Race 13 - Day 1
Crew Diary - DERRY-LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND TO DEN HELDER, NETHERLANDS
18 July

Hello to all our supporters

What an amazing time in Derry city! After a long and tense morning at the end of the last race, we were greeted by a flotilla of local boats to welcome us in, which lifted our spirits enormously. We were greeted by crowds on the quayside including friends and family dressed in supporter purple, purple sashes, garlands and hair!. After lots of confetti, cannon fire, champagne and lone piper to see us in we were free to relax on land and catch up on all the news.

We were kept busy through the week with both boat maintenance and corporate events.

This did not prevent the crew from partying!

And so departure day arrives, with breakfast delivered on board, photographs with the Mayor and a choir to help us on our way. After 2 laps along the river we were again greeted by confetti and a band to send us on our way. . With a final wave and good wishes from the crowd we headed down the river to commence Race 13. While motoring lunch was served and comprised of a lovely roast beef and Yorkshire pudding kindly provided by Eimear Owen's mum. Thank you very much for such a contribution.

It was fun and games at Greencastle with yachts tacking and gybing around each other in order to get a good position at the start line. It was finally time signalled by another loud boom heard from shore.

So we are on our way to the Netherlands and wonder what lies ahead of us on the North Sea.

Just a reminder about the Spectator boat which is for our crew’s family and friends only.

Please check Facebook for further information on tickets and departure time.

Love Olive.