Crew Blog

No regrets

23 June 2008

Hull & Humber's Malcolm, Ewan and Natalie race across the Atlantic

How cold can it get in June?!!? Midsummer’s Day tomorrow and here I am in a grand total of six layers (no oily jacket, fleecy hat or big mitts because I’m in the relative warmth of the nav station rather than on deck). It certainly removes the dilemma of whether to wear my Clipper fleece or the furry Avid jacket - I need both on! I now have a whole new level of respect for the wartime North Atlantic convoys who were being shot at as well as frozen - our Halifax stopover was a good reminder of that history.

Our last ocean crossing! It really doesn’t seem two minutes since the first, and yet it’s also half a lifetime away. The main difference being there’s now so little in it between the boats that we’ve only been out of sight of other Clippers when the fog is thick. It’s exciting racing, and with the next waypoint the Fastnet Rock, we’re on our way home at last!

How do I sum up the last 10 months’ madness? No regrets for me personally about racing round the world, this was something I very much wanted to do and I wasn’t going to be happy until I’d done it. It’s been way harder at times than I expected, for unexpected reasons. It’s been fun a lot of the time and extremely uncomfortable some of the time, with a lot less time to spare generally than I expected, both on board and in the stopovers.

We’ve had some seriously civilised sailing and some full-on scary adventures. The adventures are difficult, but a big challenge was the whole point. I’ve learned a lot about myself and a fair bit about other people, with a few surprises along the way, both good and bad. I’m a whole lot clearer and happier now about who I am and what (or rather, who) is important to me than I was when I left Liverpool last September. That has to be a success whatever happens with the race results – it would be great to win though!

Fiona

1. Avril Purchon, Hull 24 June 2008

Nice one fi, Loving teh blogs as usual!!Amazed it’s nearly over..who knows what I’m going to do with myself without the daily checking and rechecking of the website!Flying out to see you all on Saturday, and we’ve got to win!!!come on BOB!!!!xXx

2. Barbara, Sydney, NS 24 June 2008

Sounds like you already won! Congrats on making this adventure part of who you are. I am inspired! Cheers & Good Sailing!

3. Rhys, Rochdale UK 24 June 2008

Fiona and all on H&H;, watching you almost on a daily basis has been a way of life for so long. It’s been been riveting stuff. I’m going to miss it all. The suspense and joy of having a blog to read or a video to watch has been great. You guys have gone through some gripping times. Thanks for sharing them. I appreciate the reality and honesty of it all. You have brought me into a life that I didn’t know a lot about. I’m pleased you did, and thank you for that. Now take care, and don’t loose your focus in this last bit. All the best Rhys x

4. tony burgess, shropshire 24 June 2008

Fiona, a fascinating summary but most importantly well done, you have all been terrific and can still win, see you in Cork, Tony

5. Alan, Johannesburg 24 June 2008

We have enjoyed reading all your blogs and are going to miss following this race when it comes to an end. All our love to you all, Alan & Colleen - Joburg, South Africa

6. Steve Ballantyne(Leg 4 ), Sunny Auchterarder 24 June 2008

Fiona - you are a star and a credit to the whole clipper ethos & principle of coping with whatever is thrown at you, comfort zone or not. I’ll be in the queue to buy you (and Doug) a beer in Liverpool. A real pleasure and privelege to have sailed “with” you - if not against you. Hang in - nearly home.

Best wishes & safe sailing on the penultimate leg.

7. Steven Smith, Hull 25 June 2008

I know you are all trying very hard to win this race and the overall title and giving it all for each other, but you just have to double your efforts and put those Yanks in their places.
Come on Hull and Humber you can do it. I’ll be in Liverpool to cheer you home. God speed and good luck

8. Mary Wright, harrogate 25 June 2008

Fiona what an explicit summary for something which has lasted nearly 9 months ------we are all looking forward to having you home now and seeing what happens next!!
keep the focus going until the end!!! the Big Orange Boat is still in with a good chance
lol from the Wright clanxxx

9. Ken Hordon, Hull 26 June 2008

Come on guys, so near the birth of a victory! “just one last push!” go for it. Seriously, you have all done a briiliant job just to be in with the leaders again, for those tracking you every day it is nailbiting. Keep up the good work, it won’t be long before you get that SOAKY BATH! Fair winds and stay safe! Big hugs! Ken Hordon

10. Chris, Grimsby UK 26 June 2008

Wendy Damerall - Hi Wendy! All in Pinfold Lane following your trip and thinking about you and following the race.

Stay dry!!!

Love Chris

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