What a time it has been, Yacht Club Punta Del Este have been the most fantastic hosts for the start of our circumnavigation.
Every small and large detail was covered, from a seamless laundry service, to golf buggies for transport, to phone chargers in the bar, to the Prizegiving, the gala dinner and the incredible asado.
It is safe to say these people know how to celebrate in style. The whole UNICEF team would like to thank our wonderful attaches: Marisu, Lorena and Emily for their welcome into their country, and also their home. You are three incredibly kind people, and we are privileged to have had you as our hosts, your help was immensely appreciated by us all, and you are definitely part of our big blue clipper boat family.
Also, huge thanks to the Race Office and Maintenance Team for the work you all put into making stopovers a relaxing and fun time for us.
The Race Start for us was not as good as we had hoped, but as I write we have clawed it back, and are sitting in a lovely position.
The weather systems ahead, are going to prove challenging, and we are prepared for all eventualities, north, south or east...anything but west, I guess. It was somewhat comedic to spend some time lingering in the range of Isla des Lobos, after the many hours we spent in a wind hole near it on the end of Leg 1. We are now passed it, and while sad to be leaving Uruguay, delighted to not see that island again.
We have fewer crew on this leg, and we are sorry Lilla, Thomas, Martin and Oggie are unable to join us for different reasons, but we hope we can do you proud as you follow from home.
3,555nm miles to South Africa, lets flipping go.
Dan, Laura, and the UNICEF crew