Race 13 - Day 4
Crew Diary - Derry-Londonderry to Liverpool
25 July

There are only three days left on my Clipper journey. Whilst the Atlantic crossing seemed to fly by - a real ocean sprint - this last crossing into Liverpool has become far more tactical, with gybes and tacks aplenty and Skipper Bob and First Mate Guy plotting our chart with intricate knowledge of winds, pressures and our competitors fortunes. It seems to be like a game of chess being played out at sea.

For me, having survived the Atlantic unscathed by sea-sickness, I mistakenly thought that I had conquered my biggest fear at sea. Sadly, this has not been the case, and the choppy waters of the Irish Seas have taken their toll. In these conditions, my watch mates have been truly outstanding. My inability to function on deck meant that Jen, Keith and Alison took on extra duties as I pathetically hung over the side of the boat. Then once on support watch below, Mirjam and Jen actually sent me to bed and gallantly assumed a third extra duties themselves. I will forever be grateful.

The Clipper experience is about many things, but seeing the support and care of the crew in my hour of need is something I will certainly take with me. I hope I can be as supportive of others in the future when the occasion arises.

Racing is becoming increasingly complicated. At one point, Guy will announce that we have taken the lead, only to conflict this by saying a few hours later that we are mid fleet or even towards the back of the competing boats. This seems to be a constant theme, and the constant twisting and turning of the fleet must appear very odd on the race viewer. I am sitting in the yacht and frankly have no idea where we are in relation to our destination or our competitors, so if you hare having equal trouble understanding at home, fear not. You are not alone. Perhaps someone can explain it all to me when we get back!

Stories of dried food and limited rations on other boats do not hold much weight on Unicef. Our trusty victualler has provided sirloin steak, smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels and a lamb tagine amongst others. There is plenty of fresh fruit and even real milk to have in our tea. If only all legs were as short as this one.

Today is Wednesday which means tomorrow is our penultimate day before the race end. Inevitably thoughts turn towards seeing our loved ones in Liverpool on Saturday. I for one can't wait to see the family coming up to see me in. I hope the final Ocean Sprint is a spectacular view for them and am glad they will get to see these truly majestic yachts – and in particular the bright blue one - in full sail as we sprint to the finish line in front of the Albert Docks. I can't wait.

Neil Kohler

Hi to Sabra, Ben and Galen from Richard