Race 1 - Day 33
Crew Diary - Race 1 Day 33: Liverpool to Punta del Este
22 September

The Final Tack

So the final batch of boat bread for this leg is in the oven. Not to blow my own trumpet too much but I'm getting a dab hand at it. No recipe needed! Although kneading bread at 45 degrees has been a challenge in these early hours and this could be my first flop. Oh well, we're on the final approach to Punta Del Este and the quality of my last loaves isn't going to be high on people's agendas. It's been a long leg across the Atlantic Ocean and we're ready to hit terra firma and enjoy a Uruguayan welcome. We've been up and down the position list like a yo-yo, fighting hard to regain positions after setbacks, but unfortunately the last windhole derailed our race campaign and we've run out of nautical miles to get us back into a podium position. I know the Unicef supporters have been willing us on and thanks for all the positive thoughts.

So what has the last 30 odd days been like? We've tacked, gybed, trimmed, hoisted and dropped sails, wrapped spinnakers, torn spinnakers, repaired spinnakers...all in pursuit of the best VMG. Our Code 1 Spinnaker is now referred to as 'Frankenkite' or more lovingly 'Frankie'. She has served us well since the mammoth repair session. We've been drenched in sweat in the Doldrums, frequently had buckets of sea water thrown at us and been soaked by squalls. We've been sitting leisurely on deck and hanging precariously on the high side. We've fallen into our bunks and some of us out of them. We've been tired. A good night's sleep a thing of the past (see the Eulogy to Sleep blog). We can't remember what day it is or when we last changed our pants or washed our hair. Personal hygiene is quickly forgotten when you're wedged in the heads trying to clean your teeth and moving around is a mammoth task of agility. 'Just the essentials until we get the wind behind us' - whenever that is, as some tacks last a week. Sudocrem, talc and wetwipes (they are king) have kept us clean and relatively yachty botty free but there is a distinct 'Eau de Clipper' below deck. A delicate mix of 21 musty bodies, some stinky feet, damp kit and burnt dinner. Definitely no demand to bottle and sell it. A stash of peanut butter M&Ms has kept the grumps at bay. Chocolate deprivation was a serious concern of mine. But fear not, our Victualler Alison did a fantastic job of getting treats onboard although with 'Snackgate' early on there were some stock concerns.

We've watched dolphins dart across the bow, turtles wave their flippers and whales flick their tails, with one getting a little too close for comfort. We've seen flying fish dart across the top of the ocean. We're convinced it's a lot of fun and they are smiling. Well, at least until a boobie (seabird) swoops down and has them for tea. These cheeky boobies have been using us for cover and stealth attacks. A couple of us have been (un)fortunate to have been up close and personal to these winged aquatic creatures. Two face slaps to count and plenty of pandemonium as they land onboard and flap around the cockpit with crew squealing and the odd cry of "help me!" I swear it's the wings that make them more foreboding and my goodness they stink. We've had some new crew members as well. Generally of the small feathered variety. They don't stay long, hitching a quick ride and jumping ship after a short rest. Some enjoying below deck comforts, others the on deck vista.

Tomorrow we arrive in Punta del Este and my Clipper Race adventure starts to wind down. I don't want to start reflecting just yet as there is still plenty to do on arrival getting our beloved CV21/Unicef ready for the next race and enjoying some Uruguayan hospitality. I've been tasked with the role of Stopover Manager. I'm convinced this is due to my love of lists, not my bossiness, but some Level 4 training companions may disagree! There's been talk of me taking on this role at every stopover port but not sure what work will say about that!

What I will say is that it's been a tough but fantastic journey. I've pushed myself physically and mentally but that was the point. Otherwise I would have gone on a beach holiday or twenty! Have I changed as a person? Let's see what the folks back home say. My culinary skills have certainly improved! That's an added bonus. Most importantly I've met some fantastic people and forged some great friendships. That was also the point.

Thanks to all my family, friends and colleagues for all their support and kind donations to Unicef, and a special thanks to everyone who waved me off in Liverpool. What a send off! Nice work skipper Bob. Not an easy task to join a round the world race campaign just over a month before race start. A lot of work to get this motley lot into an efficient race crew but we're getting there and the hard work will pay off with some good results in the coming legs I'm sure. Thanks to all the Unicef crew for making this such a fantastic experience. A great bunch of people.

Finally to 'Wetfoot Watch'. We've been silly and serious, cuddled in the cold, laughed with each other and at each other but most importantly supported each other. I'm going to miss you. Team Unicef - I'll be glued to the race viewer, expecting to see you at the front of the pack (no pressure) and look forward to reading the blogs. Sail fast and clip on.