For the last time, we are off on Race 14. Oban to Portsmouth. It was an action-packed start. For the first time since Fremantle, Australia we completed a line start to get the race underway. Our tactic was to get away well and without drama, both of which we achieved with great success. What ensued was then a tack-a-thon as we made our way up the Firth of Lorn, the more progress we made south, the wind slowly but surely started dropping until it changed into a brief drift-a-thon. Luckily, this didn’t last long and now we’re all (slowly) heading the right way. With the tide and localised wind patches to play with, the fleet is currently chopping and changing positions all over the place, making for all-to-play-for-racing.
Thank you so much to everyone who made the Oban stopover as special as it was. From the local organisers, the volunteers, the bars, the restaurants and even the army of bagpipers, you all allowed us to embrace the culture of Scotland, whilst also making us feel happy and at home. Thank you as always to our supporters, family and friends that we celebrate with. And of course, thank you to the Clipper Race Team who started this all in the first place.
For us, the next five days is all about enjoying this last bit of time on the boat, reflecting on the thousands of miles we’ve sailed and getting excited for the mother of all celebrations when we dock for the final time in Portsmouth.
We might also concentrate on racing, but who knows on that one.
All the best Hannah, Ella and the Washington, DC Crew.