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

As we draw ever closer to our arrival into London and the end of our crazy but amazing journey, the remaining days lead to discussions about our experience on board. For some, this is a time of contemplation and reflection, for others who shall remain nameless (Phil), it represents an opportunity to consume the entire contents of the snack locker prior to our arrival :)

As you're no doubt aware, we've two opposing watches to run the yacht, these are entitled Port and Starboard. I think you'll agree that our wild creativity here on GREAT Britain knows no bounds.

I've been on Port watch since joining in China back in March and have enjoyed my time getting to know my sailing buddies. Whilst there are no specific roles onboard you often find that individuals gravitate to certain jobs that they feel more comfortable managing. In saying this, I'm no different and tend to work within the cockpit area controlling lines and sheets (ropes to those non boaty readers). Whilst I venture to the mast and bow for extra lugging and sail man-handling, I largely play a support role to those at the pointy (bow) end.

The bow team includes those who revel in the excitement of being on the foredeck, swamped with water as the waves crash over the bow during the hoisting and dropping of sails. On our watch we had once such person referred to as 'The Boy'. If in doubt of who should take on a job 'send the boy' could be heard from the helm.

Behind the cockpit is an altogether more sinister place – an area 'beyond the traveller.' For non-boaty types, the traveller is a piece of equipment the width of the yacht which controls the angle of the boom. This can be a particularly dangerous area and all crewmembers know to pass through this area quickly when required. I have found that being a cockpit hog, my needs to go beyond the traveller are few and far between and whilst I can only speak for my own watch, I've grown concerned by the mysterious effect that the traveller appears to have on the middle aged man's mood.

The once jovial 50-something gentleman begins to lose all signs of any patience, finding a reason to curse uncontrollably at the weather, sea state and anything else that they can find that lies outside of their control. As mentioned, I've rarely ventured beyond the traveller for fear of contracting GOMS otherwise known as Grumpy Old Man Syndrome. Should you encounter GOMS, the recommended cure normally involves cake and condensed milk, (it reminds them of their childhood), however if you do not have these to hand then a cup of tea and a biscuit will also work well. In some cases humour can also be successful however this can be fraught with danger and may result in increased GOMS if ill-placed. Dear readers, in the event that you encounter a yacht with a traveller, please be wary of the area beyond it.

So apart from the need to be wary of GOMS in 12 years time (I'm 38....no seriously, I am), what else have I learnt. Well you may recall that in an earlier blog, I revealed that my Clipper Race journey was less about sailing and more about personal development and that is still the case now. With my time on GREAT Britain nearing an end, I not only take with me a huge number of treasured memories and a massive sense of achievement but also some important life lessons. If there's one thing I've learnt more than anything else it's the need for tolerance. Whilst this is a personal goal I have, the recent terrorist attacks in Orlando and just last week in Nice only go to highlight how we could all benefit from seeing a little more tolerance in our everyday lives. I will always value my Clipper Race experience and those with whom I had the opportunity to share it with. You each know who you are and GOMS aside, I've been grateful to share it with each and every one of you.

Noel Beavis