Elisa's Journey - Everyday Highlights at Sea

Our course and sail plan has carried on in a similar fashion over the past 24 hours. With the winds only getting lighter, even more focus is required to keep our best speeds. As we push ahead, it’s the little details of life on board that distinguish one day from the next.

For example, last Saturday night, someone pointed out that we should be celebrating. Isn’t that the normal thing to do while on land? As a result, we are in the process of choosing a theme night for next Saturday – I’m interested to see what “party clothes” people have secretly hidden in their dry bags!

Speaking of days of the week, it really does get difficult to figure out what day we’re on. During a beautiful sunrise, someone mentioned that waking up to an open sea, rather than busy traffic on the way to work, is the best way to start a Monday. Nobody seems to get the “Mondays” on board Cape Breton Island.

The most basic activities, on automatic pilot when on land, take on a new meaning at sea. My first hair wash in a week, using a few buckets of salt water, felt like a luxury. It was much more enjoyable than the usual 6:30am shower each day.

The right-hand side of the stern has become known as the “Starboard Spa” – site of the foot wash and moisturizing activities, with an occasional hair wash or nail clipping. All done with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop.

Elisa's Journey - Approaching Canary Islands

We’ve reached an important tactical point in the race as we approach the Canary Islands. Just over 100 miles away, the crew has been working hard all afternoon to keep our speeds up. Winds have been getting lighter, so steadiness at the helm and patience are key.

A low pressure system coming in across the Atlantic will show changes in wind direction over the next 24 hours, so our approach to the Canaries must be carefully planned. Certain areas are likely to have very light winds, so we must choose the best course to keep our boat speed up. So far so good.

When making our plans, we consult our weather report which is updated every two days. It has predictive forecasting, but local wind effects within the Canary Island region will vary. Skippers from previous races have handed down advice, so we have a benefit of learning from their past experiences. One tip in particular has served us very well, but it must be kept under wraps at this time! Progress of the other Clippers also provides clues to help us with planning. The rest is up to us.

Sometimes we will see another competitor that has only covered half our distance, in the same time – we consider what might have slowed them down. Did the weather change in their location, or are they having sail troubles? If a boat is much faster than us, we look at our options – is there any way we can improve?

Our crew looks forward to each report on the boat positions to see if we’ve moved ahead, and what path the others are taking. Right now our distance to Rio isn’t as important as our position in relation to the approaching weather system. It’s all very exciting!

Elisa's Journey - Cape Breton Clipper Smudging Ceremony

Chief Terrence Paul and the Sons of Membertou were a welcome sight on our Cape Breton Clipper yesterday. They held a “smudging” ceremony for both the boat and crew to prepare us for the journey ahead. With the smell of sage in the air, our crew listened to Chief Paul as he described the significance of the event. He said it is most important to believe.

Each crew member was called individually to receive a blessing. I climbed down the companionway when my turn arrived. An eagle feather was used to guide the smoke towards me. With my hands, I brought the smoke over my face and head. Darryl, who conducted the ceremony, spoke of having a clear mind and good memories. The smudging is a cleansing process to clear us of any negative thoughts. Next the smoke is brought towards the heart. Darryl spoke of strength during the journey.

As I came on deck to join the other crew, the atmosphere was calm and contemplative. Each crew in turn received the blessing. After each person had their turn, Darryl brought the sage feather and smoke to our sails, which were on the pontoon, waiting to be brought aboard for the trip. The eagle feather sent the smoke from one end of the sails to the other – wishes were made for good winds and a fast passage.

The drummers started, and Raven danced beside them in beautiful traditional dress. I felt so privileged to have our fellow Cape Bretoners from Membertou supporting our race. The smudging ceremony held a special significance for me that is difficult to put into words – partly a pride in our people and home. The sense that we have so much support behind us is part of the feeling.

This smudging ceremony is something I will remember when extra strength is needed.
Tomorrow we set off for a passage to Rio de Janeiro, which will take at least three weeks.

The next blog will be written somewhere on the Atlantic Ocean!

Arriving at First Port of Call

The race reaches the first port of call - La Rochelle, France - with Cape Breton Island in 5th place. To read more, click here.

Elisa's Journey - Off to a good start!

Cape Breton Island Clipper is officially racing around the world! We’ve covered almost 700 miles since the race start, with several miles to go before completing the first of 14 races.

Race start was more than I expected. I couldn’t believe how many thousands of people came to see us off! People yelled good luck wishes as we went on stage, again with our Clipper song by Bobby Currie playing. Some crew were tempted to break into a step dance, after our lesson from Mabou’s Beaton sisters, but decided to wait until we were better practiced!

Many crew faced goodbyes to family members, making it an emotion charged day. Luckily, I said mine over a month ago. I felt ready to go racing.

As we made our way up the Humber River, I had the honour of taking the helm for the first few miles! We saw a few bright blue Cape Breton jackets on the shore as we raced in close competition with the other Clippers. We raced on and the boats spread out on their chosen courses. Our team broke into two watches.

I was relieved to be underway - building miles each hour, eventually enough to take us around the world. A huge journey, but my current approach is to take each moment at a time. Each manoeuvre on the boat requires full attention, and often full effort. Getting into several layers of gear, lifejacket, and harness takes about ten minutes. We stay up on deck for 4 hours at a time to keep the boat on course and moving as fast as possible.

The first couple days went very smoothly – the fantastic weather was part of it. After being on a normal sleep schedule, it is tiring to get up for watch at 2am, but it is part of our job. Even when tired, it’s important to put in a good effort – every mile counts in such a closely matched race.

The fleet spread apart quite a bit over the 700 miles, with only 1 boat in sight, behind us thankfully! Our placing is yet to be announced, but I am pleased with our first passage. Our crew were great, and worked together well. A good starting point to build on and improve as a team!

My personal highlight of the first race was overtaking one of our competitors at a very quick pace just after our start. The race provided lots of chances to work on my helming and sail trim- two of my favourite jobs. As for low points, I can’t think of anything major – I had a great time! Perhaps getting the foot of my sleeping bag wet, but that’s not too much to worry about!

We’ll anchor this evening, and go into LaRochelle lock late tonight. I hear there’s a bakery open at 3am selling pain au chocolat!

The Clipper Round the World Race 09-10 is underway!

The 09-10 Clipper Round the World Race is underway and Cape Breton Island is currently in 4th place! To read more, click here.

Stepdancing Lessons for the Cape Breton Crew

The Cape Breton Clipper Crew gets lessons in stepdancing from Cape Breton's own Dawn and Margie Beaton! Read about it and see the photo by clicking here.

A Clip with Skipper Jan Ridd

Elisa's Journey - Final Stretch to the Clipper Race Start!

Several hundred people lined the waterfront of Gosport as the Clipper fleet departed the Royal Clarence Marina.  After months of preparing crew and boats, it was finally time to sail up to the race start in Hull.

Our delivery crew of eleven on Cape Breton Island got ready to slip lines. As the Mayor of Gosport passed up the last one, Bobby Currie’s “Clipper Song” played over the speakers. With crew and spectators clapping their hands, I was proud to hear the familiar tune broadcast to so many people. It is becoming well known among the crew – Jan often plays it to drum up some team spirit!

After many trips in and out of Gosport, it was a strange feeing to set out for the actual race. The year of prep time is almost completed, and the journey about to begin. I wonder which part will prove more challenging some days. I’ve settled out of my “land life” routine and my focus has shifted to sailing. Partly I am impatient to go racing, but have been enjoying the festivities leading up to the big day.

Mentally, I feel I am as prepared as I can possibly be going into the experience. You have to be ready to handle any situation, so I did not set specific expectations. I will take each day and situation as it comes, trusting my abilities and experience will carry me through. Physically, I hope my stamina and strength will improve as the race carries on. The first week returning to the boat was challenging, but already I have more energy and strength.

The past week has been a good test. The first part of the delivery took place in favourable wind, at some times no wind! It was a nice break from the busy activities leading up to departure. We stayed in Brighton until a storm blew past, and set out for a two-day trip to the Humber River.

What started as a fantastic downwind sail developed into a Force 10 gale! The wind changed direction, so eventually we had to sail right into the wind and waves.  Most crew were seeing these conditions for the first time. The short, choppy seas made for a rough, cold passage for over 16 hours. I’ve sailed in several storms, but found this one especially rough.

On the ocean, waves are further apart, making it easier to steer the boat on a comfortable angle. This was not possible on the English Channel. The waves were spaced closer together, and the direction varied depending on the tide. It made for a rough ride! All crew were wet and cold, but impressively kept good morale. 

It proved a challenge to keep food in my stomach while off duty below decks. Beating into waves doesn’t have the best effect on digestion. As a person who does not normally get seasick, I have to say this passage got the better of me for a few hours. It was disheartening, but thankfully the recovery period was quick.

On an exciting note, my fastest speed while helming was 15.9 knots!

The Clipper Race committee were ready to help tie up when we arrived in Grimsby at 4:30am. The Humber region welcomed us with a dinner and reception that evening for crew and supporters. My favourite part of our stay here was a delicious dessert and tea made by the ladies at the Cruising Association – best home cooking since Mom’s when I left home in July!

A multi-faith service with a seafaring theme provided some inspiration to keep determination during the challenges ahead. It was an appropriate lead-in to our journey, and nice to hear support and well wishes for safe passages.

This evening is our final stretch to Hull, home of the Clipper Race start and finish. Only a few days to go!