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

As our year of living adventurously draws to a close many of us are reflecting on what has been achieved and simultaneously trying to anticipate what a return to shore life will look like.

We have sailed in some of the remotest parts of the planet-- oceans that most people never see. We have confronted extreme conditions and discovered an astonishing capacity to overcome fear and perform well in adversity and danger. The sorrow and fear arising from the deaths of two of our comrades underscores the scale of our achievements. It has been a year of exceptional personal growth and discovery.

Long ocean crossings in racing mode are arduous and present unique challenges. Success is dependent on effective leadership, determination and commitment, a sense of humour and capacity to have fun, good victualling, and willing teachers. Garmin has been fortunate to be crewed by men and women rich in these attributes. They have stepped up to the bar to ensure we could be competitive and still enjoy being a happy boat. This has greatly enhanced the quality of my experience.

So as I prepare myself to return to kith and kin I am struggling with conflicting emotions. I want to complete and I want to return home but I am sad that my life at sea will shortly be over and our team will disperse. I have experienced this "postnatal depression" before at the end of large construction projects. It is the price we pay to win the rewards of taking on challenging endeavours others reject. We have become a unique band of brothers and sisters. No one else can fully understand what we have achieved. It is a compelling reason to ensure we meet again-- sometime, some place.

--Campbell Mackie