Race 1 - Day 30
Crew Diary - Race 1 Day 30: Liverpool to Punta del Este
19 September

For the first time in a very long time, we are not required to clip on with our safety tether when on deck. It is daylight and the winds are also very light. But for weeks we have now been tethered whenever on deck and holding on to some handrail, counter or anything else when down below. It strains the body being constantly rocked back and forth and up and down while using arms and core muscles to counteract the movements. I sometimes wonder for how long time I will feel the imaginary rocking of the yacht when on dry land again.

Last night, I failed to follow the rule about one hand for the boat (to hold on) and one hand for you (to do your task) when the boat suddenly rocked violently and unexpectedly. This resulted in me losing my balance and slamming my head into one of the upper cupboards in the galley. Luckily the cupboard was where it was and my head hit it or otherwise my fall would had been a lot longer. I ended up with a bump on the back of my head and a reminder of always being prepared for that unexpected movement when below decks.

As a legger (Leg 1), my journey is approaching its end. Just a few more days now and we should arrive in Punta Del Este. As much as I am looking forward to the arrival, I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to my new friends and fellow crew members on team Liverpool 2018. But at least I will have a week or so together with them in Punta del Este before leaving for my flight back to normal life in northern Norway.

After being on the yacht for over 4 weeks now I really admire the persons who fulfil a full 11 month circumnavigation with the Clipper Race. This is definitely not a vacation. I will follow Liverpool 2018 on their journey around the world and hope to see most of my fellow crew back in Liverpool in July 2018.

Thank you to all our supporters following Team Liverpool 2018! Stay with us all the way!

Torbjorn “Toby” “Tobinator” Nordmo