A Line Start to the race, a bit more hectic than usual, with every boat close to one another. Tack here, a tack there. Not enough time to catch your breath. One minute mark all boats set off, found ourselves in the middle of the fleet, right next to Zhuhai.
Going into this race, there is a lot at stake for many boats, for us in particular, we are trying to keep our fourth position on overall standings against UNICEF who is just one point behind us. In the midst of the wind hole we were in, the first few hours of the race, found a gap and were able to make distance from the rest of the fleet.
Fast forward to today, finally got some wind. But still, UNICEF is nowhere to be seen. As I am a competitive person it did not sit well with me that we didn’t catch up to them.
Nonetheless, whenever you are on the Dare To Lead boat, there is never time for dull moments. Warm food, good snacks, and laughter is all that it takes.
Coming to the end of the race, I take this time to send out my appreciation to the people who made this possible for me.
First and foremost, Dirk, the sponsor of Dare To Lead. If he did not see me fit enough to have done the race and represent the program well, I would not be here today, so a big thank you goes out to him.
The Clipper Race staff - from the Skippers and First Mates, that prepared me for this race and the Race Office that took care of my needs on stopovers and to the maintenance crew always making sure the boats were all safe for us to use. A huge thank you for all your dedication and the memories we have made.
From the volleyball, to the meet-ups at Markie Dan’s at the Oban stopover. All memories to remember.
Then to the amazing Skipper Ryan, AQP Charlie, and the brilliant crew of Dare To Lead. The memories made during the whole race, are indeed ones that will forever rest in my heart and all the lessons learned will surely be ones I will spread to the younger generation back at home.
I’d like to think of this journey as the rising of the sun and falling of the moon. As I transition to a better self not just for me, but all those that surround me.
It’s been great. Until we meet again.
Olwami Zungu