Race 13 - Day 5
Crew Diary - Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland to Den Helder, Netherlands
22 July

Well, this penultimate race has certainly not let us get away with an easy ride. Although one of the shortest races, we have experienced a bit of everything. Strong steady winds with some squally weather to add a bit of excitement, through to the frustrations of light variable winds and no wind conditions. We have had some wonderful sailing (the sort that reminds me why I signed up and why I have kept on going for all of these months!) under white sails and spinnaker as well as some horrible choppy seas which we slammed in to causing the resurgence of seasickness in some.

Added to all this is the excitement and stress of the close, tactical sailing with the rest of the fleet, in particular Garmin, knowing that one mistake could put us right at the back of the pack jeopardising our overall position.

This race really has been the highlights version of this edition of the Clipper Round the World adventure. And it is not quite over yet.

Race 13, the penultimate race of this Clipper Race Edition has just ended with GREAT Britain finishing at 0631 local, a couple of miles ahead of our arch-rivals Garmin after a closely fought race through the gas rigs, shipping and misty gloom of the southern North Sea.

After nearly 11 months away it felt strange, yet comforting to be back in UK waters; sailing past the beautiful Scottish coastline, spotting familiar names on the charts I have heard so many times listening to the shipping forecast trying to fall asleep and once again passing the Greenwich meridian into the East. Life on board has continued much as it always has with the watches rolling through each day, with brief chats with the other watch before they, or we, quickly scarper down below to a delicious meal whipped up by the mothers and then some much needed sleep.

Being the victualler for the GREAT Britain team has meant that food has played a very central role in my Clipper Race experience - nothing new there I hear my friends and family saying as I do like my food! From devising the weekly meal plan, to writing the shopping list, purchasing said shopping list and packing it all away on the boat, to finding it all again each day for the mothers to turn into breakfast, lunch and dinner, it really has been quite a job. But one I have for the most part enjoyed, especially when you hear people complimenting the mothers for another excellent meal.

One thing I have learnt from this role is the wonder that is British supermarkets. Never again will I moan about a trip to buy the groceries as the variety, quantity and quality of the goods available in the UK has not been surpassed in any of the countries we have visited on this trip. Often the purchasing of the different ingredients was by far the most difficult and time consuming part, so when I spotted a Sainsbury’s coming into Derry I did shout for joy!

And yes, the shopping for this current race was a pleasure especially as I had a bit of budget left for a few treats (such as icecream for dessert) which have gone down well. A huge thank you to all the crew that have helped me in the different stopovers and also to my boyfriend Phil, sister Annabel and my Mum and Dad for all their help. I couldn't have done it without you and I do know that spending "quality time" with me during the stopovers usually meant a visit to the supermarket or checking out the local butchers when I am sure you would have much preferred sightseeing. Looking forward to doing more grocery shopping with you when I am home!

Claire Chapman