A Final Goodbye
I've had a lot of time to reflect post-race. A lot of time to try and sort my emotions out. Everyone always want to know what the best bit was. And that's a really had question to answer. The whole experience is a bit of a roller-coaster ride. There are moments where you cannot imagine ever doing anything more awesome (truly awesome) in your life. Of course there are moments where everything is falling apart and you wish you were anywhere else. Highlights are things like helming when the boat is properly surfing on big waves, pulling off beautiful kite hoists, close racing with boats covering each other back and forth, pancake breakfasts, song and dance parties with best friends, seeing the coast for the first time after a long journey. I know I'm coming from a bit of a unique viewpoint at the back of the fleet, but the Clipper Race isn't really about the sailing. Yes it matters, but people matter more. The whole journey has been about the people - obviously my crew and my skipper, but also other crews and other skippers. You'll learn more than you thought possible about these people and love them for all of it. I only ever see my crew sailing, but none of the people on board are actually sailors. Everybody is coming from a different background - it's a hugely diverse group. And it's awesome. My crew has had three reunions post-race so far. I made it to the first two. One, big Sunday roast at a crew member's farmhouse (used for weddings) complete with tractor ride. Another, Mission Performance's Christmas party. The guys also went for a long country walk recently, but I couldn't attend. I'm still amazed by how cool this group of people is and love meeting up with them! I've seen people individually a few times as well. The thing about the race is that you will see people at their very best and at their very worst. Nothing is off-limits. In fact, I've seen a good amount of crew members absolutely lose it. Total meltdown mode. It's happened to the majority of people who have done at least half the race. Things just get brutal sometimes. And yes, my crew has definitely seen me meltdown. People love to ask if the race is worth it - after all there is a hefty price tag attached. I will always say yes. I've made amazing new friends, accomplished a circumnavigation under sail (how many people can say that?), and hope to make sailing my life - at least for a few years. That being said, I would never do it again and have no intentions of ever skippering the race. I love sailing. I would love to circumnavigate again (and I'm desperate for a Cape Horn rounding). But if I'm going to do something like that again it needs to be on a faster boat with a group of good sailors that I trust 100% in any situation. If I had to give advice to the new guys - this year's iteration of hopefuls - it would be to understand the value of small kindnesses. Cups of tea on cold days. Words of encouragement and recognition for someone working exceptionally hard, even if they aren't the greatest. Always offering to help someone struggling or stuck in a difficult job. Hugs for crew that look like zombies. Cheeky surprise snacks in the middle of a long journey. Sharing gloves and hand-warmers. You just never know how much someone is struggling internally - especially as we made it a priority to not complain on my boat. Small kindnesses can pick you up like you wouldn't imagine. I imagine that this is the last blog entry I'll write about the race. It's the end of an era. Time to pass to the new crews (happy crew allocation guys!). Mission Performance is sponsoring a boat this year as well and I can't wait to watch their journey. Good luck guys! All of us in the Mission family and cheering for you! If anyone wants to get in touch, you're always welcome to send me emails at [email protected]. Thanks for sticking with me so long!
















