Update from Cliff 2 Dec 09
02/Dec/09 21:47 Filed in: Nyamezela
Pre-race preps are hotting up. Nearly all the boats have been launched but we are still on dry land. Yesterday we placed the dagger board and polished the bottom with hull coat so Liberty Nyamezela is shining and ready to go in. As I write the Woodvale electricians are on board fitting the AIS (Automatic Identification System). This is a mandatory unit on ocean-going watercraft that allows boats, even small ones, show up on the radar of larger ships. It is important to prevent boats from getting run over. It helps solo rowers like Pete as they need to sleep and can’t always keep an eye out.
Moose the camera man and his sound ‘fluffer’ holder wife, Jules, are working flat out. We have started to feel like movie stars … “please say that again” and “go back and walk this way”. We’ve been the cause of many a detour and extended conversation. Moose is great to have around and is excellent at what he does. Don’t we all know, those of us who have watched ‘90 Minutes to Antigua’?
Pete’s spirit is high and he is focused. We are looking good. The only problem now is the mystery over the whereabouts of Jim the watermaker guy Pete flew out from the UK. He has disappeared … rumor has it he is in hospital in Tenerife and has had an operation but nobody has heard from him in days. His family are concerned, as we are, for his well-being. We also need his expertise to sort out the watermaker. Without it, no row for Pete. The Woodvale organizers say that they will help which is great. The delayed flares may result in the race starting on Tuesday. We hope not but we will know for sure soon.
We have a dinner tonight for the solo rowers and I wrote a short poem in their honour, based on what Pete has been experiencing and what I think these guys will face. Here it is:
Dear men, warriors of the ocean.
I stand before you honored, honored to have met you and been a small part of your quests.
Like the knights of old you fitted your armour and prepared your steeds.
You have held your sword as oars and I leave you with this message.
Row forth onto the desert ocean, place your fears of the unknown out on the end of your oars just as the ninja knights did on the end of their swords.
Know that it takes a real warrior to stand alone with his fear and by admitting his weaknesses, he turns them into his strengths.
Know your truths warriors, for it is only then that you will be safe from the sweet voices of the maidens of the deep, calling to you with their false promises, calling you to the rocks.
Only in your truth will you be able to keep them at bay and only then will you know the sweet taste of victory on your quest.
Remember that, hundreds of years ago sailors with less left these exact shores and the safety of their families to venture onto this very ocean.
They too felt what you feel now.
They returned heroes as you will be and are in my eyes.
Be vulnerable, be strong my friends, you warriors of the oceans!
Moose the camera man and his sound ‘fluffer’ holder wife, Jules, are working flat out. We have started to feel like movie stars … “please say that again” and “go back and walk this way”. We’ve been the cause of many a detour and extended conversation. Moose is great to have around and is excellent at what he does. Don’t we all know, those of us who have watched ‘90 Minutes to Antigua’?
Pete’s spirit is high and he is focused. We are looking good. The only problem now is the mystery over the whereabouts of Jim the watermaker guy Pete flew out from the UK. He has disappeared … rumor has it he is in hospital in Tenerife and has had an operation but nobody has heard from him in days. His family are concerned, as we are, for his well-being. We also need his expertise to sort out the watermaker. Without it, no row for Pete. The Woodvale organizers say that they will help which is great. The delayed flares may result in the race starting on Tuesday. We hope not but we will know for sure soon.
We have a dinner tonight for the solo rowers and I wrote a short poem in their honour, based on what Pete has been experiencing and what I think these guys will face. Here it is:
Dear men, warriors of the ocean.
I stand before you honored, honored to have met you and been a small part of your quests.
Like the knights of old you fitted your armour and prepared your steeds.
You have held your sword as oars and I leave you with this message.
Row forth onto the desert ocean, place your fears of the unknown out on the end of your oars just as the ninja knights did on the end of their swords.
Know that it takes a real warrior to stand alone with his fear and by admitting his weaknesses, he turns them into his strengths.
Know your truths warriors, for it is only then that you will be safe from the sweet voices of the maidens of the deep, calling to you with their false promises, calling you to the rocks.
Only in your truth will you be able to keep them at bay and only then will you know the sweet taste of victory on your quest.
Remember that, hundreds of years ago sailors with less left these exact shores and the safety of their families to venture onto this very ocean.
They too felt what you feel now.
They returned heroes as you will be and are in my eyes.
Be vulnerable, be strong my friends, you warriors of the oceans!
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