Race 2 - Day 13
Crew Diary - Race 2 Day 13: Punta del Este to Cape Town
17 October

This is Day 13 of our journey, and Team Nasdaq gallops on to Cape Town.

We are nineteen in this rollicking wagon, bound in body and spirit to a mighty stallion. He pulls us continuously, headlong over an uneven grey-green meadow, day and night, dizzyingly fast, and tediously slow. It is a vast meadow, it regularly dulls the senses, leading minds to wander towards our loved ones and friends, other adventures, or other meadows we have trod before. But it is often glorious walls of green or grey, sprays of silver and blue, this under a canopy of vast blue skies or innumerable stars, glowing in the radiance of the sun or the moon.

This meadow itself is treacherous; its hills and valleys cause our cart to lurch about, throwing us off our feet, into the walls, and onto the floor. It pushes us aside and off our course, grabs at our wheels, ensnares us, impedes us. Its evil goblins conspire to throw tubs of salt water over our heads, into our faces and eyes, soaking our waterproof gloves and our waterproof boots.

But we wipe the salt from our eyes and the sweat from our brows, shake our fists at adversity, put our heads down and push on. We take turns holding the reins of this beast pulling us along, holding on with death-grips, knowing this is the link that will guide us through this quest to its end.

And we know in our hearts that this ordeal has joined each of us in an uncommon bond. We rely on each other, all. Because we know each has a vital role to play and success will only come if we all join together, sharing our various talents to complete a whole.

So we beat on, day after night after day after night. The nineteen of us, and this grand steed, racing over God's great green field.

For ages, humankind has felt an urge to go to sea, explore and cross oceans. I can now say, “Been there, done that!” Big Thanks to all following and supporting. A special hug to Jenny, Sarah, Matt, Emma, Mom, and Dad. Shout out to Guy Brierre and the folks at Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans - thanks for the inspiration and practice. Geaux Tigers! Geaus Saints! Up The Toffees! Next stop, Cape Town!