Race 11 - Day 1
Crew Diary - Paul Briggs, Day 1
02 May
We’re on our way again…
...Next stop Panama! Getting back on GoToBermuda is like going home, it’s great to be back. Leaving Seattle was quite something – it was spectacular being part of a line of boats pictured against the Seattle skyline on a gorgeous sunny day. And as the city and crowd of supporters disappeared, the wonderful coastal scenery of trees and snow-capped mountains took over. I’m writing this while in my newly laundered sleeping bag, which is warm and dry, and just so cosy – actually I think, better than my very nice bed in the Waterfront Marriott Envoy Hotel.
So, reflecting on the last week, it's been a total whirlwind. A disappointing end to the Pacific crossing, after getting stuck in a windhole 50 metres from the finish line seems like a lifetime ago. However, the immense feeling of pride of being part of a team of incredible individuals, who together successfully crossed the North Pacific, is stronger than ever – what an achievement, and what an adventure! Seattle has been very busy, in my case working with a small group, and spending many waking hours in supermarkets souring provisions for this next leg, in fact enough supplies to get us to New York – feeding 15 people for 50 days. Costco, Target and Walmart became our second homes, and everywhere we went people wanted to know all about the Clipper Race, and gave us their help and good wishes – we felt like we were local celebrities; everyone at the Marriott was very helpful too – we even took over the luggage room with our immense piles of supplies. The only downside was that other hotel guests kept handing me their luggage tickets and asking me to retrieve their suitcases! And of course we also found time to relax, with some great nights out, along with some great food and drinks – Seattle is definitely a cool place, it’s been great.
Anyway, it’s time to go now as I can smell the burgers (with all the trimmings) and potato wedges that we are having for dinner tonight.
Like I already said, what an adventure, and what a life – I am very lucky :)
P.S – lots of love to Mandy <3