For those avidly following along on the Race Viewer, you will have noticed our last 24 hours have been in a slightly different direction and involved a stop in the Cape Verde islands. The reason for this stop was to medically evacuate one of our crew members; Oggie, so he could receive medical care. Oggie is now safely with the medical team in Cape Verde and receiving the care he needs.
The past few days, our phenomenal crew member turned medical assistant, Lilla has been working tirelessly, ensuring Oggie has been monitored and on the MSOS recommended treatment allowing us to get him to Cape Verde. Her knowledge, insight and advice has been immensely helpful. We are lucky to have her.
Oggie leaving was a difficult moment for all of the Race Crew. He’s one of our toughest cookies, and an incredibly hard worker with a caring and calming nature which was appreciated onboard by us all. We are so glad he is in the right hands, and really hope to see him soon. We send our best to Oggie and his family and know the whole Big Blue Clipper Family will be rooting for a speedy recovery.
Once Oggie left, we filled up our water tanks and headed off to get back to racing. Some of us reckon it was one of the quickest visits to a country ever. We have now resumed racing, and are storming south from the islands, waiting to see if being the most westerly boat allows us to catch back up with the front of the fleet.
We wish our friends on Bekezela the best of luck, as they also make course for Cape Verde for their own medical evacuation tomorrow morning. These times are a reminder of the importance to look after one another, stay safe and make the most of everyday.
Dan, Laura and the UNICEF crew