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Hull & Humber Diary Entry 30 July

01 August 2007

Having spent time in Hull marina and being a huge part of the festivities it was once again time to get back to work and start sailing again on the much anticipated part CII training. Whilst in Hull the welcome couldn’t have been better, on the evening we arrived along with the great speeches and music the drinks were flowing, the BBQ was in full swing and everyone was so glad to be on safe ground after battling with rough seas some 48hrs before. Looking over my shoulder briefly it was great to see even the likes of Sir Robin busting some first class dance moves on the dancefloor, I thought I saw him jump high and land on the floor doing the splits John Travolta stylee, but I’m not 100% certain, possibly it was my drunk state or the fact that I may have being hallucinating due to sleep deprivation!

The press attention was overwhelming, it was great to be in the spotlight and even greater to be in the spotlight in my home city of Hull for such a fantastic event as the Wilberforce Celebrations, marking the 200th Anniversary of the abolishment of slavery. The press attention didn’t die nor did the orders to make sure that Hull & Humber was made ready for its departure, which as I will explain from the crews perspective was a truly fantastic and proud day for all.

With the boat fully stocked and crew all aboard it was soon to be the proudest moment for many of us. It was 17:00 hrs and we were about to leave Hull Marina after we had been beautifully displayed to the interest of the public for a couple of days. Lines and fenders at the ready and the man himself Danny at the helm we smoothly left the pontoon just as we entered. Motoring gently we approached the lock and it was there we realised how much support there was for us. With the cue from Danny it was three cheers for Hull & Humber, it was loud and the crowd LOVED IT!!

At last freedom once more, we were out of the confines of the marina and the boat was bobbing up and down again as it does so gracefully. The plan was to head for the Humber Bridge, hoist the spinnaker and with the careful guidance from our own personal Humber Pilot on board not get stuck on the ever changing Humber bottom. I can’t find the words to describe the buzz there was on board amongst the crew, it was almost supernatural, leaving an electric vibe rushing through all of us.  We all felt it, we felt Hull, and that feeling I’m sure will never die, not before the race not after, the boat could be re-branded 1000 times but it will always be Hull & Humber now. I think if the boat could speak it would say it was it’s proudest day too, soon to be prouder.

“Ready the pole!!” Danny commanded.  Pole ready and sheets and guys ready to trim it was time for the spinnaker hoist to really show off this boat to the public and to the world! No one had seen the spinnaker for Hull & Humber yet, not even the skipper, its crisp and bright white material all baggy in the sail bag was soon to be a smooth, curvaceous sail and we where delighted to see it go up with ease and fly with amazing shape. I think for people on the shore who hadn’t seen a spinnaker hoist before it would have been one of those fascinating moments you just don’t forget.

It can be quite difficult to read backwards but it was obvious to see what the spinnaker said, ‘Yorkshire Forward , Alive with Opportunities!’ and the ten ONE HULL Tag team, myself included were testimony to that statement being true to its word.  With the Yorkshire Forward Chairman Terry Hodgekinson onboard absolutely loving being a part of the crew it was a time to say thanks and he was full of praise to all of us too. You could tell he was alive with excitement for what he had planned for Hull’s progression into the future making it a better City to both visitors and locals.

At this point we where sailing nicely, with the crew all lined up smartly on the portside of the bow.  We needed no encouragement to wave frantically to the onlookers lining the coastline from St Andrews Quay all the way to Victoria Dock and later Paul.  With young Sonny on the end of the pole ready to spike we looked like real leaders of a great fleet as helicopters circled high above, whilst alongside to our stern port quarter the Fire Tug named the Englishman thrust gallons of sea water into the air with its super powerful jets.

Heading back towards the marina entrance after about 3 miles skipper decided it was time to drop the spinnaker, and the pressure for a good drop was on as thousands of eyes where fixed on our every move!  Its a relief to write that we dropped the spinnaker excellently right back down below deck into the saloon ready to be packed up.  Waving for the last time to our friends and family, spread across the marina gates along with the public, the yachts went back into an arrow formation. On Hull & Humber the petition was safely in the bowman’s grip pointing high towards the bow symbolic of the round the world journey we were going on with this important document spreading the word about slavery and how even today it is a massive problem.

Shortly after passing the Deep and having more photos taken of the boat and crew it was time for our special guest for the day Terry Hodgekinson to leave and in a James Bond fashion no less!  The Clipper staff came along side the yacht in the Media RIB, Terry’s adrenaline pumping at this point I imagine, he was transferred across.  I know he had a great time, much better than a day in the office or holding important meetings I’m sure.

Looking back at the fleet was great.  The Sun was just about to set and there was a silhouette of the boats and spray from the Fire Tug.  New York’s position wasn’t exactly ideal at this point!  They unfortunately fell directly downwind of the spray, the Humber River water falling onto deck and crew like a monsoon! To us and the rest of the fleet it was hilarious to see New York getting a good clean!

Once we had passed all the people we could see waving crew headed below deck into the saloon for an important team briefing.  The briefing really focused our minds as Danny reiterated how important this boat is, its image globally and the message we carry.  He pointed out how we need to remember our key objectives and keep our vision in order to do the best we can in the race when it starts.  Its all about working well and achieving our sailing potential whilst running a safe, fast and fun Hull & Humber.

Even though we were all still on cloud nine we made sure we listened to what Danny had to say about standing orders, they are so important and it was great to see the whole crew go through them together to make sure they where all properly understood.  It was a bonus to have a great mother on duty cooking a fabulous chicken curry and it was the perfect way to round off the evening before the watch cycle started.  Hull & Humber really has a good feel about it. I think that the added media attention and meaning behind the boat gives the crew that extra something to get up for in the morning. I think if used properly this feeling can be used as a real tool to succeed in the race and achieve the podiums we all crave.


Paul Langham

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