Gust Book 2

Gust Book 2

Name: Gunter Maskort
E-mail: gmtrans @ yahoo.com
Location: Upnor, Rochester, Kent, UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 25-Oct-2005 20:52

I have been reading the Log for some weeks now and had been thinking that I ought to write something for the gust-book. But then I have also been contemplating, for some time now, to start a procrastination society – but not yet!
Alex & Peter, you are some guys! I am yellow with envy (good old german expression) reading your log and only wish I could be there with you – or perhaps not, as the growling arthritis has got me, which is the reason I gave up sailing altogether.
We may have (and I hope we did) met somewhere on the ocean or in one of the watering holes at the edge during the 70’s/80’s when I was in the Med/ Indian Ocean and then did the NA, first on the ’86 ARC with Decoy (ex White Quailo) and later independently on Maid of Hoy (C&C35, ex Surf Scoter of Wight).
I have come across a few old acquaintances here in the gust-book and have made contact after, in some cases, quite a long time. For this alone I am grateful to you and your web site. One example is Trudi Smith, 8P6QM, who during the earlier days, together with Sheila on Grand Turk, was a guardian angel to all North Atlantic sailors (sorry Trudi, but I had to mention this for the benefit of the VERY few people out there who may not know you) on Ham Radio, giving the NA weather on a daily basis and generally kept track of all the yachts which had checked in to the net, so ensuring a certain safety for all of us out there. Also, thanks to hubby, who is a med. doctor, always had good advice for any non life threatening condition on board where a consultation with the yacht’s doc was not sufficient.
Unfortunately the NA net seems to have been dying a slow death, due to the advent of sat comms etc.
As you are fond of Omar Khayyam, here verses 29 & 30 of the Fitzgerald transliteration which I thought might be fitting to the roaring 40’s and the wx you are currently experiencing!:

Into this Universe, and why not knowing
Nor whence, like Water willy-nilly flowing!
And out of it, as Wind along the Waste,
I know not whither, willy-nilly blowing.

What, without asking, hither hurried whence?
And, without asking, whither hurried hence?
Another and another Cup to drown
The Memory of this Impertinence!

My best wishes to you and Berrimilla. Stay safe and get there in time. (always two hands of water under the keel and all that…..)
If you do have a party in the UK, I would love to shake hands and ‘buy you a beer’.
Gunter (C6ADH, G0DKO)

Name: Stephen Ind
E-mail: s.ind @ btinternet.com
Location: Moorgate, London
Interest: Sailor
Date: 25-Oct-2005 12:07

A coastal sailor - 60 miles is a big leg, for me - I'm in awe and near to tears when I read this log. Gripping, in the extreme! I keep shifting from my financial systems to check in for the next update. Thank you thank you to the support team, for sharing all this. Bon courage (and a kindly Muse) to the sailors.

Name: Jennifer Rezek
E-mail: jrezek @ ozemail.com.au
Location: Sydney
Interest: Sailor
Date: 24-Oct-2005 02:35

Hi Pete & Alex,

the log entries 23/10 brought back so many memories of the 98 Sydney-Hobart for me. And I fully agree that during daylight hours it is such a vividly alive and enveloping spectacle that it somehow doesn't frighten ... but yes, its much, MUCH scarier at night.

Fingers, toes & everything else crossed for you both.

Name: WOC
E-mail: WGIRDLES @ BIGPOND.COM.AU
Location: SYDNEY
Interest: Friend
Date: 24-Oct-2005 02:17

Hi Pete, The image of you "wedged in the bog ",puts a whole new twist on the vernacular "i was sh.....myself".I was reading latest logs with Cam last night and we both hope you are locked down safe, and send all the sailing luck as you dodge the warehouses and footbal fields of foam.Come on aussie come on !.woc and cam.
PS Should I take your invite to Ransa Trafalgar night...given our Nelson LInk ?

Name: Les & Karen
E-mail: @
Location: Sydney
Interest: Sailor
Date: 23-Oct-2005 06:14

Alex & Pete,
Just a quick note to let you know we are still following your adventure. I have to confess to becoming a Berri-holic even from the jungles of PNG while I am at work. Its looking like I will be in Syd when you guys get in (as long as you get a move on!!!!!) Will definitely be there to see you in if I'm home.
Hope the weather abates a little for you soon, and stay safe.
Would have been great to catch up for a beer in Cowes, to follow up on the lunch at Hobart but it wasn't to be.
I am rostered on over Xmas, so wont be able to do Hobart this year, but have already started plans for 06!!
P.S You will be pleased (?) to know Mr Kearns is thinking of buying a new boat soon. Keep you posted on any news.............

Les & Karen
(Ex Komatsu crew)

Name: Paul Doyle
E-mail: doyle.paul @ abc.net.au
Location: ABC TV Tech Services
Interest: Friend
Date: 21-Oct-2005 05:51

Peter,
Trying to help solve the generator problem. Have you had any help from manufactures. I had a look on the web site and it looks just like a Auto Alternator in a robust casing. I suspect some salt water has got in past the seal and has started to corrode the metal bearings. Does it make a rumbling noise when its under load? If so its the ballbearings. It could have just run out of lube in the hot weather. You can now use all those skills you lernt when you were a TiT at the ABC 35 years ago. Can you open the casing and clean the main bearing assembly out and relubricate it with a good bearing grease. If no bearing grease some vassiline will do. You can clean out the ball bearings with a couple of sqirts of WD40, clean out all the muck and dry it. Push plenty of grease back into the bearing assy and seal up the casing watertight.
If you leave it too long the bearing will collapse and all is lost.
Must go ringing at St.Phillips tonight and Jean might be there trying to break a bell. See you, Paul Doyle.

Name: Tim Baker
E-mail: tangles2 @ bigpond.net.au
Location: Sydney
Interest: Sailor
Date: 21-Oct-2005 05:05

Hi Pete & Alex, Still following your exploits, been with you since before Dunedin. and still much enjoying my daily fix. Now here is a thought for your next expedition. The other day my wife who is into Aromatherapy brought home a gadget that works off a USB Port. So I thought that perhaps in those really stressful moments you could go below swich on the laptop & the aromatherapy gizmo (hoping conection to USB dosn't crash the laptop) & start to relax with the soothing vapours & with a Dr.Coopers in the hand!!! Good sailing.

Name: Bill Watkins
E-mail: bill.watkins @ qbe.com
Location: RANSA Sydney
Interest: Sailor
Date: 20-Oct-2005 00:13

We are having a Trafalgar Day bash at RANSA this Friday night. I will raise a Consultation in your general direction and am sure there will be many at RANSA who will join me. Here is a story about the Doctor and Aussie sensitivity to cheer you on your way.

Three Aussies were working on a high-rise building project - Steve, Bruce and Bluey. Steve falls off and is killed instantly. As the ambulance takes the body away, Bruce says, "Someone should go and tell his wife." Bluey says, "OK, I'm pretty good at that sensitive stuff, I'll do it." Two hours later, he comes back carrying a case of Coopers. Bruce says, "Where did you get that, Bluey?" Steve's wife gave it to me," Bluey replies. "That's nbelievable, you told the lady her husband was dead and she gave you the beer?" "Well not exactly," Bluey says. "When she answered the door, I said to her,'You must be Steve's widow'. She said, 'No, I'm not a widow.' And I said, 'I'll bet you a case of Coopers you are'."

Name: Maureen and Ralph
E-mail: fishwell @ dodo.com.au
Location: St Helens Tasmania
Interest: Accidental Visitor
Date: 19-Oct-2005 23:53

We read about you two 'old farts' in the Weekend Australian (15/16 Oct 05) and are mightily impressed. See you in Hobart!

Name: Jo Johnston
E-mail: jojohnston162 @ yahoo.com
Location: Kojonup, W.A.
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 18-Oct-2005 19:56

As a land locked occasional sailor I am watching with interest your progress.I'm also a teacher and I bring up your site for the class, I'm trying to inspire them with stories of adventure and daring-do!The weather sounds awful toay, hope all goes well-bt the sounds of your sox they could develop into a rare type of homing sox and lead you across the Indian.Best wishes, Jo.

Name: Mark Atkinson
E-mail: marka @ atkinsons.com.au
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Interest: Friend
Date: 18-Oct-2005 06:30

Hi there to the shore crew of Berri

As per my email, if you need a hand with organising generator repairs/supplies anywhere in WA, just let me know.

Cheers

Mark

Name: Martin Smyth
E-mail: tinsmyth @ caribsurf.com
Location: Barbados
Interest: Sailor
Date: 17-Oct-2005 23:36

Thank you Berris for taking all of us moored ashore sailors on such a splendid voyage of adventure with those wonderful accounts of your daily lives and thoughts out there in the high and inhospitable southern latitudes.
I was especially moved by your log entry of 30th September re sailing in the wooly black night. Pure genius, just like the DD. We were all there with you that night for sure - the cockpit must have been rather crowded!
Although the reference to tipping lids was edited out of the YM article, I think that all of us 'gusts' should tip our lids (Tilleys, woolys, Mount Gay caps, whatever is your fancy) in salutation to two amazing sailors who have probably done more in the past year to spreading the good word about ocean sailing than anybody else ever has.
Fair winds, sunny skies (unlikely, but one can be optimistic) and safe passage back home to that well deserved celebration in Sydney - prior to going out and giving all the opposition hell in the next S2H! A Donf!

Name: ric
E-mail: rics_kingswood @ hotmail.com
Location: wesrtern aust
Interest: Accidental Visitor
Date: 17-Oct-2005 22:06

hi was told of this website by a fellow teacher so deciced to look in.As an amature sailor in my younger days i found this very interresting and a challenge.I particularly like it that its people of my own era doing this and not veging out in some suburban backyard thinking "if only i could...."

Name: Ann Graham
E-mail: balicia.beacon @ gmail.com
Location: US
Interest: Friend
Date: 17-Oct-2005 19:39

Hi Alex and Pete. Just back from a visit with Isabella, Graham, Rob and Mairi and the indominable Jillis. We saluted you many times over our early evening libation! Since coming back from the UK, I've been to San Antonio Texas and between the two trips, have been inspired for a new quilt series. I think about fabrics a lot and wondered what the contribution of different sail materials (hides, wool, cotton, nylon)directly contributed to man's success in navigating the earth. You're almost home, so don't despair! Fingers and toes crossed for your safe return to Oz. Ann

Name: Roger Holdsworth
E-mail: Roger.Holdsworth2 @ btopenworld.com
Location: Crowthorne Berskhire UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 17-Oct-2005 10:44

Continuously amazed (and encouraged) by what people can do. Sailing the family round the Solent in a 27 foot cruising boat seems a little unadventurous, but tuning into what you guys are doing from the desk top in sunny Slough on a Monday afternoon makes life a whole lot more bearable! God Bless.

Name: Mark McGee
E-mail: mark.mcgee @ csfb.com
Location: London, England, UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 17-Oct-2005 10:26

I'm reading your adventures with great interest guys. I hope the weather eases for you soon, and I also hope your comms improve too! A chap I work with here says you should've taken a Mac with you - no blue screen of death!

I just bought my first boat - GP14 dinghy, and I'm nervous to take her out in autumn - after reading your exploits, I think I should just get out there!

Cheers,
Mark

Name: Rhodri Williams
E-mail: @
Location: Sussex, UK
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 17-Oct-2005 10:15

Have just discovered your log and am gripped. It has brought back many scenes from Patrick O'Brian - I know its the wrong kind of ship! - and his descriptions of the southern oceans. What a great adventure. Very best of luck for a smooth and swift passage. Not too swift, though - don't want the log to stop! Hope the book will have plenty of photos..

Name: Marcia
E-mail: emme @ tpg.com.au
Location: Tweed Heads.NSW
Interest: Accidental Visitor
Date: 17-Oct-2005 07:23

fascinating story in the weekend australia - what an adventure - i hope a book comes from all this - best wishes to you both .. Marcia

Name: Charles and Louise Blampied
E-mail: chasandlulu @ jerseymail.co.uk
Location: Jersey, Channel Islands
Interest: Sailor
Date: 17-Oct-2005 04:39

Louise's brother, Rowley Beckett, living in Sydney, has exactly the same boat (Django) so brought our attention to Alex and Pete's epic journey. We sail an X-40 mainly around Jersey and the adjacent coast of France but also across the English Channel.

Name: Chris
E-mail: @
Location: Auckland
Interest:
Date: 16-Oct-2005 17:20

Oops you have. Found it thanks.

Name: Chris
E-mail: xpc @ xtra.co.nz
Location: Auckland
Interest: Sailor
Date: 16-Oct-2005 17:07

Have read all your logs over the last few days. In a sense you are right that the meaning is what the reader takes, however it isn't just a pointless rabbiting on, but an unpretentious insight, blue painted butts n all into two senior gitts, doing a sailing marathon, a watch at a time, and despite the wet cold etc still finding time to contemplate the stars and their own place in the overall scheme of things. Maybe the birds have a symbolic value.
I think for armchair sailors the big fear is of high winds and mountainous seas. Yet you seem to cope with them routinely with a storm jib or more and no mention of sea anchors or drogues. You were going to write of handling storms, which if you get time would be great. Your doctors seem to be serving you well. Cheers.

Name: Jill & James
E-mail: jj_sbc @ hotmail.com
Location: Bovey Tracey, Devon, England
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 15-Oct-2005 18:25

Safe return to Australia. Madly envious. Plan to escape soon. Imprisoned 50 year olds who are just seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!! Only an 84 year old blocking our way!! (she refuses to come with us - any suggestions?!).

Name: Richard Russell
E-mail: rruss72599 @ aol.com
Location: Kenley Surrey
Interest: Sailor
Date: 15-Oct-2005 15:58

Another 63 yo admirer of what you have achieved and are still achieving. Like many recent Gusts only discovered your amazing voyage in a recent Times. SAGA holidays look a bit tame now! May you only enjoy benign gusts on your way to Sydney. RR

Name: Sid Slater
E-mail: sidslater @ tinyworld.co.uk
Location: Wigan,England
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 15-Oct-2005 11:12

Another Times reader and ex-sailor.I think that the both of you are great and wish you the very,very best in your adventure.
Regards,Sid Slater.

Name: Leigh
E-mail: leighmob @ bigpond.net.au
Location: Hobart
Interest: Sailor
Date: 15-Oct-2005 09:10

I read about your activities in the Weekend Australian 15 October 2005.
Fantastic effort.
I was unlucky not to be offered a berth aboard Berrimilla during Sailing South 2003 when you were apparently short-handed, as you 'thought' I would be overqualified to sail aboard. I have been aware of your efforts since.
Congratulations on your project,
Best Wishes for fair breezes, I look forward to greeting you here in Hobart in late December (?) 2006 !
Leigh Edwards

Name: Alan Leutenegger
E-mail: alanleut @ bigpond.net.au
Location: Brisbane Australia
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 15-Oct-2005 06:52

Good Luck Keep it going

Name: Chuck Moore
E-mail: chuckmoore55 @ hotmail.com
Location: Olympia, Wa., U.S.A.
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 14-Oct-2005 20:55

Sounds like a very interesting trip. I wish I was along for (part of) the trip ! On the other hand, I do like being dry most of the time... Good Luck !

Name: Hugh
E-mail: hughrwhitaker @ hotmail.com
Location: Southsea, UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 14-Oct-2005 11:06

Yachting Monthly then the Times and now I am hooked on your website. I've rolled across a few Oceans in "grey-tin cans" over the years and now happily escaped to play with a 37' Sweden. I can really appreciate what you guys are doing and think it is fantastic. Fair winds and stay safe

Name: Adrian Booth
E-mail: adrian @ booth-house.freeserve.co.uk
Location: S Wales UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 14-Oct-2005 09:35

Just been told about your website, really interesting, I'm off to S America /Caribean from the UK in Jan 06, 2 on board I'm 57 and the other guy is 75, I will be studying your experiences closely and hopefully be picking up plenty of tips, good luck to you both.

Name: simon kneller
E-mail: simon.kneller @ easyjet.com
Location: land locked in Luton (UK)
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 14-Oct-2005 09:29

Fantastic sailing guys! Makes my round the cans sailing seem a little tame...still gives us all something to aim at. Tell us a bit about your boat can we get one...what else would be up to it how about a folkboat???

Name: Steve Brown
E-mail: sbrown9 @ ford.com
Location: Essex England
Interest: Sailor
Date: 14-Oct-2005 09:20

You wanted to know why your stuff gets read? Cos we can't be there and do it also. This blasted job,motgage, garden, house decorating, et al, gets in the way of my dreams and wants. I NEED to sail. Go boys go!!

Anyone out there in a similar situation??

Name: Jack Seitner
E-mail: jseitner @ comcast.net
Location: Doylestown, PA
Interest: Accidental Visitor
Date: 13-Oct-2005 20:19

Thanks for helping Juri, S52YS/MM on Lunatic. I gave him your radio frequencies and he will contact you. Juri is 800 nm behind you headed for Capetown. Jack, AA3GZ, Italian and Transatlantic Meritime Mobile networks.

Name: Graham Battersby
E-mail: henry.gb @ which.net
Location: Cumbria UK
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 13-Oct-2005 18:18

Read the "Times" article and now firmly hooked on by your log - only suggestion, for the webmaster, is, how about a Glossary? Took me ages to find out what a stokie (?)is. Good luck with the rest of the voyage and the race.

Name: ANDREW EVANS
E-mail: ahevans @ tesco.net
Location: Manchester - GB
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 13-Oct-2005 15:59

Hi, If only I'd known about your achievement before The Times article this week - I would have been on your website every day. A remarkable adventure by two very young mariners. I'll be following your progress every day from now on and hoping you arrive in time for the Sydney - Hobart race. Good luck & God speed.

Name: Charlie Davies
E-mail: charlie @ avensis.f9.co.uk
Location: New Romney kent uk
Interest: Sailor
Date: 13-Oct-2005 15:43

Great site just found it via the "Times", will follow the rest of the trip, all the best from all the crew at Littlestone Lifeboat station kent uk

Name: John Baily
E-mail: johnbailyeu @ eircom.net
Location: Dublin,Ireland.
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 13-Oct-2005 10:46

Dear Alex and Pete,
Just discovered you in The Times article - spent ALL the last two days reading every LOG entry.Having sailed round the Horn [from East to West - the hard way !]in 1991 on 93 foot sloop Mari-Cha 11, -18 days from Ushuaia to Puerto Montt,I am covered in admiration for your unbelievable spirit.
Love to hear from so as I can boast about it .
See you at breakfast every day.
P.S To cheer you up -- we make three million shots of your Medicine here in Dublin EVERY day!!.
John.

Name: Carol
E-mail: caroknotts @ yahoo.co.uk
Location: Birmingham UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 13-Oct-2005 09:24

Your logs are amazing. I am hoping to sail in the 2008/9 Global Challenge, so your tales of the Southern Ocean are of particular interest, even though I will be going round the other way -- not sure that's a good idea when I read what you have to say! Having gone through the exciting part of making the decision and planning ahead, I now have the boring task of raising the funds. Your logs will no doubt keep me going. Good luck and stay upright.

Name: Tom Beck
E-mail: tom.beck @ cgi-ams.com
Location: Washington DC USA
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 13-Oct-2005 09:16

Saw article in Yachting Monthly after visting Annapolis boat show. Great story! I'm relatively new to sailing (4 years) but it gives me hope I have still have time for my own sailing adventures. I'll be following the rest of the way. Best wishes to Pete and Alex. BTW, I'm also hugely impresseed with the marathon run in Falklands

Name: Kirsty
E-mail: duff @ netcomuk.co.uk
Location: UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 13-Oct-2005 09:11

Great site, great mission, makes me want to be out there - I have had plans for a while... soon soon. Meanwhile I'll read your logs and dream...

Name: Mark Hewitt-Park
E-mail: mhp @ elephanthead.com.au
Location: Waverton, Sydney
Interest: Sailor
Date: 13-Oct-2005 09:07

Hello Fellas - I'm reading your site daily. I love following passages around the world and taking an inordinate interest in Southern Ocean forecasts. Good to hear you are on the home straight - shame it's the longest straight on earth! Your comments about Peter and the meths makes me question how good Dr Coopers is and what he puts in it.

Name: Tess
E-mail: therjan @ optusnet.com.au
Location: Sydney
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 13-Oct-2005 07:48

More inspirational with every log update. Incredible adventure and brilliant reporting of it; even the technical details become an interest to a non sailor.
Home soon!

Name: Barry Mercer
E-mail: barry @ bmdesign.freeserve.co.uk
Location: Driffield, East Yorkshire, England
Interest: Sailor
Date: 13-Oct-2005 06:35

Hi Pete and Alex. Just been introduced to your website having watched your performance in the Fastnet. It's great what your are achieving. I did the 89/90 Whitbread as a rank amateur on Creightons Naturally so know what it's all about and would like too sail my Rancher 41 (circa 1969) IOR around like you. What about initiating another global challenge like the Whitbread for amateur yachtsmen. A case of whisky should be the prize. The Volvo as it is now called is such a high profile Grand Prix fixture that it excludes cash strapped amateurs. Perhaps see you in Sydney next year. Good luck and thanks for the entertainment BM.

Name: Jeanne Crozier
E-mail: jeannecrozier @ hotmail.com
Location: Sydney
Interest: Family
Date: 13-Oct-2005 06:05

Hello to everyone following Pete and Alex's voyage. Stay in contact after Berrimilla reaches Australia and let us know of your trips to unusual and interesting places.

Name: Smead
E-mail: wsmead @ bigpond.com
Location: Mezze, Chatswood
Interest: Friend
Date: 13-Oct-2005 03:26

Yours was getting cold so I drank it! Whilst waiting for my second cup I was reading the Tristan Times (a break from your logs - are you sure you're not is a bus shelter somewhere) and I note that you are now a Win. What ever happened to your Hit?

Name: Brendan
E-mail: @
Location: UK
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 13-Oct-2005 03:20

Hi guys. Saw your appeal to let you know who's reading. Just started reading through the site. Well done and good luck!
Brendan

Name: Peter bailey
E-mail: pba2432627 @ aol.com
Location: Halifax, England
Interest: Sailor
Date: 12-Oct-2005 17:57

Keep going

Name: John Royle
E-mail: johnroyle @ minygarth.co.uk
Location: Anglesey UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 12-Oct-2005 15:13

Is it a gust or guest book!
Just read about your continuing exploits in The Times two page spread Oct 11th 2005. Fantastic achievement. Just keep going.

Name: David Gibson
E-mail: fionagibson @ lineone.net
Location: west coast Scotland
Interest: Sailor
Date: 12-Oct-2005 13:28

Enjoying your saga

Name: Nick Owens
E-mail: njp_owens @ yahoo.co.uk
Location: Plymouth UK & Northumberland UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 12-Oct-2005 08:43

Hi Guys!
Like a lot of folks over the last day or two I too first came across your amazing exploit in the Times. Incredible - well done! I hope you've got plenty of good booze and music on board? As it goes in Cosi fan tutti "Soave sia il vento ...... "
Nick
ps The photo of the Fastnet start looks hairy! Looks like you were run down.

Name: Richard Clowes
E-mail: richardclowes @ aol.com
Location: UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 12-Oct-2005 08:19

Hello to you both
I have been reading all about you and would like to send best wishes-Absolutely unbelievable what you are doing but good luck with the enterprise.
Richard

Name: Theo Gerritsen
E-mail: Theo.gerritsen @ gmail.com
Location: Glasgow
Interest: Sailor
Date: 12-Oct-2005 08:06

Dear Pete / Alex,

I read your story in the Sunday Herald in Scotland this last Sunday.
Respect and a thousand fold.
I will be following your guys progress and wish you all the best.
Obviously I can not denie a mild form of "wish I was there doing that" feeling but I am by far (and I mean far) not a sailro experienced to your guys level.
Perhaps, one day, in the meantime I will admire from afar.

Again, all the best of luck and it is definately worth skipping the cornflakes for.

Rgds

Theo Gerritsen

Name: Denis Watkins
E-mail: denis.daphne @ virgin.net
Location: Pembrokeshire, Wales,UK
Interest: Friend
Date: 12-Oct-2005 07:04

I admire anyone who ignores their age (I am 69) and does what they want to do. I particularly enjoy proving that physically you can do what you want to do. My ocean going is confined to rowing a Celtic Longboat. I like your attitude, I love the poems and I a sure as hell love your style - "grace under pressure" Hemingway called it. Good luck. I am going to be following your progress. (I read about you iin The Times on 11.10.05)

Name: John Kennedy
E-mail: s @
Location:
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 12-Oct-2005 03:58

keep pointing in right direction

Name: Foxy Lady
E-mail: dorsetfox @ tiscali.co.uk
Location: Surrey, UK
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 12-Oct-2005 03:52

Greetings from the suburbs! I should be taking kids to school right now but I just read Times article and HAD to check out your website first. I think this is the closest I will come to a RTW adventure with my current domestic responsibilites (not to mention rampant sea-sickness!). Good luck to you and I look forward to checking up on you soon.

Name: Colin Wright
E-mail: colinw @ meyeruk.com
Location: Oxton,Notts
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 11-Oct-2005 18:31

I have just read the article in The Times tonight, it is 1120 p.m. at present. I have read some of your log entries and you seem to be having a whale of a time ( sorry about the pun). I am not quite an old codger but nearly there at 53, i would love to try something like that. My main interests are cricket and fishing and i would love to make a visit to Australia sometime and watch cricket and maybe meet up with you guys.Enjoy your trip and have a drink on all of us who are following you with interest. What fun!!!! All the very best Colin Wright

Name: Peter Johnson
E-mail: peter @ percylonnen.wanadoo.co.uk
Location: Prudhoe, UK
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 11-Oct-2005 18:04

Hi guys, read about you in The Times (UK) today, 11th October. You are an inspiration to us old codgers (I'm 63) to keep going - there is always something in life if you have a mind to do it, whatever your interest. My sailing is done on ferries and liners but I'm full of admiration for you guys. If you ever sail up the Tyne to Newcastle I know some great pubs. All the best. Peter Johnson.

Name: Vincent Kerrigan
E-mail: vkerrigan @ yahoo.co.uk
Location: wallingford. oxon
Interest: Accidental Visitor
Date: 11-Oct-2005 16:11

A toast to you both...in fact two toasts to you.... make that three.... Brilliant. I came home today from the office and yet another all day committee meeting. Feeling the usual mid week yawn, read your article in The Times and for a while there was no domestic fence, office etc. My thanks to you both for that. I imagine there are millions of others tonight uplifted by your trip
For a non sailor you provide a great window on the experience.
The nearest I get to the water is racing sculls and fours at veterans regattas. I thought we old codgers rattled a few cages paddling around in the winter but hats of to you fellas.
Hang in there and the best of luck with the rest of the trip

Vincent

Name: Ian Robson
E-mail: ianrobson @ bigfoot.com
Location: London
Interest: Sailor
Date: 11-Oct-2005 16:00

Great article in the London Times today and inspiring website. Enjoy the rest of the journey home and make sure you're ready for the off to Hobart again on Boxing day (or not?!).

Name: Pikey
E-mail: Dj.mansfield @ tiscali.co.uk
Location: Gloucestershire
Interest: Sailor
Date: 11-Oct-2005 15:51

Great article in the Times about you guys - truly inspirational stuff, if a little bit bonkers.
I do a bit of Dinghy sailing on a pond in Gloucestershire - not quite the Southern Oceans but we did have 12 knots of breeze the other week.....still more than enough for a beginner like me.

I've added you to my favourites - got a bit of catching up to do re logs etc, but look forward to doing so. Hope all goes well for the rest of the trip - be sure to bargain hard for the film rights!

Name: Big G.
E-mail: sheikhaltup @ hotmail.com
Location: North Yorkshire
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 11-Oct-2005 15:29

Hi Fellas. I saw a write up in the times today and couldn't believe what I was reading to be honest. It's a well known fact that the sydney to hobart race is one of the toughest of it's kind in the world, but to complete that race and then to sail back to england to compete in another race then sail back around the world to do the sydney-hobart race again is just something amazing. I have shown the article to a couple of friends and they were quite surprised when they read about your exploits as well.
The only sailing I have ever done is when I was on holiday in Venice, and even that was just a 40 minute ferry crossing.
All I can say is that I take my hat off to you both and wish you all the success for the future.

Name: Joyce and Rick WYATT
E-mail: Joyrickwyatt2 @ aol.com
Location: Mersea Island, Essex, England UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 11-Oct-2005 14:05

We have sailed all our married lives (55 years) and still do so in our dotage, in a 30 foot wooden sloop "Endil" which we have owned for 30 years ! We have read of your achievements with admiration and wish you great success. A fantastic story of adventure. God bless and splice the Mainbrace.!! RNSA East Coast Branch, UK

Name: James Smith
E-mail: james_smith @ wildmail.com
Location: UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 11-Oct-2005 10:16

Hi guys, you are certainly 2 inspirational fellas. I took part in the Cape Town to Sydney leg of the Global Challenge this year so have a vague idea what you are facing. When I did it I had 17 other crew members to rely on. It is brilliant that you have set off in your boat to achieve this - maybe one day soon I will attmept to follow you.

Good luck with the rest of it and keep up the humour (and drinking of course!).

James

Name: Simon
E-mail: simon @ skeletonsearch.com
Location: London, UK
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 11-Oct-2005 04:13

Good article in Times today. If you're finding discipline a problem, here are some suggestions from the Sesostris Journal in 1830 to keep you both in order:
27 January 1830 - James Smith had grog stopped for throwing a bucket of water through the port
11 July 1830 - Mr Dresser flogged for not knowing the Compass
12 July 1830 - Midshipmen flogged for not doing their day's work
16 July 1830 - Unnamed flogged for not washing his clothes
6 August 1830 - 4 Main Top men flogged for not setting sails properly
6 August 1830 - Cook flogged for sending bad coffee
22 August 1830 - Unnamed flogged for not being clean
19 September 1830 - Cook flogged for being saucey
21 November 1830 - 2 Seacurries and 1 Seachy put in irons for getting tipsey

Best,etc.

Name: WOC
E-mail: WGIRDLES @ BIGPOND.NET.AU
Location: SYD-EN-EY
Interest: Friend
Date: 11-Oct-2005 01:04

HI PETE AND ALEX , IF ONLY I COULD SING ....."COME ON AUSSIE COME ON, COME ON, COME ON AUSSIE COME !!!!!!! "...SAFE SAILING THROUGH THE 'WAREHOUSES'.
HEH PETE MAYBE WE CAN CONVENE THE 'SITBC' IN DEC AT MAROUBRA SEALS CLUB WITH THE ORIGINAL CREW AND YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT YOUR SWIM , AFTER 1 OR 10 BEERS, AND THEN ONTO MARPOOL.
CHEERS
WOC

Name: Austin Calleja
E-mail: austin @ onvol.net
Location: Malta
Interest: Sailor
Date: 10-Oct-2005 17:30

Dear Alex and Peter,
As a daylight coast hugging Mediterranean sailor whose personal feats go no further than sailing around the Maltese Islands in a Feeling 286 Special, I am but awestruck by the courage, stamina and confidence you portray in such a gruesome voyage. Ever since I saw your article in YM a week or so ago I have been signing in to peep at your log on a daily basis. It has become my daily dosage of armchair sailing adventure in which I feel I am fully participating!

My compliments for the wonderful website too.

Keep it up chaps and please Alex, next time you come to see your mother in Malta please let me know. I would love to join you in a consultation with the Dublin doctor at one of the Drinking Holes on the Island. And, of course, shake the hands of a formidable sailor.

Best Regards

Austin Calleja

Name: Riccardo Turolla
E-mail: dstilling @ alice.it
Location: ITALIA
Interest: Sailor
Date: 10-Oct-2005 16:50

Dear Alex, I'm an Italian ultramarathon runner with the dream to sail around the world one day. So far I've just cruised the Caribbean on rented boats and in 1992 crossed the Atlantic on a 27 footer with 3 friends from Newport Rhode Island. But as I do love running, and especially marathons and ultramarathons, for which you need specific and long training time even only to be a finisher, I'm really curious to know how you could train on board: it sounds incredible! My very best congratulations for your achievement... on land! I wonder if Pete is not somehow influenced by your passion...
I will follow your progress from here, a small town between Milano and Genoa. Next marathon ;-) ? Take good care of yourselves! Riccardo

Name: Jez Rowles
E-mail: jezrowles @ ukonline.co.uk
Location: Maldon, England
Interest: Sailor
Date: 06-Oct-2005 17:34

What a site ! The two of you at the sharp end are a fantastic story and I'm becoming obsessive about following your updates since reading the YM article. They (YM)did a great job on you in their own right but the overall feel and quality of your site is just great. Can't see myself ever doing what your doing but I know just enough to "feel" it through your words and thoughts. Thanks for sharing it all and stay safe.

Name: Ian
E-mail: rhumbdo @ tiscali.co.uk
Location: Chatham, Kent, UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 06-Oct-2005 13:41

G'day fellas
Great site, read your updates each morning b4 work and evening when I get home whilst having consultation. Jeez, I wish I could have met you in Falmouth and picked your brains!! Off round the planet myself next June, in similar size battered boat, may even chase you up in Oz!! Good luck maties!

Name: Doug Lang
E-mail: douglas.lang @ jpkaberdeen.com
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Interest: Sailor
Date: 04-Oct-2005 04:39

Morning gents,

I have just read the article about your voyage in this month edition of Yachting Monthly. What an adventure - it sounds like you are both liking my dream.

Good luck and take care

Bon voyage

Doug

Name: Marcus Hayward
E-mail: mhayward @ xln.co.uk
Location: Kent .England
Interest: Sailor
Date: 03-Oct-2005 17:50

Hi Alex & Pete, I too read about you in yachting monthly, Unfortunatly. I have not been able to stop reading your log for the last two days. My wife and I are planning to sell up and sail and hope to make it to Oz and Newzealand. Its a three year plan.Your story has truly inspired me and your stories of heavy weather sailing, the worry of us mere mortals has allayed a number of fears.Of coarse not experienced but forarmed.Our sailing experience is only across the english channel but building up to longer passages, I have a restaurant and would be grateful to know what you guys eat, normal conditions prevailing. I may put something on the menu Berrimilla style. Good luck through the present bad weather. Will be checking every day to make sure you are safe.Is that the same as a consultation? Oh well down the hatch.

Name: Dave Winwood
E-mail: dwinwood @ teleflex.com
Location: Poole, UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 02-Oct-2005 16:44

Very inspirational. I sailed the Atlantic from East to West in 2002 but that was a doddle compared with your trip. I'm hooked on your web-site so I'll be following your progress every day and wishing you the best.

Name: Danny Palmer
E-mail: danny @ maxsystems.co.uk
Location: UK
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 01-Oct-2005 04:49

Read the article in YM ... Love your web site and all the pics ...Very new to the sport ... Totally blown away with the spirit of adventure you guys must install in people, particularly in these days when every one looks for the easy option in life...An inspiration to us all !!! ... Was born in NZ (Hope you do not hold that against me) 42 years ago and moved shortly after, dream one day of sailing back there to see family... Look forward to reading your logs ... Thanks
Danny Palmer

Name: Helen O Regan
E-mail: oreganhelen @ yahoo.com
Location: Tuscany
Interest: Met along the way
Date: 29-Sep-2005 17:01

Alex & Peter
Remeber me - Conor Mansfield's partner (2000 S2H).... Well can I tell you that Conor checks your progress daily. We are on hols and he still has to find an internet cafe to check your progress. So even in Italian wine territory far from the raging sea he needs his fix of Berri progress! I've heard of winos and alcoholics but a Berri holic is something else... Just bloody well hurry up so we can have a consultation of our own with no interruptions!!!! (I confess that I also check up on ye both occasionally.....) God speed and keep up the informative log

Name: Paul Reid
E-mail: reidsinthejungle @ hotmail.com
Location: Brunei
Interest: Sailor
Date: 28-Sep-2005 10:43

Another YM reader! Great website, an entertaining and absorbing read! You're an inspiration to us all. Good luck!
Paul.

Name: Patrick Venne
E-mail: jpvenne @ netcologne.de
Location: Germany
Interest: Sailor
Date: 25-Sep-2005 15:55

Great to read your log! Wish U both the best!

Name: Richard Gabriele (Capt)
E-mail: richard.gabriele @ mma.gov.mt ; gabi@global.net,mt
Location: Malta
Interest: Sailor
Date: 22-Sep-2005 10:47

I wish both of you the best of luck. I have relatives in Sydney and one of my cousins races his own boat in Sydney Harbour. You may wish to contact me directly maybe you may meet when you get home.

Best regards from Malta

Name: Selwyn Cambridge
E-mail: jscambridge.5 @ virgin.net
Location: Scotland - Scottish Borders
Interest: Sailor
Date: 22-Sep-2005 10:04

Hi there - read your article in YM, admiring your tenacity for the really challenging voyage you are embarked on. I hope all is going well and the winds and seas are not too severe in the Southern Ocean when you round the Horn. With best wishes from the Cambridge family for a successful voyage

Name: Bill Watkins
E-mail: bill.watkins @ qbe.com
Location: Sydney
Interest: Sailor
Date: 21-Sep-2005 17:43

Only now just caught up on your logs to current. Great trip (congrats on Fastnet what a great result). See you in december at RANSA. Bill

Name: Jose Vozone
E-mail: jose.vozone @ sagservicos.pt
Location: Portugal
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 21-Sep-2005 03:58

Indee, there are people out here that are are keeping an eye on what you're doing and wish you all the best. Hope you will be able to get some nice wind now - after all you're following pretty much the route that Vasco da Gama (and Pedro Alvares Cabral - he seems to have been the first European to get to Brazil) followed some 500 years ago. I just hope you're having more fun than they did!

Name: David Waugh
E-mail: david.waugh @ liverpooldev.co.uk
Location: Liverpool, UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 19-Sep-2005 03:27

Wonderful web site. I know many of the places you are visiting and it's great to enjoy them all through you again vicariously.
Stay safe and keep having a wonderful time. Fair winds!

Name: Charlie Youl
E-mail: cyoul @ bigpond.net.au
Location: Tasmania
Interest: Sailor
Date: 18-Sep-2005 01:58

A truly inspirational effort and great adventure. Davenport wrote a book "the voyage of waltzing matilda" it finishes with their arrival in the u.k. i think she was lost in the pacific some years later she was a sister ship to Wanderer( both built by jock muir) a s.hobt. winner.W.M finished first but relegated.

Name: Jude Hamilton
E-mail: Judith.Hamilton2 @ southtyneside.gov.uk
Location: Sunderland - UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 14-Sep-2005 04:18

Keep going with the logs as they are brilliant reading - just make me jealous that I'm not doing a similar trip. Maybe some day as have sailing targets I want to achieve.

Name: Lloyd Rumsey
E-mail: lrumsey @ villagecom.co.uk
Location: Tolleshunt D'Arcy , UK
Interest: Sailor
Date: 13-Sep-2005 06:51

I came across your story in Yachting Monthly and then to this web site. We own a 40 year old Catfisher (think two 30' North Sea trawlers bolted together) and tonight I start my Yachtmaster Offshore theory course as the next stage in our 3 year plan to sell up and sail. Your story reminded me of Slocum for various reasons and I felt I had to write to wish you well . I'm a youngster of 53 but the story of 'Two old geezers in a battered old boat' struck a cord as I often worry that I'm getting too old for my dreams . I guess you heard the cricket results , London's shutting down for the bus tour at 11.00 am . Shane reckons he's going to delay his retirement for 18 months for the next series . If it's as good as this one you're in for a treat no matter who wins. You can keep your sailing boots , we have our own versions plus a watch strap on me waterproof timepiece that's gone native , a very worrying smell.Stay safe and keep it cool.

Name: Peter Nickolls
E-mail: p.nickolls @ unsw.edu.au
Location: Sydney
Interest: Sailor
Date: 12-Sep-2005 21:36

Name: Tony Hill
E-mail: blakhole @ midcoast.com.au
Location: Sydney Oz
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 11-Sep-2005 21:28

Best of luck to both of you. I check your progress every day, just about. I'm a member of Coast Guard Sydney, and would love to do what you are doing! Your log is really interesting. Keep on keeping on!!!

Name: Brian
E-mail: jscot @ supanet.com
Location: Nottingham UK
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 11-Sep-2005 08:37

Details of your voyages read in October Yachting Monthly
A fantastic website about two fantastic people with an adventurous life on a beautiful yacht.

Best wishes

Name: Richard Sainsbury
E-mail: r.sainsbury @ ucl.ac.uk
Location: London
Interest: Sailor
Date: 10-Sep-2005 11:19

Again the write up in YBW made me dig deeper. Did see the local press about you but didnt know about the website. Good winds and enough of Dublin's finest to sustain you!
Safe home

Name: Brian Shilland
E-mail: brisail @ notmail.com
Location: SYDNEY
Interest: Friend
Date: 09-Sep-2005 09:58

CONGRATULATION Alex and Pete, BLOODY GREAT EFFORT, Sorry have not been in touch sooner. just goes to show you what a REAL YACHT and CREW can do. Hope the gear is holding up ok, see you in Sydney soon, safe sailing. regards Brian SHILLAND .OUT

Name: Tony Smith
E-mail: tony.smith @ simmons-simmons.com
Location: Ramsgate, England
Interest: Sailor
Date: 09-Sep-2005 05:04

Gentlemen, I read about you in the October Yachting World and then looked at your website. Tremendous stuff, I will follow the rest of your voyage with the greatest interest. Very best wishes, Tony Smith

Name: lea ocampo
E-mail: leadorado @ yahoo.com
Location: philippines
Interest: Friend
Date: 05-Sep-2005 07:22

Name: Trudi Smyth
E-mail: dormouse @ caribsurf.com
Location: Barbados
Interest: Friend
Date: 26-Aug-2005 07:56

Thank you very much for the personal message, Alex. Well - I am not sure what the requirements for Ham radio are in Oz, and things have changed recently, as in most countries morse has been made obsolete, which is a pity in many ways, as a morse signal would sometimes get heard in poor conditions when a ssb one is unreadable. At the moment conditions are too poor for anything to get through, it seems. Our singlehander on the Lunatic is not doing very well, his position yesterday at 19.00UTC was 02º25'north, 04º06'west, wind is SSW 10k, he is getting a bit close to the African coast, I think, I am not sure that is a good thing.....Here's hoping the wind will be better when you get there, keep a good lookout for all that traffic in you area and fair winds from Trudi

Name: Rachel Harrison
E-mail: rachytheredhead @ Hotmail.com
Location: Sydney
Interest: Family
Date: 23-Aug-2005 21:30

Hey Unlce Pete and Alex, Congratulations on a fantistic finish in the Fastnet Race, it is so cool. Cant wait to start reading your logs (I find them really ineresting and funny, although I get lost in the technical talk)and watching your progress map for your journey home. I have kept everyone at work up to date on your adventures/dramas/journey and the race and they think what you guys are doing is amazing. The Town Planners at BCC all send their congratulations.
Have a fast and safe journey home. The whole fam will be waiting to greet you when you get home. Cant wait.
Love Rachel and Dave

Name: Kevin O'Shea
E-mail: k_oshea @ bigpond.com
Location: Sydney
Interest: Sailor
Date: 22-Aug-2005 22:23

Congratulations on showing that a small older boat(I am the owner of Stormy Petrel) can still rate against the high tech modern boats ,a great result in the fastnet .I am in awe of your trip so far and await to hear about the trip home,Good Luck

Name: Joe Squier (M.V."Hot Ice")
E-mail: jamarineltd @ aol.com
Location: Lymington England
Interest: Met along the way
Date: 22-Aug-2005 16:20

Congratulations on the Fastnet race. Good to see you are both o.k. Rolex promised to check out you smaller boats in the race and sincerely hope that has happened.
Good luck on the return voyage. The world needs crazy people like yourselves!!

Name: Martin Smyth
E-mail: tinsmyth @ caribsurf.com
Location: Barbados
Interest: Sailor
Date: 20-Aug-2005 23:53

Thank you Berris for a wonderfully entertaining account of your adventures so far! And congratulations on doing so well in the Fastnet! Me has been there, done that, 12 years ago, and once was enough..... (wimp!)
I guess you have probably left this morning (Saturday), and must be somewhere SW of Ushant at the moment - hopefully barrelling along with a fair wind and calm moonlit seas.
My Dad is a doctor, and whole heartedly approves of daily consultations with his colleagues - I just hope that potions dispensed will last for the duration of the voyage..... will you be stopping at Cape Town to replenish supplies?
If yourselves (or any gusty readers with an HF radio) are bored any day at 1300 UTC, please do tune in to the Transatlantic Maritime Mobile Net, run by Trudi (my Mum) on 21.400 every day, for little yachts out in the Atlantic.
Its absolutely chucking down with rain here in Barbados at the moment, courtesy of ITCZ and various tropical waves in the offing or summat - hope you have a speedy and safe passage through these tempermental latitudes and onwards back to the Southern Ocean.

Name: Victoria Wright
E-mail: victoriaawright @ yahoo.co.uk
Location: South Devon, England
Interest: Interested Observer
Date: 14-Aug-2005 16:07

Many congratulations on your Fastnet finish. I have been following your voyaging since my Australian cousin drew my attention to your site. Fascinating reading. All the best for your return trip to Oz.

Berrimilla.com