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BT - Official satellite telecom supplier to Clipper Ventures
General Notes of Interest
The two yachts are safely tucked up in Reykjavik after their good passage from the southern tip of Greenland. We can imagine their priorities at this stage. A good bath and soak, probably in the warm pools heated by the hot springs (known as a bath and dhoby run ashore). The skippers will be trying to keep the crew's attention on such things as having a thorough clean up and huck out while the crews' priorities will be slightly different and include things like a 'post card run ashore' (probably lasting well into the night).
We have heard from Sir Robin as his mobile telephone is now working but we have not had our normal daily report from the crew of Antiope. This makes me think that they are still out looking for postcards!
Please take a moment to look at the photo gallery on the home page. In addition to Mark Hampton's ones we have now got some of Jon Nash's up also. Jon was a crewmember on leg one and his work will be appearing in several magazine including Sailing today.
If you think it is a bit of a 'No News Day' you are absolutely right. I will therefore take this opportunity of mentioning a couple of associated subjects.
Looking Back
20 years or more ago Iceland was constantly in the headlines because of the so called cod Wars. The Royal Navy became involved in the familiar role of protecting the UK fishing fleet. Iceland, whose economy depended largely on the fish stocks off her coast, steadily increased the area of exclusive fishing rights. Her gunboats, acting in the countries best interests but contrary to International Law, harassed British trawlers by arresting them or cutting their nets. The actions at sea were dangerous and it was a sad period for both countries especially as there are long historical close connections between them. Anyway this emotive period is thankfully history but was an illustration about the serious problems relating to fish stocks, economies, politics and many other areas were going to take on a much higher profile in the future.
Walker RN
Today is the anniversary of the death of one of the Royal Navy's greatest heroes who had a great interest in this area. Captain Walker CB DSO and three Bars died on 9th July 1944. Known simply as Walker RN, his death was formally attributed to his naval service. He was quite the most successful destroyer Captain and became a legend leading his forces against the U boats. The recognition he cherished most was the award of two years seniority to make amends his delayed promotion to Commander for 'lacking powers of leadership'
Sir Max Horton, C-in-C Western Approaches said 'May there never be wanting in this realm a succession of men of like spirit in discipline, imagination and valour, humble and unafraid. Not dust, or the light weight of a stone, but all the waters of the Western Approaches shall be his tomb.'
Colin deM
BT - Official satellite telecom supplier to Clipper Ventures
The log entries are produced from messages sent by both Clipper yachts via their InmarsatC using BT satellite services. They are compiled either by Colin de Mowbray or David Cullen and the intention is to have them published by 1000BST daily
If you know of people without access to the Web who would like to follow the Clipper please note that both voice-back and fax-back is available on 01234 711550
Comments, feedback and other articles are welcome and should be addressed to either: cdemowbray@clipper-ventures.com or dcullen@clipper-ventures.com
Should you wish to communicate with either of the Clippers please refer to the article 'Satcoms made easy' (Yes, it's a lie) is a news items dated 11 June 98 on the Clipper Ventures' Home page
BT - Official satellite telecom supplier to Clipper Ventures
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