Have just read your latest blog of 20th February.

Love the boiled egg account - description almost poetic!

I gather the last leg was very tough indeed looked at the live account with your Mum at the museum and can see why. And a long one too! Still the next one to San Francisco will hopefully be a little easier?

I gather too that the Chinese gave you a great welcome? Hopefully the Americans will repeat this? Oh and while I remember - Singapore sounded fantastic (account from your Mum!).

We are being overwhelmed here today with the further earthquake in Chile - expect you have heard about it too? The furore re John Terry and Wayne Bridge continues! Their teams played each other today - Wayne Bridge did not extend his hand for a handshake and Chelsea LOST !!!!! Tom is hoping for a SPURS win tomorrow against Fulham for the next round of the F.A. Cup? And I expect you are following the Cricket - 20/20? They have a new young ex S.African player I gather who did very well in the last 20/20?

Have been to the National Theatre today to listen to a discussion about the poet W.H.Auden (who features in the latest play by Alan Bennett - 'The Habit of Art'). Very interesting. Had a nice lunch in the N.T. Mezzanine Restaurant then went to see a film at the NFT - A Bright Star - all about the romantic young poet John Keats who sadly died of TB at 25.

Well Simon, enough of this chatter: do let me know if there are other things you would like to hear?

Meanwhile I wish you and the crew, especially Rachel, God speed, fair winds and good luck for the next leg.

Very best wishes, Kate (K) Tom's mum.

P.S. keep up the interesting blogs - love reading them!

Dear SuperSime, Superskip and SuperSings,

have been worried about you all with the seasickeness and the bug, it is a good job you have Rachel as supermedic. Today was a good day I cheered up when I read the race news and the Skipper has cheered up and the blogs are chirpy again and you are now moving up places. so you see when you go quiet we worry about you all.

Here The weather is beginning to improve and Spring is in the air, cricket is good in Bangladesh new players doing well Pieterson still struggling ,easter eggs are on the way to San Francisco and Heston pie challange coming along...... Sime good news - all is well with Grandma went to hospital with her last week all clear given so we are all really happy.

I will finish on that happy note and all of you keep chirpy you are all the best.....
Big hugs to you all
Jenny Hope

Dear Sime ,SuperSkip and SuperSings!!

This has got to be the most nerve-wrecking of all the races for us back at home as well as all of you. You are obviously being tested to the limit and brilliantly rising to all the challenges you have been faced with, I watched the Volvo race last night from Singapore to Qingdao So it gave me some idea what you are facing. Keep on and hang on for a podium and remember you are all the crème de la crème!!

Heston, no pie challenge results yet………………

Bestest regards and Hugs from
Jenny Hope
Simon Hope’s mom

Hail to those, sailors out at sea,
Regardless of gender, race or nationalities,
Men and women of Uniquely Singapore,
Against the other eight you are pitting hearts and souls,
Together as one, she'll sail fast and strong,
Never forget our Singapore Song!

Way to go, Uniquely Singapore!

- Nabilah Binte Abdul Rahim

Dear Sime, No1 Skipper and No 1 Crew

Well I have been back for a week now and I am still not settled into the routine after all the excitement of Singapore.

Happy Valentine’s Day. Judging by all the skill required for this race I am not sure if you will have time for your speed dating party!! this morning turning on the race viewer and seeing the fantastic 2nd place at the moment has made my day I know when the blogs stop that you are all working your socks off!!

As it is pancake day on Tuesday I thought Delia's receipt might come in handy it makes 12- 14 pancakes and I hope you have got some lemons, perhaps the Kaiser could make them into crepe suzette!! Might be a fire risk though!

4oz plain flour, pinch of salt, 2 large eggs, 7 fl oz (200ml) milk mixed together with 3 fl ox water (75m;l ) 2 tablespoons melted butter and extra for cooking pancakes flour salt into mixing bowl well in centre break eggs into centre incorporate , then add the milk and water gradually, whisk into a thin cream and a very hot pan for frying.

Enjoy!

You are all brilliant and this race is showing that

Kind regards and big hugs
Jenny Hope

Dear Sime, No.1 Skipper and No.1 Crew,

What a fantastic time I had in Singapore meeting you all, it has all become more personal, not just being Simons Mum, so I shall be quite upset if you don’t get a podium at the end!!!!!!!!! The whole trip from when Uniquely arrived at Marina at Keppel Bay, seeing Sime after 4months, meeting Rachel, Jim and the team was very exciting. Dining at the Cricket Club was special, visiting all the museums, meeting other crew members off some of the other boats at the barbecue, brilliant. A big from hug Nicole when I arrived and I forgot her name, sorry Nicole!!!!!! It was sad seeing you sail away but I am glad you saw the four mad women waving you off Steph, Christine and Alison all came back with me to the Tanglin Club and we had a nice lunch and talked about you all

Being back home is a big strange and cold but I have a busy time at work and looking forward to the supporters supper when you arrive in China, this leg doesn’t appear to be what everyone expected, and you have been working really hard, good luck for the gate if you decide to go for it

Sime‘s Grandpa aged 85 has decided to buy a laptop so he can follow you all, you see the effect it has had on us.

Keep positive and happy and continue to enjoy the great adventure and with a skipper like Jim what a wonderful attitude.

With kind regards and hugs to you all
Jenny Hope

A poem to the crew,
When we look at the results and not like what we see
A gentle reminder to why we’re at sea
A race we are in and of course want to win
But how do we win when mileage is thin
To look around and see what you have
To see your mates that’s what you have
Heston the pirate the man with the beard
Who’s kept us fed with food that sometimes weird?
To Karan the girl with infectious laugh
But also one who’s not afraid to graft
Ahmed the quiet but impossibly strong
A man you would want in the midst of a throng
Laura the woman who staggers us all
For one so young she stands so tall
Blueberry oh blueberry your impossibly gay
But one you can trust to always be in the fray
Craigo the bloke you know you can trust
For sorting the rigging and never making a fuss
Admiral Hope the man’s a laugh
But yet always focused on his racing tasks
Nicole the tiger with plenty of soul
For one so small she packs a big blow
To slim Hugh the man with the knowledge
He’s always right there with plenty of courage
Geoff the man with the booming voice
The man you know will make the right choice
Detlef our Kaiser the man who can race
And nothing’s is better seeing a smile on his face
Sean the guy with very strong arms
The man who works with never a qualm
To Damo our man with incredible spirit
Have no fear he’s in it to win it
To Megan the lady from WA
You can trust her to never stray
Don’t forget Hayse who’s sometimes so quiet
But a man you want with you when it turns into a riot
Rachel our medic but oh so much more
The woman who helps us when we’re all a bit sore
So never give up and never lose faith
We have each other for the podium place
And if it’s not to be
Which for a moment I’ll never believe
Let’s know this we raced and we race in style
But not any old style but Singapore style.
by Skipper Jim Dobie

For Simon Hope,

Simon,

I was out last night with your brother and conversation turned to your little boating adventure. Needless to say, I followed up with a little research and am staggered to find that you actually are really participating! I had always suspected that you were taken on board to provide some sort of ballast but have even seen a photo of you on the wheel...

So, understand that you chaps are in 7th place. 7th?? Remember, it's the winning NOT the taking part that counts so pull your socks up. Perhaps Jim should have remembered that as a cabbie, your natural tendency would be to string the journey out to rack up the meter. I suspect that he's still consulting his navigational tomes and trying to figure out whether allowing you to follow the "one way system around the Cape" was such a good idea after all.

On a serious note, very best wishes to you and all the crew. Don't let me down.

Lol

PS John Carey was delighted to hear that you're spreading "the delights of the ice". Keep it up!
PPS No, you're right. Tights and shorts / boots and speedos are not acceptable. Spread the word.

Regards,
Laurence Bosshard

Come on, Uniquely Singapore!

Make the race to your home port the BEST one!

Come in strong, we're cheering for you!!!!

See you in Keppel Bay!

Priscilla and friends

P.S. beat Qingdao at least, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeee :D

Best,
Priscilla Lai

Dear Simon

Watching your exciting progress with great interest. Learning lots of terminology completely new to me!

Also great pleasure discussing with your mother we almost sound like sailors!!!

Anyway just wanted to wish you

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR 2010

Congratulations to you all - hope the turkey and Christmas pudding gives you lots of fiery energy for the next round!! Good luck - will be watching and sending you all lots of good vibes in your endeavors to win the next leg of the race.

Love from K (Tom K's Mother, Kate Kuhn)

PS. Had great lunch* with Jeanette at the Royal Overseas League Club - great - and big thank you to you for the wine which we enjoyed to the last drop!!!! Best roast beef I've tasted for a very long time!

Dear Sime and the Best Crew in the race

I thought you might to hear that we have lots of snow and everyone is having to cope with quite bad conditions and the cricket isn’t too good either!!

Never mind your race this time seems to be very interesting with quite different hazards to cope with, it was good to start getting your news again as we have been deprived of our daily fix of your progress. The other crews seem to have problems with their spinnakers and adjusting to their new crewmates.
Keep up all the good progress, roll on Singapore!

Best regards
Jenny Hope (Simon’s Mum)

To Jim and the crew,

Big congratulations to you all for getting 3rd place in the Rio to Cape Town leg. I know you all worked so hard and didn't give less than 100% the whole way. We are all so proud of you. Can't wait to see you in Geraldton.

Sherry
(Jim's wife)

All the best! This is great.

Warmest regards,
George
Keppel Shipyard (Tuas)

Hi Skipper and Crew,

As you depart from Cape Town and head towards Geraldton, we wish you “godspeed” and may Poseidon blow the winds of favour your way!

Regards,
Joseph Loh
Human Resources
Keppel Corporation

For Simon Hope

Wonderful seeing and hearing about your amazing adventure. Great crew, great captain! Overwhelmed by the sounds and size of the waves you have to contend with.

Have tried to contact before without success but hopefully I have now found the answer so you will be hearing from me again! Keep up the great work.

With very best wishes,
Kay
Tom Kuhn’s Mum

Hi Team,

God bless you all.

Mikail Abdullahn Tan

To all the Crew

Don’t be too despondent regarding your current position. You have done brilliantly so far, just dust yourselves down and get back up there.

You are the best crew, (I read the other blogs!!!) and the spirit you all have is brilliant, come on now back to 3rd!

Best regards
Jenny Hope
Simon’s Mum

Hello Skipper and Crew,

I have been following your progress since the start of the race from Hull. I read about the problems you encountered on this first leg and how you ended up trailing the pack. But you have since caught up to be in 7th position by the first port-of-call in France. Very well done! It shows that you and your crew are well placed to overcome obstacles which are as natural as the sea in an around the world race. Such breakdowns and mishaps may be the first but they will certainly not be the last. You can expect many more before the race is ended. I am confident that you and the crew will weather the ups and downs and rise to the challenges.

As you set out to cross the Atlantic, I wish you fair winds and smooth sailing.

All the best to everyone on board. Cheers.

Boon Yang LEE
Chairman
Keppel Corporation Limited

My Dearest Jim and the rest of the crew,

Go guys, your endurance is so being tested but you've done so well and the over result will be fantastic for what you have achieved.

Keep going Jim, you're the best Skipper out there and I'm sure that whatever position you come in at, you will have given your crew the best experience they could have hoped for.

Love you heaps,

Your sister who is incredibly envious of what you are doing!

Eliza

PS - See you at Christmas!!! Cannot wait!

My Dearest [Thomas]

I am so super proud of you ... of your dedication, the many hours of hard work, your courage and your quest for life. As you set sail for a cause that is larger than your own and touch the lives of so many others, may you have an unforgettable experience.

May you always be my love and inspiration!

Lots of love,
peng

Dear All,

Although the obstacles are there, but our people can make the journey possible with their CAN-DO! spirit.

Hope for the best.

Abul BASHAR
Research Engineer (Marine Group)
Keppel Offshore & Marine Technology (KOMtech) Centre

Dear all

All the best wherever you are.
Please take care.
Will remember you guys!

Louis Yeo
Keppel FMO

Hey Everyone!!!

Congratulations on the spectacular overtaking of Edinburgh!!!

You have came back with a vengeance and got your rhythm.

Keep going strong and may the wind be with you!

Cheers!!!

Adrian Tan
Manager, Contracts & Procurement
Keppel FMO Pte Ltd

Great effort guys, just over 200nm to chase down Hull & Humber now. We are with you all the way (virtually) so may the force be with you soon.

Please, so that I can get a good night’s sleep. I am addicted to the race viewer and need a break.

Jeff

PS. Adrian, Thanks for the link.

Thomas, we are all cheering for you and we know you will do well. Don’t worry about cooking - try sashimi!

Uniquely Singapore crew, keep it up - we are cheering for all on board.

Kind Regards,
Charles Foo
Keppel Offshore & Marine

Hi Mr Thomas,

Best of luck in winning the world yacht race! Do take care of your health.

Regards,
Desigan
Keppel Seghers Engineering Singapore Pte Ltd

Thomas - Don't forget the prize waiting in Rio at the end of your trip ... I meant Kah Peng =)

Cheers,
KC (Yeoh Keat Chuan)
EDB (in Hyderabad)

Thomas, good luck!! We are all proud of u! ?

Regards,
Julian Ho
EDB

Thomas,

Way to go my friend! So nice to see you working so hard ? Will be sending a cheque to support you in your great effort in sailing for a cause.

Cheers
Manohar KHIATANI
EDB

Dear Thomas

We are so proud of you for taking part in the Clipper Race. It is very inspiring when someone tries something challenging that he/she has never done before! Savour every moment and hang in there when the going gets tough. We will pledge $562 to Sail for a Cause in support of your participation.

Regards,
Beh Swan Gin and Maisy
EDB

Yes .... Thomas you "CAN DO" it ! ...

Thanks & Regards
Joseph Loh
Keppel Corporation

Hi Uniquely Singapore crew,

Great to hear good news from you guys-. We are all waiting for you back home and looking forward to hear more good news--

Take care and chin ups-

Gabrielle Ho
Finance & Admin
Keppel Land International Limited

Congratulations!! It’s a great achievement. Look forward to meeting you all in Rio.
Best wishes.

AC
Keppel FELS

Hey guys, Keep the faith and looking forward to meeting you at the dockside in Rio with some cold, cold beer. You're doing a great job and I hope I make the grade to join the crew. I'm leaving the UK tomorrow (Saturday) and will catch up with the race team at the yacht club, so anything you want in advance, let me know. I'll try and find some bars that will put up with us - its a tough job but I'm prepared to do it for the crew!! Take care and God speed.

Andy
BT Internet

Good luck guys on your adventure

This is indeed adventure of a life time.

Shawn Neo
Keppel Shipyard Limited - Benoi Yard

You guys are cool !

Chance to offer me some sea view pictures.

Wish you a wonderful journey in southern Atlantic Ocean !

LUO Wei
Keppel Corporation Limited

Dear Crew,

Just a quick note to say how proud we all are of your 2nd past the post on the Cape Town Leg. Jim is clearly getting the best out of the crew and it is clear what a great bond you have all developed.

Have no doubt that you will overhaul those Hull and Humberers and will leave the Irish for dust, 2 points in the bag, 10 to come!

Neil Hope (Brother of Simon - crew Member and Round the Worlder!)
Baily Garner LLP

Hello to Uniquely Singapore Team,

Reading all the updates, experienced and the "Can Do" spirit has inspired me a lot in my work and life. You guyz and galz are an inspiration to me. You are my Champion!. Keep up all the good work and we are all here supporting you.

Azrin Shah Alias
(Network/Office Systems)
Keppel Offshore & Marine

Dear Crew,

Absolutely brilliant getting your two points through the gate on your way to Cape Town. The tussle you are having with Hull and Humber and Cork is very exciting for us landlubbers to watch!

You are all the best and Jim is obviously a good chap and skipper!

Keep going hard. We are looking forward to seeing you arrive 1st in Cape Town, and I am looking forward to seeing you in Singapore.

Jenny Hope
(Mother of Simon - crew Member and Round the Worlder)

Hey Guys,

Nice to see you are in the leading pack. Hope you win the race this time around!

Sailesh Peter
KFELS

To all of you

Well done , it has been nerve wracking for us watching you, have a fantastic time in Capetown but keep in race mode!!!!!!!

Kind regards
Jenny Hope
(Mother of Simon Hope - crew member and round the worlder)

Dear Jim and crew of Uniquely Singapore,

First of all, my belated congratulations on your first podium win - well done!

As you race towards Western Australia on Race 4, all of us at Keppel wish you the very best. We would like you to know we are cheering you on as we eagerly await your arrival at Marina at Keppel Bay in January 2010.

Regards,
Wang Look Fung (Ms)
General Manager
Keppel Group Corporate Communications

Send your well wishes to uniquelysingapore@kepcorp.com