Race 12 - Day 15
Crew Diary - New York, USA to Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland
05 July

We now 70 miles off the coast of Ireland, heading ENE towards Tory Island off Donegal, in the final stages of our great Atlantic Crossing from New York.

Our 3,000 mile voyage has been one of three contrasting stages. The first five days east from New York was a lively, sometimes wet, but windy and warm experience with good southerly/southwesterly winds helping us kite

As much as 297 miles a day. As well as making good speed our task was to remain south of the "Ice Box" - a wide area of iceberg "growlers" south of Newfoundland which had to be avoided. Otherwise, disqualification or even

a brush with a big white one!

The second five days saw us heading north easterly towards Ireland along the rim of an Azores High in mid Atlantic, bringing with it warm sunshine and a few too calm days in mid ocean. Drying time for gear and crew proved welcome, with some good following winds.

The past 5/6 days have delivered more of the Atlantic type weather we are familiar with in Ireland. Windy, wet and wild, with turbulent seas proving a challenge for all on board as 45 degree angles took hold and some bracing cool-cold air brought us back to British Isles reality. Dry suits emerged.

Now approaching the Donegal coast we will round Tory Island before

Heading north west to round Rockall (my claims of Irish ownership are hotly disputed on board!!), back south east to Rathlin Island and then to Derry-Londonderry.

The leading boats (not us, you understand!) are now past Rockall some 200 miles ahead of us. We are hoping to reach Derry-Londonderry by Friday but will need favourable winds.

As we approach my homeland island, and the final stages of the round the world race, the round the worlders and us leggers are starting to reflect on the whys, the experiences, the rationale and benefits of this once in a lifetime adventure.

Mixed and different feelings abound, but for me it has been a wonderful adventure and experience, despite the hardships and challenges involved. Crossing those oceans (Southern and Atlantic), the Sydney-Hobart Race, New York, Australia, Cape Town, the various crews on board, the friendships made, the lessons learned, the fun, the camaraderie, and of course. Some wonderful sailing experiences. For me, it has never been about winning, but "doing it" and enjoying the experience. All boxes ticked!

As we head for "home", we look forward to what promises to be a memorable week in Derry-Londonderry, a dash to Amsterdam (some great memories there!), London finish and then back to our families and that "real world" out there. Or......is this that real world?!?!?!?

Just as I finish, the call from up on deck is "Land Ahoy!". Home.

A special PSP Logistics shout out to Bob, Georg's dad who is turning 80. Happy Birthday Bob, I hope you have a great day. Love from Georg