Race 13 - Day 4
Crew Diary - Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland to Den Helder, Netherlands
21 July

Elaine Hargreaves
Elaine Hargreaves
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Well hello again from ClipperTelemed+,

In what could well be my last blog of the race; I'll share some personal thoughts with you.

This has been an epic race; probably the toughest thing I've ever done. At moments I've been scared; excited, bewildered; freezing cold; very sweaty and in pain. Not all at once thank goodness! Would I do it again? - yes ! Will I sail after this? - yes !

However most of all I am really looking forward to seeing my friends and family again. One huge upside is the massive and unconditional support I have received from my friends; words are not enough to thank them. I have formed friendships which far exceeded my expectations and they will continue long after the race; this race has changed many lives and I'm told by previous crew, more changes will be in store on the return and for many months to come.

That's exactly why I took on this challenge and spent a year doing it - I am the same person; but I've taken away from this experiences that will inform my thinking; challenge what I can accomplish, enhance my relationships and they have already set me on an optimistic path. I cannot tell you what the future holds at this time; but I can tell you that Sir Robin is right - my thoughts are really turning to what's next ? My thinking is clearer and I'm more confident; so there will be a next - watch this space!

I remember meeting my crew mates for the first time; back in Portsmouth in April 2015. We shared our hopes for the race; how we wanted to race and our values that we were going to try and live by. I'm hugely proud that our reputation is that we are friendly team; one that had suffered several knockbacks but that we kept on striving until we finally achieved three podiums in a row; and one where we embraced diversity; where social leadership was in abundance as well as sailing leadership and an atmosphere where all could contribute. It’s not been easy at times - but then if it was - everyone would be doing this!

Another year on and most of us are at an age where each year loved ones are no longer with us; this goes out to Andy and Sarah but also to our crew mates and supporters who have lost loved ones this year. Life can be cruel sometimes but we all know the lesson that we need to live in the moment; Carpe diem!

And so as we race to our final stopover - Den Helder in Holland and the thought of some pancakes; my thoughts turn to preparations to finally come home and how I'm going to get all my kit home! (minor detail !) I'd better buy some tissues and some bubbles – it is going to be a happy and amazing reunion.

If you think we deserve a party on our return; there's the Stormhoek Social Spirit Award - a final award given to the team that has won the most spirit awards throughout the race and the prize is a massive dockside party in St Kats - for the team and all supporters. I'm encouraging you to vote and it would be great to win; but there have been so many amazing stories of true spirit in this race - please nominate and vote for the team you think deserves it.

Also we are in the running for the Henri Lloyd Seamanship Award; one of eight finalists - again please visit the Henri Lloyd website and choose your winner.

We are all winners; to have taken part in this magnificent race across the planet and experienced Mother Nature at her most powerful; creative and her amazing beauty.

ClipperTelemed+ out for now

Much love to all

Elaine xxxx