Race 5 - Day 4
Crew Diary - Race 5 Day 4
05 January

In the Moment.

I’ve been thinking about and planning for this trip for over six years (stretched out a bit because of Covid) and had thought through the challenges ahead and how I could prepare.

Now, all of a sudden, we are into Leg 4, and in less than a month will be halfway through!!

Already I have material for five scrapbooks! As well as memories to cherish.

In no order, my top memories so far:

• Upwind into Force 9 on day 3 of Leg 1 – Welcome to the Clipper Race!
• First proper night sky (First of many) – Berzillion stars – realising how ignorant I am of the constellations.
• Seeing the North Star sit lower and lower on the horizon as we headed South (Yes, you heard that, flat earth believers!)
• Numerous, Porpoises and Dolphins and occasional Whales.
• Crossing the Equator (First time ever for me).
• Painfully slow arrival into Punta Del Este but then making eye contact with Lisa.
• “Assado” (Big BBQ) hosted by Punta – Wonderful setting/food/atmosphere.
• Lightning Strike (noise of a canon) and debris floating down from the mast (Wind Instruments, Race 3)
• Mega “Squall” and double reef in the dark with waves crashing all over the boat, early Race 3.
• Losing the Code 2 into the water and desperately trying to get back and retrieve it before it sank (Race 3).
• Albatrosses playing with the wind and waves. Their flight is simply mesmerizing.
• Arrived in Cape Town all desperately tired and somewhat dejected after another 10th place.

• Fabulous stay in Cape Town – Wow! - Thanks to Phil and Jo and great to see Nemo, Kylo, Jennie, and Justin. THE BEST Fillet steak ever and the amazing Aquilla Game Reserve.
• Hard but successful leg 3 – FIRST PLACE! - Warm welcome from the great town of Freemantle – Could easily live there!! It- Great to catch up with Lisa, Wendy, Mark, and Lynn as well as the McNamara’s (Cousin’s Dad’s Side).
• Leg 4 – Tough upwind start but the crew is gelling now and a great vibe on board (and so good to have Ella back fit and well).

My point is that I feel we are packing so much into this year, and yet it is flying past. Each day I have to remind myself to “Stay in the Moment”. Even if it is another day of sea horizon, yet more sail changes, the boat on the heal, soak it up, take it in, and draw the positives. I won’t get this time again.

An unusual Christmas and New Year Await.

Season’s Greetings to you all!