'Pete.......PETE........PETE TIMES UP' it takes a while for Mark to break through a fog of exhausted sleep. Unzip my bag, bed socks off and wet socks on. The motion is as wild as ever but I can sense that there has been a subtle change since I crawled into my bag.

Above my head the barograph shows that the gradual climb in pressure has continued. Everything aches and protests as I brace myself against the violent motion and drag on my foulies. Spirit of Mystery is only 37ft long and we have now been in the southern ocean for the same time as any round the world yacht race and it's starting to tell on all of us. At least this will be the last big one and it has been a big. If you cherry picked the worst aspect of all the gales and storms of the voyage so far you would not be far out.

The hatch rattles back and there is Mark streaming with water, his boots awash on deck as another big goffer drains away from an unsuccessful assault. I look around and although I can't put my finger on why, I don't like it. Still, Mark says he thinks some of the aggression has eased and we laugh at what we have been through. Its dawn and Mark asks me to grab the washing up liquid so he can do the dishes and get some porridge on once I have taken the helm for we are all getting low on reserves. On the face of it we have put the worst behind us and should be through it by the evening which is a relief for apart from a couple of brief respites we have had a baseline wind of 40knts with prolonged gusts of over 50knts for two and a half days.

I put the washing up liquid by the hatch, reach out and clip on before leaving the safety of below, glance up and there it is. A huge wall of water that towers over the boat and there is nothing breaking about it. Its solid, dark green, dangerous and a freak; 'HOLD ON' I am aware of Mark bracing himself as I duck my head and tense. The noise is as shocking as the blow, I am aware of it going very dark and I am disorientated. I am under water and can't breathe, there is a huge weight pushing me down and the rush of solid water through the hatch has my legs straining in resistance. It feels like I am trying to push the wrong way up a storm drain in full flood and that is what I am trying to do for I know that this is going to leave us badly damaged and I am fighting to get to Mark who is my first concern. My chest is protesting, I need to breath, how much longer is this going to go on for. Come on Spirit this is it, this is the moment of truth, you can only swallow so much before the physics that have sustained us don't add up.

Suddenly I can see again and burst through a tangle of wreckage and foam to see Mark lying on the helm bench with his safety harness wrapped round the tiller which is jerking him about violently. His arms are out either side as if he is crucified and his face has that awful waxy look that I have only seen a couple of times and it triggers a tingle of dread down my spine. I am sure he is unconscious but keep shouting 'MARK MARK' as I wrestle free, of what I don't know for my focus is on Mark and Mark alone. I am on my knees now and close to his face and as I scan his body he says 'My legs broken, went like a twig'. Looking down his right foot lies on the deck despite his leg being upright and there is a thirty degree bend to the side half way between his knee and ankle. The shocking reality of it leaches in with a cold dread as I ask him if there is anything else and glance about the boat. Mark is vital but he is part of a bigger picture that he needs to be fitted into if we are to manage our way out of this in one peice. Mast's are still up, I look aft at the tiller and as my depth of field gets wider I am aware of a lot of wreckage in the sea with the life raft mushrooming in a profusion of garish colour. The knockdown was like a car crash in its brutality and its concentration has compressed time to the point that the brain just can't record it all and one is left with short disjointed clips. Andy was in his bunk to windward and has a vivid picture of hanging from a side stowage bar and fending himself off the deck head (roof). The next clip is a glance aft and down to see high pressure jets of water spraying from the porthole seals. He drops across the boat astride of Eliot who has a distinct memory of seeing the cabin lit by blue light. That rich deep blue that comes with depth when diving. They have a better sense of the motion than I do and Andy is sure that there was a secondary less aggressive but more powerful blow which is the one that really pushes her over and down bringing darkness with it. He remembers thinking come on Spirit, come on and then hears my shout from above.

The word broken stands out and he thinks the masts and portholes have gone as he clambers across what can only be described as carnage gone mad and digs about for his life jacket. Shit, shit, shit my mind is processing at a fantastic rate as I run though a well rehearsed check list as it compiles a set of priorities. How far are we from help for Mark, Spirit of Mystery has righted herself and started to doggedly set sail and with a rush of warmth I suddenly realise how much I love her and smile. Her motion settles the tugging of the tiller; I untangle Marks harness and give the helm a bloody good wiggle and its positive, good girl, that'll do me for now. I am talking to Mark all the time as more information permeates my consciousness; Andy is coming up and looks fine. The life raft has been ripped away as has the dinghy and man overboard equipment. The fact that the big oak dinghy chocks have simply been torn in half is sobering and I wonder if there is going to be any structural damage. Behind Andy's shoulder I can see that the cabin is a train wreck and that Eliot is going hammer and tongs on the bilge pump. He looks worried but glances up and we catch each other's eye and he grins, 'you OK Dad' good lad.

We have to get Spirit running off again and Mark has to be moved, there's no time for niceties as I explain this to Mark. It's an appalling prospect and he nods aware of the grim reality of the situation; I guide his hand above his head and place it on one of the spars that we lashed to the deck when all this started two and a half days ago with a falling barometer and forty knots with gusts of fifty from the north. One two three, gritted teeth can't keep the grunt of pain down and I catch a glimpse of his leg and foot flopping about. It's bad and I hope the bone hasn't broken though the skin. Andy is popping up and down digging about in the medical pack for splints as I steer and hold on to Mark as best as I can. He holds the deflation cap to his jacket which has auto inflated and I kneel on it so that he will fit below. This drops his head to the floor and with a rush of tenderness I lift it and replace it with my foot. 'Cheers Buddy', we crack a couple of daft jokes; he's a tough one Mark and he starts to describe the shocking power of the wave. Feeling his leg break like a twig and then getting flapped about with much grinding and grating of the bone as the water churns its way about the deck.

Andy puts a splint on; we are both working and thinking at a feverish rate for we are well aware that another wave will be devastating. I can see Eliot pumping away like mad between clearing a path to Marks bunk and preparing it for what will be a long term patient. He's only a boy but it's a man's job that is required and he has measured up. Splints on, there is a pregnant pause for none of us are looking forward to the move. We have a quick chat, Mark takes the initiative and we just do it. The sight of the lower part of Marks leg flapping about as it dances to a different tune to the rest of his him is something that I will never forget. The pain must have been off the scale but Mark just grunts through it and it is humbling to see.

We settle into various responsibilities naturally with Andy taking over treatment and me looking after the boat. I shut the hatch and start to look her over in detail and am amazed at how little damage she has suffered for the knockdown. How far we went is something that we will never know but knitting together our various clips and looking at where bits of equipment have ended up would suggest a maximum of 160degree's. We have a letter stuck to the deck head. My note book is inside the oven of all places. The NDURA laptop has somehow found its way into the sink and is submerged but fine. On deck all I can do is remain in a high state of alertness and try to keep her as steady as I can. The wind has backed about thirty degrees and there is a new wave pattern that is at odds with things and it throws up the odd thundering lump like Marks. One breaks about thirty feet away and its frightening for the thought of another knockdown with Mark as he is not pretty.

Below Andy, and I have to say he has been the man of the moment, is doing a great job of stabilizing Mark. He has called Dr Spike Briggs of 'Offshore Medical Support Ltd' for advice on pain relief and administered it. Called Stuart Elford who has just landed in Melbourne with Tracey to meet us and he happens to be stood outside the Police rescue centre and walks in to start seeing what support is available. As it turns out these are the only two calls we are able to get out and they are crucial to the next phase of operation Mark. It takes a long time but we eventually start to get our heads above water during which time the waves have settled enough to feel we are through it. They have been 14 meters and I can tell you that from the deck of a small vessel they are huge.

I hope this gives a sense of what we experienced, there is lots more to tell but for now I need a sleep as we are approaching Port Philip in the early hours and should be alongside in Melbourne some time tomorrow afternoon. I have just heard that Mark was operated on last night and it was a bad break that has required rods. If I am left with anything it is a sense of pride in Spirit of Mystery, her crew and the huge support team from our own people to the Australian Rescue services pulling together and delivering Mark to Portsmouth. I will cover this in another blog but the fact that he didn't have to be airlifted off is a measure of the treatment Andy gave him with the support of experts. We stood with him on a stretcher, his good foot on Australia and it felt good, he can say he sailed there rather than having had to be airlifted at the last moment and little things like that are good for the soul and he deserves it.

Tomorrow this all comes to a conclusion and I hope that the original seven, I know they are watching, are happy with what we have done in their honour. We are even more inspired by them and hope that their relatives are happy with what we have done to shine a light on what was a little known achievement. I now have a real sense of their voyage and look forward to having a bit more time to research the background to their voyage in more depth. We can't wait to hug our loved ones and meet the Australian end of the project, but have a hint of sadness at something special about to end that started with looking for Oak in local woods.

As you can see from the above picture of all the crew touching the ground of Australia, Mark has been successfully taken ashore at Portland to receive hospital treatment. Pete, Andy and Eliot then left Portland at 1800hrs and Pete emailed saying that they have a soldiers wind at the moment so good progress is being had.
No ETA can yet be confirmed as to when Spirit of Mystery will arrive in Melbourne, if the wind goes SE before the crew make the turn at Cape Otway then it will slow them right down. Pete wrote: "We are so chuffed to get Mark all the way to Australia under their own steam and hope that he can be put on the boat by rib so that we all come in to the yacht club together." Pete finished off by saying that they were all very tired and that they hope to catch up a bit tonight, and he will try and find time for a blog tomorrow.

Keep reading the blog for the ETA of Spirit of Mystery's long awaited arrival.

I have just spoken to Pete and he is making his way into Porltand. All are in good spirits and paramedics are on board looking after Mark. Mark's wife Gina is now with us in Australia and will be catching up with Mark, when he is ashore, although they hope to speak on the phone shortly. In the mean time Pete has asked me to put this blog up for you all. Cheers, Stu.

Its feels like a lifetime since I have done a blog for things have been a real handful since we were caught up in what turned out to be 'the' storm of the trip; It just had to be the last one didn't it. As you will know we were struck by a huge wave on the starboard quarter which slammed poor old Spirit of Mystery well beyond ninety degree's. In doing so Mark's right leg was broken between the knee and ankle. Additional damage to the boat included the loss of Life raft, Dinghy and Man overboard equipment. Lots of other bits and bobs were torn from the boat and swept away. There was some damage to the Bulwark planking and where lashing points were ripped apart with what was shocking force there is exposed wood, screws and bolts. All primary structure is sound including the rudder and spars and I am left grateful that we were on Spirit of Mystery when it happened for any other boat would have been crippled. Below was absolute chaos with the port side of the boat up to and beyond the deckhead awash due to a huge amount of water below. Equipment was everywhere despite having the boat all strapped down for the storm.

I will do a proper blog/article on the storm in a couple of days once I find the time for we have not stopped since it happened. I guess the best we have been managing is about three hours sleep every twenty four so we have been stretched. As a crew we have all risen to the challenge and I feel immense pride in what has been achieved through fantastic teamwork and attitude. Mark has been an inspiration in the way he has handled the appalling consequences of his injury and the long drawn out aftermath which will start to draw to a conclusion once we get him ashore tomorrow. Imagine being in a storm on a small yacht with a wild and unpredictable motion and having to get below with the lower half of your leg flopping about, bones grinding away just to make sure you know things are not right. Below can offer but little comfort as it is flooded and the storm is not by any means over. I can tell you it takes great courage and fortitude and in witnessing it we have all been humbled.

His leg has been the centre of our world for the last handful of days as we try to get him ashore as soon as possible. Eliot and Andy have been outstanding in supporting Mark and getting our little world back towards some kind of order. We still have a lot to do but as of today feel we are getting on top of things and starting to be proactive rather than reactive. Marks leg has been more than the centre for our world for it has radiated out to the Australian rescue services and to Dr Spike Briggs of 'Medical Support Offshore Ltd' who are covering our medical backup. I just can't tell you how fantastic they have been both in the spirit and professionalism that has been demonstrated.


One of our problems has been damage to our communications making information flow challenging. We have had two planes overfly us, the last making a drop of extra morphine to manage the pain and a satellite phone for communications. The drops were an outstanding piece of flying, three canisters all landing within a 100 metres of the bow. At the moment Mark is in his berth with his leg stabilized to the point we are happy to stand down a helicopter extraction. We are motor sailing towards Portland which just under 100NM away and will be met by a Coast Guard Launch at dawn with a paramedic on board. If conditions allow we may transfer Mark there otherwise we take him into Portland ourselves.

Spirits are as high as they have ever been on this trip although we are desperately upset to be losing Mark at this stage of the voyage. Mark has no option but to put a brave face on things but it is tough after so much effort over the last year and half as we have worked towards our goal of reaching Melbourne. This trip was inspired by seven Cornishmen who set sail in 1854 for a better life in Australia. It remains the same, that is our focus, if anything we are even more inspired and will keep pushing on in the hope that Mark will be able to meet us on the dock in Melbourne with a pasty and pint.

I am sorry not to have been able to give you the blogs that I would have wanted too but trust you understand the situation we have been labouring under. Mandy tells us that many of you have sent in messages of support I have to say it means an awful lot to us. I look forward to writing a proper blog on the experience and all those that supported us in our time of need so selflessly.

Pete has emailed me and said that things are finally settling down on board. He hopes to continue with his blogs from tonight, but until then please find the latest news update below. The picture was taken by the Australian Rescue services - credit AeroRescue Essendon. Thanks for all your help, support and good wishes. Cheers, Stuart.

SPIRIT OF MYSTERY NEWS UPDATE 0100 GMT 060309

This is a news update concerning the ongoing situation with the Spirit of Mystery, which was knocked over by a large wave at about 23.30 hours GMT on Tuesday 3rd March (0930 hours boat time Wednesday 4th March) about 300 Nautical Miles South South-West of Kangaroo Island off Adelaide, South Australia.

Spirit of Mystery is currently making her way towards Portland on the South Coast of Australia. It has been decided not to attempt a helicopter transfer of the casualty, Mark Maidment, for two reasons: Firstly, Mark's condition is stable and comfortable; and secondly, helicopter transfers carry their own risks, especially in rolling seas. Usually a casualty would be transferred to a life raft and towed behind the vessel, from which a helicopter can winch the crewman to safety. However, the life raft has been lost in the knock down that caused the injury and damage.

Responsibility for the operation has been handed back from AMSA to the Victoria Police Rescue Coordination Centre. The intention is for Spirit of Mystery to continue towards Portland where Mark will be taken off the vessel and receive medical attention to his broken leg.

It is the crew's intention to continue towards Melbourne where they hope to arrive on Tuesday 10th March. Mark (44 years old and a serving Police Officer in the UK) has made it clear he wants the crew to finish their voyage.

Pete Goss (47) is the skipper of the boat that is re-enacting (with his crew comprising of his younger brother Andy (40), Pete's son Eliot (14) and brother in law Mark Maidment) the journey of seven Cornishmen who made the journey from Cornwall in the UK to Williamstown, Victoria to seek out a new life in the gold fields of Victoria 154 years ago. Pete is no stranger to the dangers of the Southern Ocean - he was awarded the MBE and Legion D'Honneur following his dramatic single-handed rescue of fellow competitor Raphael Dinelli in the 1996/7 Vendee Globe race.

Pete said: "It is a great shame that Mark is unable to complete the voyage with us and we will miss him terribly the moment he is taken off the boat. But it is his wish that we continue to Melbourne, where we hope to see as many boats as possible come out to guide us in to Williamstown."

Mark is determined to be fit and able enough to be there himself to greet his fellow crew members.

People can follow events as they unfold on the project website: www.petegoss.com, which features a daily blog, satellite tracking system and regular news updates. Members of the public are welcome to come down to the Royal Victoria Yacht Club to meet the crew and further details will be posted on the website in due course.

Members of the public can hear all about the adventures of the crew at a Talisker Tales event on Thursday 19th March 2009 at the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria. Details are available on the website.

Ends - Dated 060903

Stuart Elford
stuartelford@btinternet.com
0410 231145