce, leisure and shopping.
Located on the east coast of England and on the north bank of the Humber estuary, Hull has a population of 243,000. Originally a new town (Wyke Upon Hull) developed by the monks of Meaux Abbey, Hull was later acquired by King Edward I and renamed by Royal Assent to Kings Town Upon Hull, or Kingston Upon Hull. It became a major port for the import of wine and the export of wool and woollen cloth. Hull’s prosperity peaked just before the First World War but in the Second World War it was the second
most bombed city in England after London with 95% of houses damaged or destroyed and 192,000 made homeless. Hull is now experiencing something of an economic revival with a thriving port and massive internal investment including the multi million Quay West and St Stephens projects. Hull already boasts two of the finest shopping centres in Europe and the UK’s first fully digital cinema venue. There are some beautiful buildings and monuments of architectural significance including the Humber Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Hull also has a number of museums dedicated to
its archaeological, fishing and shipping history including The Ferens Gallery, The Maritime Museum, Streetlife and Transport Museum, The Arctic Corsair, Wilberforce House, and The Deep.
Hull is in the running to be named the first UK’s City of Culture which will potentially see some prestigious events such as The Brits Awards, BAFTA TV Awards, The Stirling Prize for architecture and The Turner Prize for art relocate from London. The UK City of Culture will become the focus of national attention for four years from 2013, and is expected to gain more than £100m worth of media exposure.
Despite the fact that Hull has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, Hull businesses deliver an annual turnover of £8 billion and 5 million visitors contribute over £210 million to the local economy. The Clipper Race alone is expected to be worth over £4 million to local businesses. There are good reasons to be optimistic about the future
with the regeneration focus on providing people with new skills as well as establishing Hull as a regional centre. Industry has been focused on the health and chemical sectors with health research linked to the education system through the University of Hull. Associated British Ports have promoted growth of the roll-on roll-off car ferry and container freight to compensate for the declining fishing industry. And Network Rail have invested £14.5 million in a new rail link which more than doubles the capacity for trains each day. So Hull is no longer a City cut off from the rest of the country by poor communication and is now starting to emerge as are regional hub for transport, commerce, leisure and shopping.
July 28th 2009: The History and Culture of Jamaica
When Christopher Columbus discovered the West Indies, the islands were inhabited by Arawak (Taino) – good and noble people who had been displaced from South America by the more aggressive Carib tribe. A familiar story came as explorers decimated the Taino with the introduction on European diseases, intermarriages and forced assimilation into the plantation
economy. Even the Carib, who continued to pursue the Taino, are in a small minority with most residents of Jamaica now descedents of the African slave trade.
Jamaica is the third largest tropical island in the Caribbean and has one of the largest natural harbours in the world. The
British claimed it from the Spanish in the 17th century when it was an active pirate location and helped develop the sugar cane and coffee plantations which were to become Jamaica’s main export for many years; tourism and mining (bauxite & alumina) in recent years taking over as the main industry. Emigration has always been a problem due to the limited opportunities on the island and the UK was the most popular destination in the 1950’s. Changes in emigration laws has seen the trend swinging more toward New York and Florida. It gained independence from Britain in 1962. Music and dance is a big part of Jamaican culture and whilst Christianity is the primary religion, it is the minority religious culture of Rastafari that has become internationally famous through Bob Marley’s music. He was awarded the National Order of Merit in 1981 and there are now two monuments to him on the island.
Jamaica has produced a long list of outstanding athletes over the years including footballers Ricardo Fuller and John Barnes, baseball star Rolando Roomes, cricketer Courtney Walsh and track stars Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Melanie Walker, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Shelley-Ann Fraser. Jamaica even had a Jamaican bobsleigh team and in 1994 out performed USA, France, Russia and Italy.
Jamaican cuisine is heavily influenced by the Spanish, English, American and African cultures that have inhabited the islands
over the centuries. Curries are very popular (especially mutton and goat), Jerk (barbecued meat and chicken) and ackee and saltfish. Ice cream is a popular desert (made from coconut milk) as are banana fritters and gizzada (small tart shell with a spiced coconut filling).
Jamaican people value trust that is developed with their extended family including aunts uncles and close friends above that offered by those in authority. For this reason they are more likely to acquire loans through partnerships in the family than with banks. The customary greeting is by handshake, maintaining eye contact and using formal titles until invited to use
first names. As the relationship develops men tend to pat one another on the shoulder or arm as well and women hug and kiss on each cheek. Dinner etiquette is less formal reflecting the preference for buffet style meals but generally you should not be seated until invited and shown where to sit and do not start eating until invited to do so by your host. Try everything offered and an empty plate is a sign of politeness. Always use utensils to eat with the fork in the left hand.
Did you know? Hammocks were introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus who found the Taino using them in the West Indies around 1700. It became a popular feature of most sailing vessels at the time as an alternative to sleeping on the floor where straw quickly became contaminated with insects and dirt.
When Christopher Columbus discovered the West Indies, the islands were inhabited by Arawak (Taino) – good and noble people who had been displaced from South America by the more aggressive Carib tribe. A familiar story came as explorers decimated the Taino with the introduction on European diseases, intermarriages and forced assimilation into the plantation
economy. Even the Carib, who continued to pursue the Taino, are in a small minority with most residents of Jamaica now descedents of the African slave trade.
Jamaica is the third largest tropical island in the Caribbean and has one of the largest natural harbours in the world. The
British claimed it from the Spanish in the 17th century when it was an active pirate location and helped develop the sugar cane and coffee plantations which were to become Jamaica’s main export for many years; tourism and mining (bauxite & alumina) in recent years taking over as the main industry. Emigration has always been a problem due to the limited opportunities on the island and the UK was the most popular destination in the 1950’s. Changes in emigration laws has seen the trend swinging more toward New York and Florida. It gained independence from Britain in 1962. Music and dance is a big part of Jamaican culture and whilst Christianity is the primary religion, it is the minority religious culture of Rastafari that has become internationally famous through Bob Marley’s music. He was awarded the National Order of Merit in 1981 and there are now two monuments to him on the island.
Jamaica has produced a long list of outstanding athletes over the years including footballers Ricardo Fuller and John Barnes, baseball star Rolando Roomes, cricketer Courtney Walsh and track stars Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Melanie Walker, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Shelley-Ann Fraser. Jamaica even had a Jamaican bobsleigh team and in 1994 out performed USA, France, Russia and Italy.
Jamaican cuisine is heavily influenced by the Spanish, English, American and African cultures that have inhabited the islands
over the centuries. Curries are very popular (especially mutton and goat), Jerk (barbecued meat and chicken) and ackee and saltfish. Ice cream is a popular desert (made from coconut milk) as are banana fritters and gizzada (small tart shell with a spiced coconut filling).
Jamaican people value trust that is developed with their extended family including aunts uncles and close friends above that offered by those in authority. For this reason they are more likely to acquire loans through partnerships in the family than with banks. The customary greeting is by handshake, maintaining eye contact and using formal titles until invited to use
first names. As the relationship develops men tend to pat one another on the shoulder or arm as well and women hug and kiss on each cheek. Dinner etiquette is less formal reflecting the preference for buffet style meals but generally you should not be seated until invited and shown where to sit and do not start eating until invited to do so by your host. Try everything offered and an empty plate is a sign of politeness. Always use utensils to eat with the fork in the left hand.
Did you know? Hammocks were introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus who found the Taino using them in the West Indies around 1700. It became a popular feature of most sailing vessels at the time as an alternative to sleeping on the floor where straw quickly became contaminated with insects and dirt.
July 21st 2009: The History and Culture of California
The areas known as Alto California was colonised by the Spanish Empire in the late 18th century and, as part of Mexico,
became an independent republic in 1821. In 1846 California broke away from Mexico and in 1850 become the 31st state of America.
Rich in mineral resources, especially gold, California became a boom state during the California Gold Rush of the 19th century. Through the 20th century, the characteristics changed and California became more famous as a tourist destination and as the home to some of America’s largest film studios. The consistent and temperate climate near the coast has helped to secure their status as one of the world’s great wine regions and the so-called Silicon Valley (aka Santa Clara Valley) near San Jose has promoted extensive economic development around the electronics and IT industry. The population is quite cosmopolitan with 60% white American and Hispanic and 20% Asian and African American.
The cuisine in California is as diverse as the population with a strong Asian (fusion dishes and sushi) and Mexican influence
(tacos, tortillas and baja-style mexi-American food). California has become quite health conscious over the years which is somewhat ironic since it is the home of the fast food industry (including McDonalds, Fatburger and Jack in the Box). Local produce that you might see more in Californian cuisine than elsewhere includes asparagus, avocados, artichokes, fresh figs and dates, persimmons and sprouts.
Did you know? Castroville, California is known as the artichoke capital of the world. in 1947 a young woman was crowned
Castroville's first artichoke queen. she later became better known as actress Marilyn Monroe.
The areas known as Alto California was colonised by the Spanish Empire in the late 18th century and, as part of Mexico,
became an independent republic in 1821. In 1846 California broke away from Mexico and in 1850 become the 31st state of America.
Rich in mineral resources, especially gold, California became a boom state during the California Gold Rush of the 19th century. Through the 20th century, the characteristics changed and California became more famous as a tourist destination and as the home to some of America’s largest film studios. The consistent and temperate climate near the coast has helped to secure their status as one of the world’s great wine regions and the so-called Silicon Valley (aka Santa Clara Valley) near San Jose has promoted extensive economic development around the electronics and IT industry. The population is quite cosmopolitan with 60% white American and Hispanic and 20% Asian and African American.
The cuisine in California is as diverse as the population with a strong Asian (fusion dishes and sushi) and Mexican influence
(tacos, tortillas and baja-style mexi-American food). California has become quite health conscious over the years which is somewhat ironic since it is the home of the fast food industry (including McDonalds, Fatburger and Jack in the Box). Local produce that you might see more in Californian cuisine than elsewhere includes asparagus, avocados, artichokes, fresh figs and dates, persimmons and sprouts.
Did you know? Castroville, California is known as the artichoke capital of the world. in 1947 a young woman was crowned
Castroville's first artichoke queen. she later became better known as actress Marilyn Monroe.
July 14th 2009: The History and Culture of China
Historically, China has been a world leader in arts and science but civil unrest and communism in the 19th and 20th centuries repressed their true ability as a leading civilisation. Their economic development since 1978, however, has been staggering and by 2000 their output had quadrupled, living conditions have improved dramatically and freedom of personal choice has become
commonplace although some political controls still remain quite tight.
Chinese cuisine has become popular worldwide with a strong emphasis on rice and noodles, meat and vegetables often prepared by stir frying or by steaming. Their cooking rarely involves dairy products or fresh herbs and spices are used only very sparingly. The chop sticks are the preferred utensil for eating.
China is quite different to the UK when it comes to etiquette. Greetings may be by a handshake (lighter with females) but Chinese people prefer not to be touched so a light bow may be more acceptable (follow the lead of the other person). Hugging or kissing is unacceptable unless you know the person very well. Never point, whistle or snap your fingers. An open hand with fingers closed is an acceptable alternative to pointing. Gifts should be refused several times before accepting and taken (and offered) with both hands to be opened later. The Chinese are very superstitious so avoid white, the number four (including gifts in sets of four), gifts that cut things (seen as cutting the friendship) and clocks (associated with funerals). At the dinner table, never pour your own drink first, try not to put sugar or milk in your tea and don’t take every bit of food off your plate (or they will think you are still hungry and bring more!). Above all try and learn a few common phrases in Chinese. This will be much appreciated by your hosts.
Did you know? Chickens, pigs, silk, paper, chess, gunpowder and compasses all originated from China.
Historically, China has been a world leader in arts and science but civil unrest and communism in the 19th and 20th centuries repressed their true ability as a leading civilisation. Their economic development since 1978, however, has been staggering and by 2000 their output had quadrupled, living conditions have improved dramatically and freedom of personal choice has become
commonplace although some political controls still remain quite tight.
Chinese cuisine has become popular worldwide with a strong emphasis on rice and noodles, meat and vegetables often prepared by stir frying or by steaming. Their cooking rarely involves dairy products or fresh herbs and spices are used only very sparingly. The chop sticks are the preferred utensil for eating.
China is quite different to the UK when it comes to etiquette. Greetings may be by a handshake (lighter with females) but Chinese people prefer not to be touched so a light bow may be more acceptable (follow the lead of the other person). Hugging or kissing is unacceptable unless you know the person very well. Never point, whistle or snap your fingers. An open hand with fingers closed is an acceptable alternative to pointing. Gifts should be refused several times before accepting and taken (and offered) with both hands to be opened later. The Chinese are very superstitious so avoid white, the number four (including gifts in sets of four), gifts that cut things (seen as cutting the friendship) and clocks (associated with funerals). At the dinner table, never pour your own drink first, try not to put sugar or milk in your tea and don’t take every bit of food off your plate (or they will think you are still hungry and bring more!). Above all try and learn a few common phrases in Chinese. This will be much appreciated by your hosts.
Did you know? Chickens, pigs, silk, paper, chess, gunpowder and compasses all originated from China.
June 15th 2009: The History and Culture of Australia
Situated firmly in the southern hemisphere, the population in Australia is nearly 22 million. 92% are white (European
settlers) and 7% Asian. Aborigines make up only 1% of the population but this is now starting to rise. At nearly 3 million square miles it is the smallest continent in the world and the largest island.
The aborigines were the original settlers in Australia, migrating from Southeast Asia 40,000 years before Captain Cook took possession in the name of Great Britain around 1770. Aborigines made good hunters and did not engage in any real farming as such. Consequently they became characterised by their nomadic existence which helped to develop some strong social bonds. They are strongly religious – predominantly Christian – and worship the land which they believe the spirits assigned to individual tribes so there were very few territorial wars and their peace loving nature may, to an extent, explain why they so easily ceded land to the early European settlers and became isolated in the interior.
Due to their isolation, Aborigines haven't changed much in appearance since their arrival in Australia. Both ancient and modern Aborigines have dark skin and hair, which tends to be fairly straight or wavy. Their eyes are deep-set, and the brow ridge hangs over the eye sockets. The nose is typically broad and separated from the brow by a deep groove. A wide mouth and full lips spread up into dominant cheekbones. There is one change that seems to have taken place: Aborigines of the past were tall, slender and lean. The Aborigines of today tend to have a stockier, wider build. Why do you think that would
be?
They have been appallingly treated over the years and only secured the right to vote in their own country as recently as 1967 and whilst there is a great deal of successful integration with the immigrant white population, they are still fighting for
equality.
One interesting aspect of Aboriginal culture revolves around their Dreamtime culture; stories and secrets that are held
sacred by many of the elders. When Australia finally allowed Aborigines to stake their claim on land, they had to prove that they were the first to settle there. They had to make a choice between betraying their ancestors and taking back their land.
Traditionally, Australian cuisine was strongly influenced by the early British settlers but in recent times other immigrants
from the Mediterranean (Lebanese, Moroccan and Greek) and Asia (Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese) have helped to develop a more diverse range of cultures. Dress code in Australia is very casual. Greetings are by a smile or a handshake and
Australians quickly progress to first names. Barbecues are also exceedingly popular in Australia. If invited, you could call your host and offer to bring food but either way, wine or beer will always be appreciated. You should never be late for a dinner invitation and no more than 15 minutes late for a party or barbecue. Table manners are pretty traditional with elbows kept off the table at all times and cutlery neatly placed when you have finished eating.
Did you know? During the 18th and 19th centuries large numbers of convicts were transported to various penal colonies in Australia (New South Wales) by the British Government including the Topluddle Martyrs.
Situated firmly in the southern hemisphere, the population in Australia is nearly 22 million. 92% are white (European
settlers) and 7% Asian. Aborigines make up only 1% of the population but this is now starting to rise. At nearly 3 million square miles it is the smallest continent in the world and the largest island.
The aborigines were the original settlers in Australia, migrating from Southeast Asia 40,000 years before Captain Cook took possession in the name of Great Britain around 1770. Aborigines made good hunters and did not engage in any real farming as such. Consequently they became characterised by their nomadic existence which helped to develop some strong social bonds. They are strongly religious – predominantly Christian – and worship the land which they believe the spirits assigned to individual tribes so there were very few territorial wars and their peace loving nature may, to an extent, explain why they so easily ceded land to the early European settlers and became isolated in the interior.
Due to their isolation, Aborigines haven't changed much in appearance since their arrival in Australia. Both ancient and modern Aborigines have dark skin and hair, which tends to be fairly straight or wavy. Their eyes are deep-set, and the brow ridge hangs over the eye sockets. The nose is typically broad and separated from the brow by a deep groove. A wide mouth and full lips spread up into dominant cheekbones. There is one change that seems to have taken place: Aborigines of the past were tall, slender and lean. The Aborigines of today tend to have a stockier, wider build. Why do you think that would
be?
They have been appallingly treated over the years and only secured the right to vote in their own country as recently as 1967 and whilst there is a great deal of successful integration with the immigrant white population, they are still fighting for
equality.
One interesting aspect of Aboriginal culture revolves around their Dreamtime culture; stories and secrets that are held
sacred by many of the elders. When Australia finally allowed Aborigines to stake their claim on land, they had to prove that they were the first to settle there. They had to make a choice between betraying their ancestors and taking back their land.
Traditionally, Australian cuisine was strongly influenced by the early British settlers but in recent times other immigrants
from the Mediterranean (Lebanese, Moroccan and Greek) and Asia (Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese) have helped to develop a more diverse range of cultures. Dress code in Australia is very casual. Greetings are by a smile or a handshake and
Australians quickly progress to first names. Barbecues are also exceedingly popular in Australia. If invited, you could call your host and offer to bring food but either way, wine or beer will always be appreciated. You should never be late for a dinner invitation and no more than 15 minutes late for a party or barbecue. Table manners are pretty traditional with elbows kept off the table at all times and cutlery neatly placed when you have finished eating.
Did you know? During the 18th and 19th centuries large numbers of convicts were transported to various penal colonies in Australia (New South Wales) by the British Government including the Topluddle Martyrs.
June 2nd 2009: The History and Culture of South Africa
South Africa was established by the Dutch in the 17th century as stopover on the spice route between the Netherlands and the Far East. Many of the Dutch (Boers) tracked north when the British seized the Cape area around 1806 but the discovery of diamonds and gold resulted in the British presence being strongly resisted! The conflict led eventually to the Boer War 1899-1902 when the Dutch were defeated but then shared Government under the Union of South Africa. In more recent times, South Africa has been infamous for its apartheid policies introduced by the National Party in 1948 and surviving until 1994 when the first multi-racial elections produced a black majority rule under the African National Congress.
Despite the abundant supply of natural resources, unemployment remains high at around 22% and there are some quite serious economic challenges to face as a result of years of apartheid. For example, ageing power plants has left the
country with acute power supply issues and a lack of natural lakes and arterial rivers places a great strain on water conservation and usage often outpaces supply. Nearly 80% of the population is black and, like Brazil, there is an acute problem with unsupervised and unprotected children who live or work on the streets. 90% of South Africa’s street children are male reflecting the expectation that young girls will help with family and household chores. As a result they are less likely to be abandoned and more likely to be taken in by the extended family.
These massive gender inequalities are often transcribed to sport which largely seen as a male role and still reflect ethnic lines to a degree. South Africans are very passionate about their sports - especially soccer and rugby. In 1995 they hosted and won the Rugby World Cup and in 2012, they will host the soccer World Cup tournament.
South Africans love their braais (barbecues) which will often feature boerwors (spicy sausage). The more adventurous may try a skop (the head of a sheep,cow or goat scrubbed to remove the unwanted parts and then boiled) or koeksisters (sweet doughy treats). Biltong are strips of dried meats that come in various flavours, whilst Miele Pap is a stiff corn meal mix which is very popular throughout South Africa.
South Africa has a strongly western culture as you would expect given their history so handshaking for men and kisses on the cheek for women are common greetings. When visiting someone’s home, do not remove your shoes (unless it is a Muslim home) and a present of wine or flowers would be most appreciated (but avoid carnations which are associated with funerals). Body languages are quite important. For example, use your right hand or both hands to exchange gifts – never your left hand alone. Your arms should be by your side or lightly crossed on your lap as opposed to in your pockets, on your hips or folded. Avoid touching someone’s arm or standing too close to them. At the dinner table, put your napkin on your lap when seated and break (as opposed to cut) open your bread roll.
Did you know? South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost completely surrounds Swaziland.
South Africa was established by the Dutch in the 17th century as stopover on the spice route between the Netherlands and the Far East. Many of the Dutch (Boers) tracked north when the British seized the Cape area around 1806 but the discovery of diamonds and gold resulted in the British presence being strongly resisted! The conflict led eventually to the Boer War 1899-1902 when the Dutch were defeated but then shared Government under the Union of South Africa. In more recent times, South Africa has been infamous for its apartheid policies introduced by the National Party in 1948 and surviving until 1994 when the first multi-racial elections produced a black majority rule under the African National Congress.
Despite the abundant supply of natural resources, unemployment remains high at around 22% and there are some quite serious economic challenges to face as a result of years of apartheid. For example, ageing power plants has left the
country with acute power supply issues and a lack of natural lakes and arterial rivers places a great strain on water conservation and usage often outpaces supply. Nearly 80% of the population is black and, like Brazil, there is an acute problem with unsupervised and unprotected children who live or work on the streets. 90% of South Africa’s street children are male reflecting the expectation that young girls will help with family and household chores. As a result they are less likely to be abandoned and more likely to be taken in by the extended family.
These massive gender inequalities are often transcribed to sport which largely seen as a male role and still reflect ethnic lines to a degree. South Africans are very passionate about their sports - especially soccer and rugby. In 1995 they hosted and won the Rugby World Cup and in 2012, they will host the soccer World Cup tournament.
South Africans love their braais (barbecues) which will often feature boerwors (spicy sausage). The more adventurous may try a skop (the head of a sheep,cow or goat scrubbed to remove the unwanted parts and then boiled) or koeksisters (sweet doughy treats). Biltong are strips of dried meats that come in various flavours, whilst Miele Pap is a stiff corn meal mix which is very popular throughout South Africa.
South Africa has a strongly western culture as you would expect given their history so handshaking for men and kisses on the cheek for women are common greetings. When visiting someone’s home, do not remove your shoes (unless it is a Muslim home) and a present of wine or flowers would be most appreciated (but avoid carnations which are associated with funerals). Body languages are quite important. For example, use your right hand or both hands to exchange gifts – never your left hand alone. Your arms should be by your side or lightly crossed on your lap as opposed to in your pockets, on your hips or folded. Avoid touching someone’s arm or standing too close to them. At the dinner table, put your napkin on your lap when seated and break (as opposed to cut) open your bread roll.
Did you know? South Africa completely surrounds Lesotho and almost completely surrounds Swaziland.
June 1st 2009: How does Brazil's History Contribute to Todays Culture?
When the 12 Portuguese ships arrived in Brazil around 1500 AD, there were already over 4 million inhabitants in around 1,000 tribes. The early sailors described the resident Indians as ‘brown skinned, all of them naked. In their hands, they carried bows and arrows.’ There then followed a
massive cultural war as the Portuguese Jesuits outlawed the Indian Way of life and tried to impose their own beliefs through missionary work, introducing European diseases at the same time to which the indigenous population had no resistance. They also introduced African slaves on the sugar cane plantations believing them to be a superior workforce to the local Indians. As a result, those Indians that survived were forced deep into the rain forest and many of the slaves that escaped captivity formed communities of their own in rural areas. All this lays a foundation for the rich multi cultural population that characterises Brazil today with 38.5% mulatto (mixed white and black).
Early Portuguese traders made use of two of Brazil’s natural resources – sugar and a red dye (from the pau Brazil tree). Brazil peacefully gained its independence in 1822. In the 1950’s, it embarked on a massive industrialisation programme aimed at ending its dependency on foreign imports and utilising some of its other natural resources to stimulate the economy around mining, food production and the automotive industry. Along with China, India and Russia they are amongst the fastest developing economies in the world; together these countries could eclipse the other world economies by 2050. Such amazing growth can have its problems though, this ‘industrial revolution’ saw 30 million people migrate from the countryside to the cities between 1960 and 1980 and the country’s population is now estimated at 191 million with 75% living in urban areas. The difference between the rich and the poor is staggering and 1 in 4 adults lives below the Absolute Poverty Line defined by the United Nations. A large number of unsupervised and unprotected children are left to fend for themselves and between 7 and 8 million between the age of 5 and 18 live and/or work on the streets.
Food has a strong African and Indian influence with Caruru very popular in the North (a one pot meal of Dried shrimp, okra, onion, tomato, cilantro and dend oil. In the North East cacao sugar cane features strongly in both food and drink whilst Bahia tends to be dominated by seafood, shellfish and tropical fruit. In Rio and San Paulo the two popular dishes are
feijoda completa (a simmered bean and meat dish) and arroz-feijao (rice and black or red beans).
Respecting local etiquette is very important when visiting a foreign country and we should never assume that our customs will be acceptable there. In Brazil men greet each other with a handshake, and women with a kiss on either cheek. Men and women may greet each other with a handshake but the woman should make the first move. Hugging and backslapping is common amongst good friends.
If invited to a Brazilian house it is customary to take the hostess flowers or a small gift (if you forget, sending them the next day would be courteous). Avoid handkerchiefs or anything purple or black as these tend to be associated with funerals. It is customary to turn up late (30 minutes for dinner and an hour for a party) and err on the side of over-dressing as Brazilians dress with flair and judge others on their appearance.
Did you know? Many of the Portuguese settlers married native women which created a new race called ‘mestizos’.
When the 12 Portuguese ships arrived in Brazil around 1500 AD, there were already over 4 million inhabitants in around 1,000 tribes. The early sailors described the resident Indians as ‘brown skinned, all of them naked. In their hands, they carried bows and arrows.’ There then followed a
massive cultural war as the Portuguese Jesuits outlawed the Indian Way of life and tried to impose their own beliefs through missionary work, introducing European diseases at the same time to which the indigenous population had no resistance. They also introduced African slaves on the sugar cane plantations believing them to be a superior workforce to the local Indians. As a result, those Indians that survived were forced deep into the rain forest and many of the slaves that escaped captivity formed communities of their own in rural areas. All this lays a foundation for the rich multi cultural population that characterises Brazil today with 38.5% mulatto (mixed white and black).
Early Portuguese traders made use of two of Brazil’s natural resources – sugar and a red dye (from the pau Brazil tree). Brazil peacefully gained its independence in 1822. In the 1950’s, it embarked on a massive industrialisation programme aimed at ending its dependency on foreign imports and utilising some of its other natural resources to stimulate the economy around mining, food production and the automotive industry. Along with China, India and Russia they are amongst the fastest developing economies in the world; together these countries could eclipse the other world economies by 2050. Such amazing growth can have its problems though, this ‘industrial revolution’ saw 30 million people migrate from the countryside to the cities between 1960 and 1980 and the country’s population is now estimated at 191 million with 75% living in urban areas. The difference between the rich and the poor is staggering and 1 in 4 adults lives below the Absolute Poverty Line defined by the United Nations. A large number of unsupervised and unprotected children are left to fend for themselves and between 7 and 8 million between the age of 5 and 18 live and/or work on the streets.
Food has a strong African and Indian influence with Caruru very popular in the North (a one pot meal of Dried shrimp, okra, onion, tomato, cilantro and dend oil. In the North East cacao sugar cane features strongly in both food and drink whilst Bahia tends to be dominated by seafood, shellfish and tropical fruit. In Rio and San Paulo the two popular dishes are
feijoda completa (a simmered bean and meat dish) and arroz-feijao (rice and black or red beans).
Respecting local etiquette is very important when visiting a foreign country and we should never assume that our customs will be acceptable there. In Brazil men greet each other with a handshake, and women with a kiss on either cheek. Men and women may greet each other with a handshake but the woman should make the first move. Hugging and backslapping is common amongst good friends.
If invited to a Brazilian house it is customary to take the hostess flowers or a small gift (if you forget, sending them the next day would be courteous). Avoid handkerchiefs or anything purple or black as these tend to be associated with funerals. It is customary to turn up late (30 minutes for dinner and an hour for a party) and err on the side of over-dressing as Brazilians dress with flair and judge others on their appearance.
Did you know? Many of the Portuguese settlers married native women which created a new race called ‘mestizos’.
May 7th 2009: Linking to the International Primary Curriculum (IPC)
The IPC is an international curriculum developed originally by Shell to cater for employees children posted overseas and potentially missing out on sections of study. The IPC is now completely independent but retains a strong focus on academic, personal and international learning for children worldwide. Netley Abbey Infants School are 1 of 600 schools in 51 countries who are using the curriculum to promote great learning, great teaching and great fun! They do it in ways that are easy to understand, practical and really helpful to the individual student.
The IPC is designed to help children learn essential knowledge, skills and understanding; remain committed to learning; develop personal qualities to become good citizens; and develop a sense of nationality and culture both for themselves and in respect of others. The Clipper Round the World Race 09-10 is a perfect opportunity for students to follow the 10 competing yachts with a special emphasis on the last of these objectives.
Throughout the race, I will be providing a special report for schools focusing on the port that I am visiting. We will, together, explore the environment in which people live and the culture which provides them with a special and unique identity. We will consider how different children are in other countries and why their appearance and behaviour differs. I wonder how
children from other countries would find our culture, our clothes, and our behaviour? If I find out on the way around the world, I will be sure to let you know.
In the meantime, keep an eye on the route pages of the web site which I will use to do a little ‘scene-setting’ ahead of the race.
The IPC is an international curriculum developed originally by Shell to cater for employees children posted overseas and potentially missing out on sections of study. The IPC is now completely independent but retains a strong focus on academic, personal and international learning for children worldwide. Netley Abbey Infants School are 1 of 600 schools in 51 countries who are using the curriculum to promote great learning, great teaching and great fun! They do it in ways that are easy to understand, practical and really helpful to the individual student.
The IPC is designed to help children learn essential knowledge, skills and understanding; remain committed to learning; develop personal qualities to become good citizens; and develop a sense of nationality and culture both for themselves and in respect of others. The Clipper Round the World Race 09-10 is a perfect opportunity for students to follow the 10 competing yachts with a special emphasis on the last of these objectives.
Throughout the race, I will be providing a special report for schools focusing on the port that I am visiting. We will, together, explore the environment in which people live and the culture which provides them with a special and unique identity. We will consider how different children are in other countries and why their appearance and behaviour differs. I wonder how
children from other countries would find our culture, our clothes, and our behaviour? If I find out on the way around the world, I will be sure to let you know.
In the meantime, keep an eye on the route pages of the web site which I will use to do a little ‘scene-setting’ ahead of the race.
February 20th 2009: Linking to the Maths Curriculum
Technically Maths is a science as well but I thought this deserved a special mention of its own and to be fair, I can do no better than reproduce a blog from the 07-08 race which was written by New York Clipper Crew Member Felicity McLarty. Felicity is a language teacher from Peterborough and in a blog she sent whilst sailing the South China Sea, she wrote –
"Maths, my gremlin. When I left school 10 plus years ago, armed with my GCSE in maths, I believed that I wouldn’t need much of what I’d been taught. I was wrong.
"OK, so I got through Clipper training without consciously thinking about maths, but once boat preparation began, the numbers kicked in. Did we have enough metres of rope for the halyards? How many winch handles did we need? The
wind and steering instruments had to be calibrated. And then there was the food…
"The first leg was supposed to take 25 days with an extra 5 days of emergency rations per boat. A trip to the cash and carry with the victualler (who is in charge of buying enough food for each leg) had my gremlin jumping for joy. On arriving I was given a list of food to find and how many tins were required for each meal, what wasn’t on the list was that the
tins available were larger and of varying sizes to a normal tin and my brain froze at the prospect of working out how many small tins went into one large tin. Ratios and we were still on land.
"Since joining the boat, numbers have become a vital part of my daily life. Correspondence to Clipper race office and the ship’s log are done in UTC (GMT), while boat time is an imprecise affair based on the local time in our last port and changed only when sunset becomes too late or sunrise ridiculously early (before 3am at one point on Leg 3). The boat itself has a number to identify it in an emergency and the communications station has the race contact and emergency phone numbers posted clearly on the wall.
"Beyond this there is maths galore, the latitude and longitude positions of our and other boats: position and distance; the speeds (boat speed and speed over ground which includes currents): differentials; watching the barometer rise and fall; using vectors; counting down the miles; monitoring the wind angle and assessing the difference between the true and apparent wind angles. I am amazed at other people’s mathematical skills on the boat; Keith came up with an equation containing sigma, sin and theta all divided by ‘n’ – I’m not at that level yet. Sometimes, just the act of remembering the numbers on the screen down below and relaying them to those on deck seems hard… I won’t even get into spherical geometry used to calculate great circle routes (the quickest route from origin port to destination port).
"This brings me back to land and the fact that sailing forced me to rethink the importance of maths. Some need it for car design, embroidery or pigeon racing and even those who hated maths at school may need it to pursue their hobbies. To those people still at school, maybe one day you’ll need the maths you think is pointless – I did.
"Gremlin, it’s time for the showdown!!"
Technically Maths is a science as well but I thought this deserved a special mention of its own and to be fair, I can do no better than reproduce a blog from the 07-08 race which was written by New York Clipper Crew Member Felicity McLarty. Felicity is a language teacher from Peterborough and in a blog she sent whilst sailing the South China Sea, she wrote –
"Maths, my gremlin. When I left school 10 plus years ago, armed with my GCSE in maths, I believed that I wouldn’t need much of what I’d been taught. I was wrong.
"OK, so I got through Clipper training without consciously thinking about maths, but once boat preparation began, the numbers kicked in. Did we have enough metres of rope for the halyards? How many winch handles did we need? The
wind and steering instruments had to be calibrated. And then there was the food…
"The first leg was supposed to take 25 days with an extra 5 days of emergency rations per boat. A trip to the cash and carry with the victualler (who is in charge of buying enough food for each leg) had my gremlin jumping for joy. On arriving I was given a list of food to find and how many tins were required for each meal, what wasn’t on the list was that the
tins available were larger and of varying sizes to a normal tin and my brain froze at the prospect of working out how many small tins went into one large tin. Ratios and we were still on land.
"Since joining the boat, numbers have become a vital part of my daily life. Correspondence to Clipper race office and the ship’s log are done in UTC (GMT), while boat time is an imprecise affair based on the local time in our last port and changed only when sunset becomes too late or sunrise ridiculously early (before 3am at one point on Leg 3). The boat itself has a number to identify it in an emergency and the communications station has the race contact and emergency phone numbers posted clearly on the wall.
"Beyond this there is maths galore, the latitude and longitude positions of our and other boats: position and distance; the speeds (boat speed and speed over ground which includes currents): differentials; watching the barometer rise and fall; using vectors; counting down the miles; monitoring the wind angle and assessing the difference between the true and apparent wind angles. I am amazed at other people’s mathematical skills on the boat; Keith came up with an equation containing sigma, sin and theta all divided by ‘n’ – I’m not at that level yet. Sometimes, just the act of remembering the numbers on the screen down below and relaying them to those on deck seems hard… I won’t even get into spherical geometry used to calculate great circle routes (the quickest route from origin port to destination port).
"This brings me back to land and the fact that sailing forced me to rethink the importance of maths. Some need it for car design, embroidery or pigeon racing and even those who hated maths at school may need it to pursue their hobbies. To those people still at school, maybe one day you’ll need the maths you think is pointless – I did.
"Gremlin, it’s time for the showdown!!"
February 17th 2009: Linking to the Science Curriculum
We have already explored in earlier articles how following the race through this web site links with science curricular. The physics of using the air and water to propel the boat forward is an obvious example and the best way of explaining this is to draw an analogy with an aircraft wing which is curved along the top edge. This means the air has to travel further and in doing so reduces the air pressure on the top of the wing. Since the air pressure underneath is maintained, the effect is for the plane to lift.
For sail boats, that principle is turned on its side with a vertical sail performing the same function as a horizontal wing. You
angle the sail against the wind so that the air rushes toward the stern (back) of the boat. Then, by shaping the sail, you can reduce the air pressure on the leeward side (the side of the boat that is sheltered from the wind) and the effect is to push the boat sideways and forwards. Playing about with the angle and shape can then put more effort into the forward motion than the sideways motion and you can really pick up speed but the boat heeling over (leaning) is a clear indication of the side effect.
Underneath all this, the Clipper boats have a huge keel which prevents the boat heeling over too much. The combined forces of th air on the sail and the water on the keel also helps to induce forward motion in the same was as squeezing an apple pip from both sides.
Science also has a strong link with the diverse marine life that we encounter on the race. Some of this marine life has already been identified in previous articles. Since most of our time is spent trying to make the boat go fast I am going to need a little help from schools to understand what sort of wildlife I can expect to see in different oceans. So when I write and tell you exactly where I am, perhaps you would be kind enough to write back and tell me what to watch out for.
The third link with science that I wanted to mention was diet and nutrition. To ensure that we travel as fast as possible we need to make sure we are not carrying excess weight. This is why you don’t see fridges, freezers and widescreen TVs on Clipper RacingYachts! We also need to make sure that we are carrying the right amount of food for the voyage. That means we need enough to last the trip (which is usually between 3 and 5 weeks) but what is more important is that we do not want any food left over – otherwise it means we have been carrying excess weight needlessly. It’s more than just quantity though. We need to make sure the nutritional value is good because we are burning an awful lot of energy working on deck and this has to be replaced quickly.
Fresh meat will only last a few days, vegetables about a week and fresh fruit maybe two weeks if we are lucky. After that we are restricted to tinned food (tinned vegetables are very good at retaining their vitamin C value), dried fruit, pasta, rice and noodles. We want food that is high in carbohydrates and we want recipes that can be easily served in the most difficult of sailing conditions. We also want to put a smile on the face of our fellow crew members every day with freshly baked bread and a variety of cakes!
We have already explored in earlier articles how following the race through this web site links with science curricular. The physics of using the air and water to propel the boat forward is an obvious example and the best way of explaining this is to draw an analogy with an aircraft wing which is curved along the top edge. This means the air has to travel further and in doing so reduces the air pressure on the top of the wing. Since the air pressure underneath is maintained, the effect is for the plane to lift.
For sail boats, that principle is turned on its side with a vertical sail performing the same function as a horizontal wing. You
angle the sail against the wind so that the air rushes toward the stern (back) of the boat. Then, by shaping the sail, you can reduce the air pressure on the leeward side (the side of the boat that is sheltered from the wind) and the effect is to push the boat sideways and forwards. Playing about with the angle and shape can then put more effort into the forward motion than the sideways motion and you can really pick up speed but the boat heeling over (leaning) is a clear indication of the side effect.
Underneath all this, the Clipper boats have a huge keel which prevents the boat heeling over too much. The combined forces of th air on the sail and the water on the keel also helps to induce forward motion in the same was as squeezing an apple pip from both sides.
Science also has a strong link with the diverse marine life that we encounter on the race. Some of this marine life has already been identified in previous articles. Since most of our time is spent trying to make the boat go fast I am going to need a little help from schools to understand what sort of wildlife I can expect to see in different oceans. So when I write and tell you exactly where I am, perhaps you would be kind enough to write back and tell me what to watch out for.
The third link with science that I wanted to mention was diet and nutrition. To ensure that we travel as fast as possible we need to make sure we are not carrying excess weight. This is why you don’t see fridges, freezers and widescreen TVs on Clipper RacingYachts! We also need to make sure that we are carrying the right amount of food for the voyage. That means we need enough to last the trip (which is usually between 3 and 5 weeks) but what is more important is that we do not want any food left over – otherwise it means we have been carrying excess weight needlessly. It’s more than just quantity though. We need to make sure the nutritional value is good because we are burning an awful lot of energy working on deck and this has to be replaced quickly.
Fresh meat will only last a few days, vegetables about a week and fresh fruit maybe two weeks if we are lucky. After that we are restricted to tinned food (tinned vegetables are very good at retaining their vitamin C value), dried fruit, pasta, rice and noodles. We want food that is high in carbohydrates and we want recipes that can be easily served in the most difficult of sailing conditions. We also want to put a smile on the face of our fellow crew members every day with freshly baked bread and a variety of cakes!
September 12th 2008: Wildlife Around the World Part II
With the Clipper Race crossing 4 of the largest oceans in the world it is inevitable that many forms of wildlife will be encountered. One the of most spectacular, because of the potential size, is the whale. There are many species of whale - some as small as 6 feet in length and others (like the blue whale) measuring up to 100 feet. Because of their reputation as an aggressor the Orca or Killer whale is the most well known of all whales. They are most commonly found in the North Pacific but migrate over thousands of miles and are found in every ocean. They can be found in the southern oceans but are less likely to be spotted in the winter when there are icebergs about.
Any Clipper crew would be delighted to see these air breathing mammals breaking the surface of the water but will be cautious of passing too close because of their reputation as aggressive mammals. The biggest danger is probably hitting one that is sleeping on the surface. The picture shown was taken during the 07-08 race and the crew became a little nervous as the whale had developed an uncomfortable curiosity with the boat and followed it at a safe distance for several hours. The orca eats on average 500lbs of food every day.
Above the waves, a sight that all crews long for is the albatross. They are found mainly in the Southern Oceans and in the North Pacific. The albatross is the collective name for 21 different species of sea bird; 19 of which are threatened with extinction. The great albatross has the greatest wing span on any bird on the planet reaching as wide as 11 feet! Their existence is threatened largely by rats and ferrel cats that prey on the eggs and by fishing. They are attracted by the bait and end up getting caught up in fishing lines. Folklore has a part to play in the legend of the albatross and the bird is immortalised in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. As a result, it was believed to be unlucky to kill or harm an albatross because the birds were believed to carry the souls of lost sailors. In reality, when the Europeans began sailing the world, the albatrosss was extensively hunted for food.
With the Clipper Race crossing 4 of the largest oceans in the world it is inevitable that many forms of wildlife will be encountered. One the of most spectacular, because of the potential size, is the whale. There are many species of whale - some as small as 6 feet in length and others (like the blue whale) measuring up to 100 feet. Because of their reputation as an aggressor the Orca or Killer whale is the most well known of all whales. They are most commonly found in the North Pacific but migrate over thousands of miles and are found in every ocean. They can be found in the southern oceans but are less likely to be spotted in the winter when there are icebergs about.
Any Clipper crew would be delighted to see these air breathing mammals breaking the surface of the water but will be cautious of passing too close because of their reputation as aggressive mammals. The biggest danger is probably hitting one that is sleeping on the surface. The picture shown was taken during the 07-08 race and the crew became a little nervous as the whale had developed an uncomfortable curiosity with the boat and followed it at a safe distance for several hours. The orca eats on average 500lbs of food every day.
Above the waves, a sight that all crews long for is the albatross. They are found mainly in the Southern Oceans and in the North Pacific. The albatross is the collective name for 21 different species of sea bird; 19 of which are threatened with extinction. The great albatross has the greatest wing span on any bird on the planet reaching as wide as 11 feet! Their existence is threatened largely by rats and ferrel cats that prey on the eggs and by fishing. They are attracted by the bait and end up getting caught up in fishing lines. Folklore has a part to play in the legend of the albatross and the bird is immortalised in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. As a result, it was believed to be unlucky to kill or harm an albatross because the birds were believed to carry the souls of lost sailors. In reality, when the Europeans began sailing the world, the albatrosss was extensively hunted for food.
June 24th 2008: Wildlife Around the World Part I
Racing with Clipper Ventures will provide a wonderful opportunity to explore the diversity of marine life. For most of the time, we will be racing hard, trying to trim the sails to squeeze every last knot out of the boat in an effort to compete effectively. Even so, there will be many times that wildlife will come to us. Dolphins and whales of various descriptions are known to follow the boats and dolphins, in particular will play at the bow and provide great entertainment for the crews.
Flying fish are another entertainment for the crews and will be seen in large numbers around the tropical and sub tropical regions of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. These amazing fish are capable of gliding out of the water for considerable distances up to 30-50 metres to escape predators and will often bombard the boats when moving in shoals. It is not
uncommon for the early morning watch to come on deck and clear the corpses of 20 or more flying fish that have become stranded overnight. They can be cooked but their rather pungeant odour ensures the interest of the crew is generally
short lived.
Racing with Clipper Ventures will provide a wonderful opportunity to explore the diversity of marine life. For most of the time, we will be racing hard, trying to trim the sails to squeeze every last knot out of the boat in an effort to compete effectively. Even so, there will be many times that wildlife will come to us. Dolphins and whales of various descriptions are known to follow the boats and dolphins, in particular will play at the bow and provide great entertainment for the crews.
Flying fish are another entertainment for the crews and will be seen in large numbers around the tropical and sub tropical regions of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. These amazing fish are capable of gliding out of the water for considerable distances up to 30-50 metres to escape predators and will often bombard the boats when moving in shoals. It is not
uncommon for the early morning watch to come on deck and clear the corpses of 20 or more flying fish that have become stranded overnight. They can be cooked but their rather pungeant odour ensures the interest of the crew is generally
short lived.
May 26th 2008: Parts Of The Mainsail
Luff - the front or leading edge of the sail.
Leech - the aft or back edge of a sail
Foot – the lowest edge of the sail
Head – top corner of the sail where the halyard is attached
Tack – the lower forward corner of the sail which is shackled to a fixed point on the boat
Clew – the lower aft corner of the sail
Reefing Line Points / Reef Cringle - As you put in a reef on the sail (to reduce the sail areas exposed to the wind), the reefing line points become the new tack and clew points for the sail.
Battens – Battens are strips of wood / plastic that are inserted into pockets of the mainsail to help maintain the convex shape of the sail.
Outhaul - This line runs from the clew of the sail to the end of the boom. It is used to extend the sail and control the shape of the curve of the foot of the sail
Boom - The boom is the pole along the foot of the mainsail around which the main is 'reefed'.
Boom Vang - This is a line or piston system used to exert a downward force on the boom and thus control the shape of the sail (also known as 'kicking strap')
Cunningham - The Cunningham (attached to the mainsail at the Cunningham Cringle) is used in conjunction with the main halyard to adjust the tension of the luff of the mainsail
Luff - the front or leading edge of the sail.
Leech - the aft or back edge of a sail
Foot – the lowest edge of the sail
Head – top corner of the sail where the halyard is attached
Tack – the lower forward corner of the sail which is shackled to a fixed point on the boat
Clew – the lower aft corner of the sail
Reefing Line Points / Reef Cringle - As you put in a reef on the sail (to reduce the sail areas exposed to the wind), the reefing line points become the new tack and clew points for the sail.
Battens – Battens are strips of wood / plastic that are inserted into pockets of the mainsail to help maintain the convex shape of the sail.
Outhaul - This line runs from the clew of the sail to the end of the boom. It is used to extend the sail and control the shape of the curve of the foot of the sail
Boom - The boom is the pole along the foot of the mainsail around which the main is 'reefed'.
Boom Vang - This is a line or piston system used to exert a downward force on the boom and thus control the shape of the sail (also known as 'kicking strap')
Cunningham - The Cunningham (attached to the mainsail at the Cunningham Cringle) is used in conjunction with the main halyard to adjust the tension of the luff of the mainsail
April 11th 2008: Points of Sailing
Many of the articles from the race will undoubtedly cover points of sail so this article attempts to explain the basics of sailing as we were taught them on Part A training.
As a scene set, it is worth making two points. Firstly the sails combine to act in the same way as an aircraft wing. The curved shape means that air hitting the windward side is not deflected and speeds past. Air on the other
(leeward) side has further to go and that reduces the pressure on that side of the sail. So just like an aircraft wing that forces the aircraft up, the sail (depending on how it is positioned) generally forces the boat forward.
Secondly, the keel keeps the boat from being pushed sideways by the wind. The resistance from the hull and the keel translate the lifting force into forward motion; a bit like squeezing a bar of soap that then pops forward out of your hands.
Back to the points of sail, it follows that if you need the wind to move forward, it would be extremely difficult to achieve that facing into the wind. All that happens is you stop (useful to remember if you do want to stop quickly though!). Similarly, if you have the wind directly behind you, all you need to do is spread the sails out like wings and the wind will push you along. It's those points of sail in between where you need the sails, wind, water and keel to work in harmony to produce that forward propulsion.
The different points of sail are best illustrated as a clock face (right) which shows the dead zone (a) directly in to the wind
followed by; (b) Close haul (hauling as closely to the wind as possible). Note how the sail is pulled in as tightly as possible). This also know as ‘beating’; (c) A beam reach produces some of the fastest sailing with the wind hitting the boat at about 90 degrees and the sails set at around 45 degrees for maximum effect. Incidentally there is a position between close haul and
reaching which – perhaps predictably is known as a close reach; (d) Broad reach with the sails further out and running with the wind coming from behind the ear; and (e) Running with the wind directly behind you with the sail full out.
Running effectively enables you sail in a straight line to your destination (though changing conditions rarely make this possible for the full trip). To sail into the wind, because you cannot sail directly into the wind, you have to adopt a zig zag course known as tacking. When you turn your boat to the right to expose the left hand (port) side of the boat to the wind, this is known as a port tack. Turning left and exposing the starboard side is a starboard tack.
It is worth remembering that wind rarely settles in one direction so there are risks to watch out for when sailing with the bow or stern close to the wind.
Into the wind, if you sail to close to the wind you are more likely to just stop with the sails flapping. But a severe gust can backfill the sail and effectively cause an accidental tack which will change the direction of the boat considerably so in a tight race this can obviously prove quite hazardous.
An accidental gybe, on the other hand can be even more serious since it could result in the boom of the mainsail – probably let out at almost 90 degrees – swinging nearly 180 degrees across the deck and any crew member standing in the way. Apart from the personal safety issues, the strain on lines from a such a manoeuvre is enormous and if you come out of it with no damage at all you are doing pretty well.
Many of the articles from the race will undoubtedly cover points of sail so this article attempts to explain the basics of sailing as we were taught them on Part A training.
As a scene set, it is worth making two points. Firstly the sails combine to act in the same way as an aircraft wing. The curved shape means that air hitting the windward side is not deflected and speeds past. Air on the other
(leeward) side has further to go and that reduces the pressure on that side of the sail. So just like an aircraft wing that forces the aircraft up, the sail (depending on how it is positioned) generally forces the boat forward.
Secondly, the keel keeps the boat from being pushed sideways by the wind. The resistance from the hull and the keel translate the lifting force into forward motion; a bit like squeezing a bar of soap that then pops forward out of your hands.
Back to the points of sail, it follows that if you need the wind to move forward, it would be extremely difficult to achieve that facing into the wind. All that happens is you stop (useful to remember if you do want to stop quickly though!). Similarly, if you have the wind directly behind you, all you need to do is spread the sails out like wings and the wind will push you along. It's those points of sail in between where you need the sails, wind, water and keel to work in harmony to produce that forward propulsion.
The different points of sail are best illustrated as a clock face (right) which shows the dead zone (a) directly in to the wind
followed by; (b) Close haul (hauling as closely to the wind as possible). Note how the sail is pulled in as tightly as possible). This also know as ‘beating’; (c) A beam reach produces some of the fastest sailing with the wind hitting the boat at about 90 degrees and the sails set at around 45 degrees for maximum effect. Incidentally there is a position between close haul and
reaching which – perhaps predictably is known as a close reach; (d) Broad reach with the sails further out and running with the wind coming from behind the ear; and (e) Running with the wind directly behind you with the sail full out.
Running effectively enables you sail in a straight line to your destination (though changing conditions rarely make this possible for the full trip). To sail into the wind, because you cannot sail directly into the wind, you have to adopt a zig zag course known as tacking. When you turn your boat to the right to expose the left hand (port) side of the boat to the wind, this is known as a port tack. Turning left and exposing the starboard side is a starboard tack.
It is worth remembering that wind rarely settles in one direction so there are risks to watch out for when sailing with the bow or stern close to the wind.
Into the wind, if you sail to close to the wind you are more likely to just stop with the sails flapping. But a severe gust can backfill the sail and effectively cause an accidental tack which will change the direction of the boat considerably so in a tight race this can obviously prove quite hazardous.
An accidental gybe, on the other hand can be even more serious since it could result in the boom of the mainsail – probably let out at almost 90 degrees – swinging nearly 180 degrees across the deck and any crew member standing in the way. Apart from the personal safety issues, the strain on lines from a such a manoeuvre is enormous and if you come out of it with no damage at all you are doing pretty well.
March 18th 2008: Anatomy of a Clipper
(1) Foresail; (2) Staysail; (3) Mainsail; (4) Backstay; (5) Spreader; (6) Boom; (7) Shroud; (8) Cockpit/Helm; (9) Poop Deck (10) Masthead (11) Boom Vang; (12) Bow. The main sail (3) is, as the name suggests, the most important sail on the boat and is constructed of heavy duty sail material. It is attached along the front edge (luff) to the mast and along the lower edge (foot) to the boom. Running rigging helps to shape the sail to catch the wind effectively and propel the boat forward. For example, the Halyard is used to raise the mainsail and tension it along the front edge, whilst the boom vang has the same effect along the foot of the sail.
The foresails provide a number of options depending on weather conditions. In the photo of Clipper Liverpool 08 a genoa jib and a staysail are in use. The genoa is attached along its leading edge to the forestay – the cable that runs from the top of the mast to the bow (standing rigging) and stops the mast falling backwards. Similarly the stay sail is secured along its leading edge to a stay running forward of the main mast. At the top of the mast there are a number of cranes that separate the halyards emerging from the top of the mast from the electronic gear that is also located here such as the wind vane, anemometer, VHF aerial and navigation lights.
The backstay complements the forestay and spreaders hold the side stays, or shrouds, away from the sails. All the stays are known as standing rigging as they are permanently in place and generally made from steel wire. Running rigging refers to the ropes – halyards, lines and sheets that are used to control and trim of the sails. The boom vang controls the tension along the foot of the mainsail.
(1) Spreader; (2) Shroud; (3) Spinnaker Pole; (4) Lifeboat; (5) Winch (one of 10); (6) Coffee Grinder Winch; (7) Forward Hatch
(one of 2 on foredeck – 8 in total); (8) Headsail Sheet Track; (9) Snake Pit; (10) Hatch to lower cabin; (11) Cockpit / Helm.
This view from the mast shows the layout on the deck extremely well as the Clipper makes good headway under the spinnaker (just off the picture) with the spinnaker pole clearly attached to the main mast. You get a good close up view of the spreaders and the shroud on the starboard side. This was the shroud that failed at the point it was secured to the deck on Western Australia 2001.com during race 7 of 07-08.
Just in front of the mast you can see the life raft attached to the deck between the two forward hatches (the crew member is
sitting on one!). The winches, sheet track and snake pit, which houses over a dozen different line and sheets, are all clearly visible as is the helmsman in the cockpit. Less clear is the coffee grinder – the heavy duty winch that is usually operated by two people.
(1) Foresail; (2) Staysail; (3) Mainsail; (4) Backstay; (5) Spreader; (6) Boom; (7) Shroud; (8) Cockpit/Helm; (9) Poop Deck (10) Masthead (11) Boom Vang; (12) Bow. The main sail (3) is, as the name suggests, the most important sail on the boat and is constructed of heavy duty sail material. It is attached along the front edge (luff) to the mast and along the lower edge (foot) to the boom. Running rigging helps to shape the sail to catch the wind effectively and propel the boat forward. For example, the Halyard is used to raise the mainsail and tension it along the front edge, whilst the boom vang has the same effect along the foot of the sail.
The foresails provide a number of options depending on weather conditions. In the photo of Clipper Liverpool 08 a genoa jib and a staysail are in use. The genoa is attached along its leading edge to the forestay – the cable that runs from the top of the mast to the bow (standing rigging) and stops the mast falling backwards. Similarly the stay sail is secured along its leading edge to a stay running forward of the main mast. At the top of the mast there are a number of cranes that separate the halyards emerging from the top of the mast from the electronic gear that is also located here such as the wind vane, anemometer, VHF aerial and navigation lights.
The backstay complements the forestay and spreaders hold the side stays, or shrouds, away from the sails. All the stays are known as standing rigging as they are permanently in place and generally made from steel wire. Running rigging refers to the ropes – halyards, lines and sheets that are used to control and trim of the sails. The boom vang controls the tension along the foot of the mainsail.
(1) Spreader; (2) Shroud; (3) Spinnaker Pole; (4) Lifeboat; (5) Winch (one of 10); (6) Coffee Grinder Winch; (7) Forward Hatch
(one of 2 on foredeck – 8 in total); (8) Headsail Sheet Track; (9) Snake Pit; (10) Hatch to lower cabin; (11) Cockpit / Helm.
This view from the mast shows the layout on the deck extremely well as the Clipper makes good headway under the spinnaker (just off the picture) with the spinnaker pole clearly attached to the main mast. You get a good close up view of the spreaders and the shroud on the starboard side. This was the shroud that failed at the point it was secured to the deck on Western Australia 2001.com during race 7 of 07-08.
Just in front of the mast you can see the life raft attached to the deck between the two forward hatches (the crew member is
sitting on one!). The winches, sheet track and snake pit, which houses over a dozen different line and sheets, are all clearly visible as is the helmsman in the cockpit. Less clear is the coffee grinder – the heavy duty winch that is usually operated by two people.
February 25th 2008: Roles on Board the Clipper Fleet
Skipper: The skipper is the only professional sailor on the Clipper racing yacht and their certification will be
backed up by proficiency in medical first aid. Skippers will be experienced sailors who have already completed large ocean crossings. In some case they will already have completed a circumnavigation of the world as part of a previous Clipper event. It is the skipper’s responsibility to organise the watches, ensure the efficient running of the boat and, of course, the safety of the crew. Inspirational leadership and good communication skills are essential. The skipper will also have the final say in strategy for the race although in practice, this will follow an extensive discussion with key members of the crew, in particular the watch leaders. Each route will be determined having regard to weather forecasts, knowledge of local tides and the rhum line – the shortest distance to the finish. What appears to be the shortest distance, however, will often take more time if it involves travelling through high pressures and wind holes. Boats will often deviate by several hundred
miles to run on strong westerly winds and gain an advantage.
Each week of the Clipper Round the World race one of the ten skippers will assume overall responsibility for the fleet. Duties include communicating information between the fleet and race control and co-ordinating the six hour reports on positions, speed and other technical data which is used to ensure race control have an accurate picture on progress.
Watch Leaders: Watch leaders will emerge naturally through training, demonstrating that they have the necessary
experience, confidence and sound communication skills to get the best out of the crew. Watch leaders may change from leg to leg but each yacht will generally operate a two watch system. This means each watch will have a four hour stint on deck followed by four hours rest. During the rest period crew members will try and get some sleep but they also need to feed themselves and will often use time communicating with friends and family via the satellite communications equipment on board. Extreme weather may dictate alternative watch systems. Deck work in sub zero temperatures (as can experienced in the Southern Ocean and the Taiwan Sea) can be both uncomfortable and dangerous so rather than have the full watch on deck the crew only come up when a transition is required (an adjustment, tack, gybe or sail change). The rest of the time
just two of the watch operate the helm in 20 minute shifts, one actually helming and one supporting in case unexpected difficulties arise.
The watch leader will be responsible for allocating specific tasks to the crew depending on their skills, strengths and abilities.
This will not be the same each time since the ethos of clipper racing is to allow crew members to experience most jobs during the course of the race. As a general rule the main priorities are to keep on course at the target speed agreed with the skipper and to brief the incoming watch leader at the change of watch. There are, however, a number of situations when the watch leader is required to consult the skipper. This will include serious incidents (man over board, collision or mechanical failure, for example), change in weather conditions, other vessels within a certain distance of the boat and whenever sail changes are required.
Assistant Watch leaders are also utilised to share the responsibility and to help develop the skills and abilities of other crew members.
Mother Watch: Each day, one member of the crew from each watch is pulled out to form a mother watch and this effectively involves every crew member on a weekly basis. The mother watch is one of the most important roles on the boat – they
keep the crew happy! Their main duties are to cook three square meals a day for the crew and deliver a plentiful supply of tea. They also clean the boat from bow to stern, including the heads (toilets) and keep the galley hygienically spotless. For all their hard work, they are rewarded with a hot shower and a full nights sleep. This counters to a small degree, the effects
of sleep deprivation acquired from 6 days of working a four hour watch system.
The mother watch is a tough job even when the boat is moored but in the middle of the race, most of these duties have to be undertaken at an angle of 30-35 degrees. The violent movement of the boat, particularly when beating against the wind, can make the galley a dangerous place to be with pans of boiling water and knives in danger of flying in all directions. Some nasty injuries can be sustained in the galley so extra care is often required.
Victualler: This role seeks to ensure that the boat is sufficiently stocked with provisions at the start of each leg and in particular that the mother watch have just enough food and drink to reach the finish line. Too little food and the crew will lose strength and concentration without adequate nourishment. Too much and the boat is carrying excess weight that will reduce the maximum speed.
As you would expect of a racing yacht, conditions on board are pretty sparse. There is no refrigerator so fresh fruit and vegetables will last a week at most. After that, mother watch will be relying on dried food, pasta, rice and tinned food to provide a healthy balanced diet. Bread mixes ensure that fresh bread is available daily.
The victualler is responsible for other provisions of equal importance – such as toilets rolls! The provision of tools, ropes, winch handles and other spares also requires careful consideration.
Medic: Each boat will have a qualified medic on board in addition to the skipper. Often this will be a crew member whose day job provides the relevant expertise. The 07-08 race is fortunate to have recruited enough doctors, nurses, paramedics, dentists and vets to provide adequate medical cover across the whole fleet. Whilst safety is paramount there are inevitable injuries and the hope is that these are minor. Dislocations, bruises, cuts and minor illnesses can generally all be dealt with on board and boats carry controlled drugs for more serious injuries. The medic and the skipper will decide if an injury is so severe that the boat has to divert to seek medical assistance but fortunately, this is rarely required.
Crew: Many crew members will be joining the Clipper fleet with useful skills from their day job. Others will have acquired skills or demonstrated special aptitudes during the intensive 18 month training programme that precedes each race. My height and weight, for example, will make me an ideal candidate for mast work, once I get used to working at 81ft above the
deck! Similarly my BSAC diving qualifications will mean I have the confidence to go under the boat to clear obstructions such as fishing line caught on the prop or keel. Other crew members will have skills associated with media equipment, IT or engineering which will help on some of the other roles described below.
Sail Trimmers: These are the crew members who work in conjunction with the helmsman to maintain top speed on a straight line along the preferred route. The role for each will depend on conditions but, as a default, the helmsman
will steer a straight line allowing the other crew member to trim or ease out the mainsail to ensure it does not luff. Winches will often be necessary to compensate for the weight of the sail.
Bowman: In addition to the main sail there may be up to two foresails at the front of the boat. In light airs and running with the wind, the boat will probably have a light spinnaker. As the weather deteriorates and the wind picks up the spinnaker will be replaced by progressively stronger and smaller sails. The bowman’s responsibility is to ensure, with the help of the crew, the smooth changing of the sails. They sometimes double up as the mast monkey so will often have a special climbing harness fitted.
Of course with the boat moving through the water at top speed the bow is probably going to be the wettest place on the boat with waves constantly breaking and covering the bowman in spray. The bowman will often wear a special dry suit to remain comfortable for the duration of the shift. Safety is paramount for all crew members so whenever they move about
on deck they have a safety line that they attach to a suitable anchor on the deck. That anchor point changes depending on their position on deck. In extreme conditions, it is often necessary to employ two safety lines so that you are never detached even when moving anchor points. You attach to the second anchor point before releasing the first.
Sail Repairer: With the best will in the world sails get damaged and since each clipper boat only possesses one set of sails to last them the full circumnavigation, damages must be repaired effectively and quickly. One or two members will have attended a special course before the race but each boat carries a heavy duty sewing machine with special needles that can pierce sailing cloth. The heavier sails have to be repaired by hand and in some cases, each stitch can take several minutes to complete. Speed of repair is very important since racing with the incorrect sail configuration can severely impact on top speed.
Diarist and Camera Operators: There are different roles here but the purpose is more or less the same. Two crew members ensure a regular supply of information back to race HQ so that family and friends can be kept updated as to the detail of progress. For many, this is the only means of keeping in touch with loved ones. Others will operate still and movie cameras and ensure a regular supply of media material that reflect life on board a big racing yacht.
These are important roles. Apart from family and friends there is huge media interest in the race with sailors representing nearly 30 different nations. Others will hopefully follow the race through the eyes of the diarists and camera operators and be motivated to enter the next race.
Skipper: The skipper is the only professional sailor on the Clipper racing yacht and their certification will be
backed up by proficiency in medical first aid. Skippers will be experienced sailors who have already completed large ocean crossings. In some case they will already have completed a circumnavigation of the world as part of a previous Clipper event. It is the skipper’s responsibility to organise the watches, ensure the efficient running of the boat and, of course, the safety of the crew. Inspirational leadership and good communication skills are essential. The skipper will also have the final say in strategy for the race although in practice, this will follow an extensive discussion with key members of the crew, in particular the watch leaders. Each route will be determined having regard to weather forecasts, knowledge of local tides and the rhum line – the shortest distance to the finish. What appears to be the shortest distance, however, will often take more time if it involves travelling through high pressures and wind holes. Boats will often deviate by several hundred
miles to run on strong westerly winds and gain an advantage.
Each week of the Clipper Round the World race one of the ten skippers will assume overall responsibility for the fleet. Duties include communicating information between the fleet and race control and co-ordinating the six hour reports on positions, speed and other technical data which is used to ensure race control have an accurate picture on progress.
Watch Leaders: Watch leaders will emerge naturally through training, demonstrating that they have the necessary
experience, confidence and sound communication skills to get the best out of the crew. Watch leaders may change from leg to leg but each yacht will generally operate a two watch system. This means each watch will have a four hour stint on deck followed by four hours rest. During the rest period crew members will try and get some sleep but they also need to feed themselves and will often use time communicating with friends and family via the satellite communications equipment on board. Extreme weather may dictate alternative watch systems. Deck work in sub zero temperatures (as can experienced in the Southern Ocean and the Taiwan Sea) can be both uncomfortable and dangerous so rather than have the full watch on deck the crew only come up when a transition is required (an adjustment, tack, gybe or sail change). The rest of the time
just two of the watch operate the helm in 20 minute shifts, one actually helming and one supporting in case unexpected difficulties arise.
The watch leader will be responsible for allocating specific tasks to the crew depending on their skills, strengths and abilities.
This will not be the same each time since the ethos of clipper racing is to allow crew members to experience most jobs during the course of the race. As a general rule the main priorities are to keep on course at the target speed agreed with the skipper and to brief the incoming watch leader at the change of watch. There are, however, a number of situations when the watch leader is required to consult the skipper. This will include serious incidents (man over board, collision or mechanical failure, for example), change in weather conditions, other vessels within a certain distance of the boat and whenever sail changes are required.
Assistant Watch leaders are also utilised to share the responsibility and to help develop the skills and abilities of other crew members.
Mother Watch: Each day, one member of the crew from each watch is pulled out to form a mother watch and this effectively involves every crew member on a weekly basis. The mother watch is one of the most important roles on the boat – they
keep the crew happy! Their main duties are to cook three square meals a day for the crew and deliver a plentiful supply of tea. They also clean the boat from bow to stern, including the heads (toilets) and keep the galley hygienically spotless. For all their hard work, they are rewarded with a hot shower and a full nights sleep. This counters to a small degree, the effects
of sleep deprivation acquired from 6 days of working a four hour watch system.
The mother watch is a tough job even when the boat is moored but in the middle of the race, most of these duties have to be undertaken at an angle of 30-35 degrees. The violent movement of the boat, particularly when beating against the wind, can make the galley a dangerous place to be with pans of boiling water and knives in danger of flying in all directions. Some nasty injuries can be sustained in the galley so extra care is often required.
Victualler: This role seeks to ensure that the boat is sufficiently stocked with provisions at the start of each leg and in particular that the mother watch have just enough food and drink to reach the finish line. Too little food and the crew will lose strength and concentration without adequate nourishment. Too much and the boat is carrying excess weight that will reduce the maximum speed.
As you would expect of a racing yacht, conditions on board are pretty sparse. There is no refrigerator so fresh fruit and vegetables will last a week at most. After that, mother watch will be relying on dried food, pasta, rice and tinned food to provide a healthy balanced diet. Bread mixes ensure that fresh bread is available daily.
The victualler is responsible for other provisions of equal importance – such as toilets rolls! The provision of tools, ropes, winch handles and other spares also requires careful consideration.
Medic: Each boat will have a qualified medic on board in addition to the skipper. Often this will be a crew member whose day job provides the relevant expertise. The 07-08 race is fortunate to have recruited enough doctors, nurses, paramedics, dentists and vets to provide adequate medical cover across the whole fleet. Whilst safety is paramount there are inevitable injuries and the hope is that these are minor. Dislocations, bruises, cuts and minor illnesses can generally all be dealt with on board and boats carry controlled drugs for more serious injuries. The medic and the skipper will decide if an injury is so severe that the boat has to divert to seek medical assistance but fortunately, this is rarely required.
Crew: Many crew members will be joining the Clipper fleet with useful skills from their day job. Others will have acquired skills or demonstrated special aptitudes during the intensive 18 month training programme that precedes each race. My height and weight, for example, will make me an ideal candidate for mast work, once I get used to working at 81ft above the
deck! Similarly my BSAC diving qualifications will mean I have the confidence to go under the boat to clear obstructions such as fishing line caught on the prop or keel. Other crew members will have skills associated with media equipment, IT or engineering which will help on some of the other roles described below.
Sail Trimmers: These are the crew members who work in conjunction with the helmsman to maintain top speed on a straight line along the preferred route. The role for each will depend on conditions but, as a default, the helmsman
will steer a straight line allowing the other crew member to trim or ease out the mainsail to ensure it does not luff. Winches will often be necessary to compensate for the weight of the sail.
Bowman: In addition to the main sail there may be up to two foresails at the front of the boat. In light airs and running with the wind, the boat will probably have a light spinnaker. As the weather deteriorates and the wind picks up the spinnaker will be replaced by progressively stronger and smaller sails. The bowman’s responsibility is to ensure, with the help of the crew, the smooth changing of the sails. They sometimes double up as the mast monkey so will often have a special climbing harness fitted.
Of course with the boat moving through the water at top speed the bow is probably going to be the wettest place on the boat with waves constantly breaking and covering the bowman in spray. The bowman will often wear a special dry suit to remain comfortable for the duration of the shift. Safety is paramount for all crew members so whenever they move about
on deck they have a safety line that they attach to a suitable anchor on the deck. That anchor point changes depending on their position on deck. In extreme conditions, it is often necessary to employ two safety lines so that you are never detached even when moving anchor points. You attach to the second anchor point before releasing the first.
Sail Repairer: With the best will in the world sails get damaged and since each clipper boat only possesses one set of sails to last them the full circumnavigation, damages must be repaired effectively and quickly. One or two members will have attended a special course before the race but each boat carries a heavy duty sewing machine with special needles that can pierce sailing cloth. The heavier sails have to be repaired by hand and in some cases, each stitch can take several minutes to complete. Speed of repair is very important since racing with the incorrect sail configuration can severely impact on top speed.
Diarist and Camera Operators: There are different roles here but the purpose is more or less the same. Two crew members ensure a regular supply of information back to race HQ so that family and friends can be kept updated as to the detail of progress. For many, this is the only means of keeping in touch with loved ones. Others will operate still and movie cameras and ensure a regular supply of media material that reflect life on board a big racing yacht.
These are important roles. Apart from family and friends there is huge media interest in the race with sailors representing nearly 30 different nations. Others will hopefully follow the race through the eyes of the diarists and camera operators and be motivated to enter the next race.