Race 12 - Day 16
Crew Diary - New York, USA to Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland
06 July

Lara Sword
Lara Sword
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Hooray we finally made it around Rockall: it only took about 14 hours! And probably the longest 14 hours of our lives. But not the worst…

As we rounded the Christmas pudding looking rock we seemed to attract a lot of wildlife. Birds seemed to land either side of the boat, just floating around, while we were also visited by 2 whales. They came and went quickly but still helped with our boredom. Travelling 1km and seemingly always in the wrong direction the animals were welcome distractions.

En route to Rockall, Garmin made a getaway and due to the time they made it to the island I have no doubt they too were able to hoist a kite and get some rather good speeds heading back towards Derry-Londonderry. As we Gybed around Rockall, we rose our lightweight spinnaker ready to sprint back to the mainland and the wind changed. Up went the headsails and off we sailed (slowly) not quite in the right direction.

This has quite possibly been the most frustrating day I've had sailing. Yes, I've sat in wind holes that have lasted days and certainly been trucking along in the wrong direction many times, but we are so so close to where we need to go yet so so far. Also I only rationed enough cigarettes to last me until the 6th (and that was one a day after sharing them out), because we will DEFINITELY be in on the 6th (Grrrr).

But at least we are moving, in kind of the right direction.

Still cannot wait to see everyone and guess what guys? I'm nearly home!

Big love to all

Lara xxxx