Race 13 - Day 5
Skipper Report
27 July
Hello team,
How are you this final “Fizz” Friday for this race? How are you feeling? Have you got your exit plan, something to fill the void of no blogs to read, no Race Viewer to follow? Ian, what are you going to do with the wall map of the world and your boat pins now? As we make our way up towards Liverpool and the fleet assembly area for the sprint race down the Mersey to Race Finish and to be reunited with our loved ones, there are mixed emotions on the GREAT Britain.
Before I get round to articulating my thoughts though, I'll just give you a quick update on Thursday, our last full day of racing day on the water. Well, having rounded Virtual Mark Scilly, we popped the kite and had a duel with Dare To Lead for about three hours until they eventually took the advantage of a couple of our kite collapses, overtook us and pulled away. However, nature was on hand to give us a lift having lost a place. What we think were Minky whales had a broaching competition about ten boat lengths away from us. Truly amazing sight, the both of them completely out of the water appearing to try and out do it each other and only 60 miles south west of the Milford Haven estuary.
This isn't my final blog, that comes tomorrow, but I know a lot of you will be busy, some coming to the banks of the Mersey to see GREAT Britain and the rest of the fleet arrive. I didn't want to miss the opportunity to catch up and thank you for your company since January.
What this team has achieved over the last eleven months is remarkable. No, they are not in the running for a podium place for the overall race. They have however had 3 podium finishes, two which were consecutive races and they have been awarded the Stormhoek Social Spirit award twice. That shows team spirit and determination. This has been an incredibly competitive edition of Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. Racing has been tight. 20 hours between the first and last boat across the North Pacific, 6000nm in one of the harshest oceans in the world with hurricane strength winds and phenomenal sea states as well. “Somewhat sporty old chap.”
Not only that, but the team has had to deal with the devastating and tragic loss of a fellow team member and key crewman, in Simon. A new Skipper then brought further unsettlement, having to adjust to new thinking and new ways. All this whilst coping with the incredible demands of pushing themselves to the limits of sailing an ocean-going race boat in some of the most demanding conditions across the globe. An achievement that must be applauded and recognised.
That is just one emotion that the crew will be dealing with. There will be lots of others, being home again with family and friends who have been missed. Adjusting to the reality of an adventure completed and just what that means. There may be guilt for being away for so long and missing parts of family life and significant events. I have mixed emotions about returning to the Mersey having set off from Liverpool having built one team, then seeing it disbanded and distributed across the fleet, to returning to the race as the Skipper of another; whilst not fulfilling my personal goal. I struggle with the conflict of the call of the sea, some unfinished business, the need for “normality” and to be with my soulmate Lorraine.
I would like to thank a few people who have helped run this boat since January. Jon and Pip who have been my main Watch Leaders and got to understand my ways, but maybe not my sense of humour. The additional qualified persons, all four of them, two Marmite lovers, Jeremy and Scotty and two Marmite haters Trevor and Alex. Thanks guys, we really enjoyed your company and the extra dynamic you brought to GREAT Britain. Clearly also all the GREAT Britain team members who I have had the pleasure of sailing with.
Thanks to the Royal Dee Yacht Club, for allowing us to have the honour to fly your club burgee, around the globe. Sorry we lost the first one in the North Pacific, but it was during a gybe in 60 knots of wind in a phenomenal sea state. Something all Ocean Warriors should try at least once.
Lorraine, my amazingly understanding better half, who has put up with a roller coaster of a year and moved us as well. Thank you so much and I cannot wait to be at home again or should I say in our new home. [Any chance of the address please ;-)]
And finally, to all of you, our race crew supporters, friends and families who have supported GREAT Britain every mile. You may think that normality is around the corner. I would ask that you continue your support. For some crew their need for support will start now, as they work out what they have achieved and what it means to them. Now is not the time to make decisions on what comes next. Now is a time for celebration and spending some quality time with friends and family and re adjustment. Thank you all for your unconditional support over this incredible journey, it is appreciated far more than you know.
Standby this channel - out.
Dave