16/02/09 - THE CURSE OF FRIDAY 13TH!
While all of us enter into Friday the 13th with a sense of foreboding, for most of us, it remains unremarkable. Unfortunately not so for the Spirit of Mystery crew! It brought with it their harshest weather yet, with 45-50 knots and angry seas that forced them to reduce sails to just the storm jib off the bow sprit and the reefed mizzen hoisted up the main mast. Pete described it as an "embarrassingly small sail area" but they still managed to chug along at 4-5 knots. But instead of unnerving the crew, the latest storm has only strengthed their faith in the sea-worthiness of the little ship and when it had passed, they dried themselves off, baked a big cake and sat down at the computer to loyally tell us all about it whilst rejoicing in the fact that Melbourne is only 2,579NM away. They are good to us!
27/01/09 - DEPARTURE FROM CAPE TOWN UPDATE
What a start to the New Year it's been for Pete and the crew. Having been touch and go as to whether they would make it to Cape Town in time to spend Christmas with the family, in true grand entrance styke, they cruised in with the daen on Christmas morning. Smooth! They then spent a few rejuvenating days relaxing, fixing and stocking up before heading off again on the 13th Jan.
Their first couple of days saw them battling to find their sea legs (yes, even the infamous Pete Goss occasionally struggles with this one!), but quickly settling back into the rhythm of the ship. After a slow start through fickle winds, the true nature of the Southern Ocean was revealed 5 days later. The word 'brutalised' was used by Pete when referring to how they were feeling, and the crews' bunks were described with the heartfelt fondness often associated with a favourite pair of slippers and a pot of coffee on a sunday morning! That particular front was replaced a couple of days later with an eerie spell of becalment which saw the crew stalled, rapidly losing time and somewhat bemused.
However, on the 22nd Jan, a frustrated Pete told of how they were preparing for a big depression that would be passing close by, throwing the sea into the wrong kind of chaos. So the boys spent hours of hard graft preparing the little ship for the battle ahead and for the first time in his career, Pete made the decision that they would batten down the hatches and ride it out below. Except it...erm... just disappeared! Instead, the wind dropped and the rain came; the kind of rain that bounces back up and as I sit writing this, the clouds have given way to a little luxurious sunshine and some time for a spot of personal maintenance for the crew. In true Southern Ocean style, they're certainly being kept on their toes!
Log on to www.petegoss.com to read more and view his personal photos.
30/11/08 - CALLING ALL GOSS SUPPORTERS TO DIG DEEP FOR CHARITY...NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED!!
It's been a steady week of successful sailing for the Mystery boys. For a little while back there it looked like the Doldrums had the little stalwart firmly within it's relentless grasp, with no signs of letting go. But then out popped the Mystery and on her way she went. The weather remained turbulent and as they crossed Stocks Seamount, the crew felt like they had been given a pracitcal lesson in meteorology, covering all variations, whilst completing a full body workout at the same time. But then all of a sudden, everything eased, the sun came out, and for the first time in a week, the fore hatch was opened, clothes were washed and dried, and Pete donned his mankini and false moustache and danced about the foredeck.
Yes, you did just read right!! As their Saturday ritual, Pete and Eliot open presents from Tracey and this Saturday's for Pete was a Borat-style mankini, complete with a fake moustache. Genuis, absolute genius! It can officially be quoted from Pete that ''if you want to see it donations to the charity please!''. So...what are you waiting for? Register your pledges at www.petegoss.com. Now, where's my wallet?...
23/11/08 - GOSS TOASTS EQUATOR CROSSING
Pete Goss and the intrepid crew of Spirit of Mystery have celebrated crossing the equator in style. After just over a month at sea the little wooden lugger left the hard sailing of the unpredictable and fickle doldrums, entering the Southern Hemisphere at about 2330 hours on Friday 21 November. The crew of Spirit of Mystery toasted the crossing with a glass of 25 year old whisky donated by Talisker, a project sponsor. Pete made a call to all his supporters via the blog on his website to join him in raising a glass at 1800hrs GMT today (Saturday 22 November): "I would like to share a moment with all those that follow the project. Grab your favourite tipple or mug of tea, toast the good ship Spirit of Mystery and spend ten minutes reflecting on something to lift your spirits along with someone else's. Book that romantic meal, bake a cake, pick up a load of boxes from the supermarket, clear the front room and make a spaceship with the kids, turn off the telly for forty eight hours and see what happens." To mark the occasion and the intrepid voyage a limited edition medallion has been released. The 1400 Spirit of Mystery commemorative medallions are cast from rare Cornish Tin recovered from the wreck of the SS Cheerful, which sunk off Land's end in 1885. The oak presentation box is hand-made in Cornwall from the same wood stock used to build the Spirit of Mystery. The medallions can be purchased from the shop on Pete's website - petegoss.com. Pete Goss said: "These beautiful medallions commemorate our voyage and that of the original Mystery and are appropriately a celebration of Cornwall's heritage, skills and pioneering spirit. We would like to think the crew of the original Mystery would approve."
21/11/08 - UNFAIR WINDS AS THEY APPROACH THE EQUATOR...
Well, plans for a return to work on Monday didn't quite go according to plan! Lazy Sunday rolled into lazy Monday, and while that seems like a dream for the rest of us, it's not the ideal situation when at sea! But Tuesday wrote a very different story, with the crew on 360 degree watch for the enormous storm clouds that were sweeping in on them from all angles. It was a non-stop 24 hours that required more damage limitation than actual sailing, and somewhat ironically, left them in need of a break.... Which is exactly what they've been having since! But life in the Doldrums isn't all bad. The boys have once again been able to make full use of the time available to rustle up some edible delights in the 'cottage kitchen' style galley, and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings in full. Something which racing does not allow. On a brighter note, the Equator is just a stones throw away and Pete reckons they'll cross it at around 23.30GMT. He's scheduled a communal toast for 1800GMT tomorrow evening and expects us all to join him with our favourite tipple. Well...if you insist!! Fingers crossed for fairer winds soon!
16/11/08 - LAZY SUNDAY AFTERNOONS ABOARD THE SPIRIT OF MYSTERY...
After a blinding sail on Friday which saw 'Mystery' flying over 150NM in just 24hrs, it would seem that the weather has conspired to gift the crew a weekend full of rest and recuperation. Having been becalmed and quite literally going nowhere, the boys have had plenty of opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep, reading and yet more gastronomic forays. Here's hoping that the wind picks up and they can progress in the same vein as last week. Monday morning and work beckons!
23/10/08 - UNDERWEAR TROUBLE FOR THE INTREPID ADVENTURERS!! WEATHER SCUPPERS UNDERWEAR DROP
When super heroes fly to the rescue of those in need, they are usually dressed in a cape and wearing their underpants on the outside. But when sailing hero Pete Goss and the crew of Spirit of Mystery left their underwear in a launderette in Newlyn before they commenced their epic voyage to Australia via Cape Town, it was their turn to be rescued by an air drop of a very different kind. Stuart Elford is a Director of Formedia, the company that handles Pete's media communications and of which Pete is Chairman, and also the holder of a pilot's licence. So when he heard the terrible news that the crew were short on pants and socks a rescue mission was planned. Although Pete and the crew are navigating only by the stars as they recreate the journey of seven brave Cornishmen who, 154 years ago, sailed a 37 ft wooden Mounts Bay lugger called Mystery to Australia, modern technology means that the outside world can follow their progress on Pete's website - www.petegoss.com - and plot their exact position. Stuart Elford explains: "The satellite tracking device gives us an exact course, speed and position for the boat, updated twice daily. So, all we had to do was buy several packs of underwear, pack them in a floating waterproof bag and fly to their latest position. We could get there in less than two hours, make a drop beside the boat and return." With the vessel only sailing at about six knots, the search area would be small and it should be a relatively simple procedure to make the drop. Unfortunately, the weather has conspired against the mission and it would be dangerous to reach the little wooden boat given the current conditions. By the time the weather clears they will be out of range of light aircraft from the UK. "The crew of the original Mystery would not have had this sort of support, so perhaps it is fitting that we didn't make the air-drop," said Stuart Elford. "I'm sure a lack of underwear will not be a major challenge compared to what else the team will face. They have already battled sea-sickness in very rough conditions on their first night at sea and have the might of the Southern Ocean yet to face. However, they are well trained, the boat is very strong and we are confident that they can make it." You can monitor the progress of Spirit of Mystery and keep up to date with all the latest news from Pete Goss via his blog at www.petegoss.com .
20/10/08 - ADVENTURE UNDER WAY FOR GOSS
Westcountry sailor and adventurer Pete Goss and the intrepid crew of Spirit of Mystery have begun their epic voyage to Australia. Taking advantage of a change in the wind, they slipped lines this evening (Monday 20 October), waved goodbye to the gathered crowd and set sail from Newlyn for the long journey south. After the recent strong Westerly winds, grey skies and torrential rain, the wind finally swung around to the North West, giving the little wooden lugger enough of a push to start the long journey south and into the Bay of Biscay. As true addicts, we'll be following their progress closely and bringing you all the latest. Good luck boys!
20/10/08 - PETE GOSS LEAVES TONIGHT!
Despite the dismal weather and grey sky it seems today will be the day the Spirit of Mystery starts her adventure and heads to Australia! Between 5.30pm and 6pm Pete and the crew will leave Newlyn and sail to Cape Town for the first half of their journey.
17/10/2008 - DEPARTURE UPDATE
The weather is looking increasingly like it will be favourable on Tuesday morning with a North Westerly wind to set the crew on their passage to Australia. Unfortunately, there are due to be strong South Westerly winds on Sunday and Monday, making it impossible to get the boat to Newlyn during that time and take advantage of the fair winds on Tuesday. As such, Pete's brother and crew member Andy is moving the boat around to Newlyn now. This sadly means that the boat will not be at Falmouth for the Oyster Festival, but Pete promises that he will honour his commitment to be there in person. As the weather is so unpredictable and fickle at this time of year, the team has to take every opportunity to leave on schedule. Please keep watching the blog for further updates on the departure as it draws near (http://www.petegoss.com/blog.php).
15/10/08 - GOSS GETS SET TO GO
After months of building, testing and training, the waiting is nearly over for Pete Goss and his crew as they prepare to set sail for Australia. The 37 ft Mounts Bay lugger, Spirit of Mystery, is currently at the Falmouth Oyster Festival and will be sailed to Newlyn (from where the original Mystery set sail 154 years ago) on Sunday 19 October. As soon as the wind swings round from the North, the crew of four will slip their mooring and set sail on their epic 11,000-mile voyage, following in the wake of those intrepid Cornishmen who sought out a new life in the Australian gold rush. Leaving Newlyn on Saturday 18 November 1854, the Mystery travelled about 11,800 nautical miles in 116 days before arriving in Melbourne on 14 March 1855. Like the crew of the original Mystery, who were all related by blood or marriage, it is a family affair, comprising: Pete Goss; his younger brother Andy; Pete's youngest son Eliot (who is 14); and Pete's brother-in-law Mark Maidment. Pete Goss said: "This project has been a long time in the making and now we can't wait to set sail. It has been a hectic time but everything has fallen into place. Some projects are meant to be and we are confident that the boat, crew and support team are ready for the voyage. We just want to slip our lines and head for the freedom of the ocean." Despite the excitement, the crew is under no illusions about the task that lies ahead of them. A log entry from 6 March 1855 gives a taste of what the original crew of Mystery encountered: 'A terrific gale of wind - heaviest so far experienced. Our gallant little boat rides the mountains of sea remarkably well.' Spirit of Mystery is fitted with a satellite tracking device so that its progress can be monitored via Pete's website - petegoss.com. Using technology supplied by Google Earth and Sailblogs, it will be possible to read daily log entries alongside those of the original voyage as the team battle the elements to steer their little wooden boat through the Atlantic and Southern Oceans to Australia. Although technology will allow us to see their position accurately, read the log and look at pictures and video from the boat, it will be a different matter for the crew, who will navigate only by the stars. Comparing log entries will be fascinating for everyone following the project, not least the children from the Cornwall Playing for Success Charity, of which Pete is a founding trustee. But it is not a race as Pete is quick to point out: "Nothing should detract from the amazing feat of seamanship of those brave Cornishmen who risked everything in search of a better life. A voyage of this type was unheard of at the time; Joshua Slocum, considered the father of small boat ocean sailing, was just ten when they set off, so this truly was a massive undertaking. "This project is designed to shine a light on their achievement and raise awareness and funds for Cornwall Playing for Success. Children from the out of school hours initiative will follow the adventure and learn about local and social history, boat building, navigation and a host of other subjects as part of the 'Sense of Place' program." Further details about Spirit of Mystery are on Pete's website at www.petegoss.com .
06/10/08 - PAINTING CAPTURES SPIRIT OF MYSTERY
Renowned Cornish artist Glyn Macey has captured on canvas the beautiful lines of Spirit of Mystery, the latest project of Westcountry sailor and adventurer Pete Goss. In a generous gesture Glyn has agreed to sell the limited edition prints in aid of Cornwall Playing for Success - the charity of which Pete is a founding trustee. The stunning painting of the 37' wooden Mounts Bay lugger in full sail, entitled Spirit of Mystery, has been finished in acrylic on canvas and a limited run of 500 prints (34cm by 39cm), signed by the artist and Pete Goss, will be sold to help improve the lives and education of children in Cornwall. Many of Glyn's paintings are of the sea and he can often be found roaming the harbours, moorland and coast of his native West Cornwall, sketchbook in hand recording the details of daily Cornish life and history. It is particularly fitting that Glyn was born in Newlyn, the birthplace of the original Mystery, which set sail from the Cornish port 154 years ago carrying seven brave Cornishmen who were seeking out a new life in the Australian gold rush. So when Glyn heard about Pete's latest project he jumped at the chance to record the epic voyage. Glyn said that he was inspired by the voyage and the story of heroism of the original crew. Glyn Macey said: "Cornwall not only has inspirational land and seascapes, it also has a history of inspirational people whose influence has spread around the world. The original voyage of the Mystery has inspired people through the generations and now Pete Goss is inspiring a new generation by following in their wake. It was a pleasure and privilege to paint the Spirit of Mystery before she begins her adventure." Pete Goss said: "The picture is absolutely fantastic. I think few artists can truly capture the spirit of the sea but Glyn has. He has it in his hands as that is how he paints - with his hands. It is great that a Cornish Artist has put himself out for Cornish schoolchildren who will benefit through his generosity." Cornwall Playing for Success is an out Playing for Success (PfS) is a national out-of-school-hours initiative set up to raise literacy, numeracy and ICT skills in children who have unrealised potential, using the motivation of sport to improve young people's attitudes to learning and motivation in school. They often don't quite connect with school, leaving them feeling disaffected and demoralised. PfS uses sport to bridge that gap with dramatic results, as Pete explains: "On a ten week out-of-school-hours programme, the students improve their literacy and numeracy scores by 17 and 24 months in primary and secondary schools respectively. However, the real 'fairy dust' is self-esteem, which is carried back to school with long-term results." The limited edition prints are available through Pete's website - www.petegoss.com - priced at £45 each.
