Crew Blog

Life without a race…

07 April 2008

The Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race – I was expecting it to deliver many different experiences but one I hadn’t anticipated was waving off the other 8 boats in the fleet. Despite being able to spend more time on this spectacular island and enjoy the ‘aloha’ spirit for a little bit longer, there was an overwhelming sense of disappointment not to be where we belong; out there on the big blue sea in our big blue boat fighting every mile.

Nonetheless, if we are ever going to rejoin the fleet in the race, then we could not mope around for long. Even before the fleet had crossed the start line we had set to work whipping, bolting, fixing, soldering, riveting and screwing and after a long day in the heat of the Hawaiian sun, we explored Honolulu’s culinary delights.

We found a Japanese Tapanyaki restaurant where the chef treated us to a theatrical performance while he served a mix of steak and seafood with flamboyance, flair and finesse – a fine way to forget the fact that we should be eating corned beef at an angle with water to wash it down while feeling sea sick!

Due to weekend work regulations (surf was up!) we were able to enjoy a short break and it was only right to make the most of it. Alongside our friends from Durban 2010 and Beyond, we headed into the depths of the ocean surrounding the island to admire the coral gardens, eels, turtles and octopus that live there.

However, we were soon back to work and although it would be great to spend more time exploring this island and discovering more of its treasures, we signed up to race around the world and we need to get back to it… before the islands tempt us to stay put!

Johnboy!