Race 1 - Pre-race
Crew Diary - Race 1 Day 0
02 September
A mother held back her tears and saluted the courage and determination of her daughter. Children simultaneously sobbed and screamed enthusiastically from supporter boats as parents sailed past. Partners wiped away tears to cheer for their partners. Budding new relationships were put on hold. New friendships between supporters and crew were forged. Hugs between crew members dampened anxiety and provided peace and serenity. Skippers balanced the responsibility of piloting a 70 ft Clipper Race sailboat, leading a crew, and the urge to become a fan of the spectacle. A wide range of emotions were on full display as the Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Yacht Race fleet slipped lines, organised, and then proceeded up and down the Thames, passing twice under Tower Bridge during the parade of sail. The day arrived, and no one was disappointed.
The number of people and the magnitude of the celebration for the departure of the Clipper 2019-20 Round the World Yacht Race was bigger than most ever imagined. Those who never experienced the start or finish of the Clipper Race were impressed. Thousands of supporters lined the pontoon surrounding the fleet at St. Katharine Docks, and lined the Thames from London Bridge to Tower Bridge and beyond. The busy Tower Bridge opened for the fleet twice, causing London traffic to grind to a halt. Friends nearby who could not attend the celebration and in distant countries on other continents, who didn’t know of the Clipper Race before their friends signed up for the race of a lifetime, watched at home and sent messages to departing crew described it as “fabulous and exciting” or “emotional”. No one was disappointed.
After weeks of training which has included travel over oceans, across continents, through the bucolic English countryside, the day arrived. Race Crew members hungry for adventure assembled on assigned boats and, lead by Skippers eager for victory and fame, paraded around and through St. Katharine Docks. Each team was welcomed on the stage by theme songs, enthusiastic cheers and thunderous applause from excited fans. Confident Skippers being interviewed, feigned humility. The fans were not disappointed.
One by one, crew paraded around the lower pontoon and stepped on their boat which will be their home until their race ends. One by one, at precise intervals, each boat slipped its lines and departed St. Katharine Docks for the Thames. The spectacle was left behind. Crew were left to themselves to race their yachts around the world. They were not disappointed.
It’s time.