Race 13 - Day 2
Crew Diary - Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland to Den Helder, Netherlands
19 July

Home.

Well what is home?

Home for the past eleven months has been a 70 foot racing yacht, travelling the many oceans of the world. Home going forward is back with my family.

As we sail up the River Thames in 11 days I will be truly home. Home for me isn't the arrival in St Katharine Docks in London, but Gravesend, my home sailing club (at the lower part of the Thames). It is amazing to think that when I had been learning to sail all those years ago off the sailing club, that my love for sailing would lead into my greatest adventure.

This adventure would not have been possible for me without the love and support from home. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank some of them personally. Firstly I would like to thank my Dad. He has always been my biggest supporter. Without you dad I wouldn't be the person I am today. You have always encouraged me to follow my dreams. Without both you and Mum, this dream would have stayed just that. A dream.

Mum, you have been there even through the roller-coaster which has been the last year. I know you have not been able to come to as many ports as you have liked, but always knowing you are there at the end of the phone, night or day has been a blessing.

And finally my baby sister Sammy. You have been my rock in more ways than you will ever know. Your surprise visit to Seattle was the best present you could have given me. You have all been there for me through the highs and lows of the last year. I can't wait to be home, when we will be a family again.

Family is a funny thing. You think of family as your relatives, by birth or by marriage. One thing this trip has taught me is family comes in many different shapes and sizes. I have a new family which consists of 50 amazing and courageous crew mates. Many who will be lifelong friends. As with any family we have had our ups and our downs, but we have experienced something special as a new family. I regard this group of people as my Garmin family. When we arrive back in London it will be a special moment for all of us. Especially those who have shared the experience from start to finish.

The success we have achieved is down to two things. One is team work – the hard work and determination of the crew have helped us to achieve our aim - a podium finish (well hopefully). The other is down to Ash. Our skipper who has safely navigated us through everything the world weather could throw at us. We have had every condition possible. But thankfully for Ash we have come out the other side. Our goals have been achieved thanks to Ash. Ash - all I can say is thank you for making this one of the best years of my life.

When I signed up for the Clipper Race four years ago just as the 2011-12 race returned I really didn't know what to expect. All I can say is this has been one of the best, scariest, bravest, maddest things I have ever completed. I have finally completed something major in my life. My friends thought I was mad when I first said I wanted to sail the world, and asked “wouldn't it be easier to fly?” at the time I said yes but that was too easy. Now I can say 100% that it would have been easier but the sense of achievement is outweighing it all.

There are many things I will miss about this last year, and also elements I will not. I won't miss being woken at 11pm to go on watch, having to get out of a nice warm cosy sleeping bag and getting into cold and damp clothes and boots to go on deck. I won't miss having to eat a full meal five minutes after getting up. I won't miss eating and drinking out of blue bowls and blue cups imprinted with the taste of coffee. I also won't miss the bracing whilst trying to eat food, using the heads (toilets) or trying to get dressed while the boat is at 45 degrees. And one thing is for sure I won't miss sleeping in a bunk with a lee cloth which needs adjusting every time the boat tacks or gybes.

Some of the elements I will miss about the last year are the sunrises and sunsets. I will miss laying at night looking at the stars and seeing the Milky Way in all its glory. I will miss the people. Every one of us has our own little ways and everybody is different. Some people are morning people, some are not. Some only function after they have had coffee, and some food.

But even with the little quirks I will still miss everyone.

But the thing I will miss most of all is the sailing. Sailing has become a way of life for me. How I deal with not being out on the water all day everyday who knows? I know I will be out sailing club racing within a few weeks, so I don't have to wait too long for my next sailing fix.

When you sign up for this experience they say it will change your life. I have learnt a large amount about myself on this trip. To me I have mellowed and relaxed. I have grown as a person in confidence (unfortunately not in height!). One thing that this adventure has taught me is life is too short. Live for every minute as you don't know what's around the corner.

With the realisation that reality is setting back in I am slowly thinking about settling back into life at home. Time, days of the week and the date are going to start meaning something again. But for now I am going to take each day as it comes, and live it as if it’s your last.

Once again a big thank you to all my followers and supporters over the last year, especially those who flew around the world to see me. I will catch up with you all once I am home.

That's it from me.

Over and Out

Hayley Wimpory