Crew Blog

‘There but for the grace of god go we’

15 March 2008

So, the race to Hawaii has been brought to an early end due to circumstances beyond our control.  Given our recent podium potential performance we were, of course, frustrated at our ultimate finishing position.  But this was always second to our concerns for our fellow crew aboard both westernaustralia2011.com and Durban 2010 and Beyond.  It’s possibly unique that in a race where no quarter is given between boats and crews when racing, should the unthinkable happen, naturally competitive minds immediately turn to how we can help the opposition.  Maybe there is an element of “there but for the grace of God go we”, but actually I think there is much more to it than that.  Anyone who has been involved in the build up to this race; the early days of group training with crew destined for other boats, the shared anxieties and excitements as the first departure date approached and the camaraderie between crews in port (both on the pontoon and in the bar!), will realise that this race is much bigger than the final reading of race positions.  This race, this huge endeavour, involves a whole host of goals and achievements each as interesting and diverse as the personalities and backgrounds of each person aboard.  Some are living out a long held dream, some trying to prove a point, some looking for answers to questions they’ve previously not dared ask, some slaying personal demons and some, well, some are just along for the ride of their lives.

Now this race is over we’re enjoying sailing at a slightly more leisurely pace to get the boat quickly but safely to Hawaii.  Today has been a great day for a sail; the wind has been steady, the sea state has been kind and the sun has shone.  Of course we wanted to race into O’ahu, of course we wanted to battle out the podium places to the bitter end, of course we desperately wanted to win!  But once we are sharing a beer or two with the WA and Durban crews in Waikiki, each of our personal journeys will be no less well traveled.

Christopher Jones