From the Highveld to the High Seas By Bobby Van Strijp

02:46:29 | SAT, 25.

I write the date because my navy blue Casio watch is the only reference of time I have and also the only clue as to how many days we’ve been on this yacht. I’m having nightmares and have been for the past seven… or nine… possibly only five shifts. I say “shifts” because my days have drifted into what feels like a timeless strain of agony. Earlier, my dad told me with humorous delight, “We are officially a third of the way.” I nodded while climbing out of the galley pit and said, “That’s good to know.” He leaned in closer and added with a grin, “That means we still have 12 days to go.” My brain received the reference of time with complete disdain. “Jesus, take the wheel,” is all I had to say. He chuckled.

This surreal moment was just one of many prayers during our Atlantic crossing as part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race a journey that began long before we set sail from Uruguay. It started in Gosport, Portsmouth, UK, where my dad and I spent four weeks training at Clipper Race HQ. The programme is designed to transform everyday adventurers into competent ocean racers. From basic sailing and safety drills to full race simulations, we learned to live, sail, and survive on board. We sailed to the Isle of Wight, across the English Channel to France, and my personal favourite, the dramatic chalk cliffs of the Needles. These locations weren’t just scenic; they were the backdrop to some of the most formative experiences of my life. Clipper cleverly mixes crew from different legs and yachts during training to build camaraderie across the fleet. And it works. The bonds we formed over shared meals, stormy nights, and endless sail changes were deep and lasting. During one crew dinner, I shared the South African concept of Ubuntu “I am because we are” and it resonated deeply with our team. Out there on the ocean, it’s not just about sailing; it’s about supporting each other, trusting each other, and growing together. Six weeks after training, my dad and I joined Team Warrant in Punta del Este, Uruguay, for Leg 2 of the race a 3,555 nautical mile journey to Cape Town. What followed was a whirlwind of high-pressure systems, freezing night watches, and minimalist living aboard a 70-foot racing yacht.

There were moments of pure discomfort like the time I realised I’d been wearing the same clothes for weeks, my hair was welded into a French plait, and my dad’s water bottle had started growing mold from all the electrolyte supplements. But there were also moments of pure joy like the stormy night when the boat went airborne and instead of panicking, the crew cheered like we were participating in a rodeo. Then there was the moment I cracked open a vacuum-packed piece of Geel vet biltong from Alan’s Butchery, just in time for my dad’s sacred “Bier om Vier.” The crew went wild for the “dry sausage,” and our fellow South Africans on board were close to tears. It was a taste of home in the middle of the Atlantic - salty, spicy, and absolutely sacred. I’m deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to share this experience with my dad. This journey has challenged me, shaped me, and introduced me to a new passion that I never saw coming. Sailing has become more than a hobby - it’s a community and a reminder of what we’re capable of when we push beyond our comfort zones. It’s a memory I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. To our friends and family - your support and encouragement have been pivotal in making this adventure possible.

Thank you for being our anchors.

An update from Race Director Dale Smyth regarding Team Washington, DC: Whilst racing, Washington, DC has hit an object which has restricted its ability to steer due to damage caused to its rudder. Fortunately our yachts are equipped with twin rudders and so the team is still able to control the yacht safely with one rudder fully operational. However, to do this they need to keep the wind behind them and unfortunately they will need to use their engine to ensure they can keep the High Pressure ridge to their port side and approach Cape Town downwind. The team has accepted 10th position and will be making a safe approach to Cape Town using the motor to assist where needed. Washington, DC has sailed a fantastic race so far and this is unfortunate for them but safety comes first which they fully accept.

The Scoring Gate results are in…

In reverse order, scooping the extra points up for grabs on this stage is...

3rd | UNICEF (one point)

2nd | Scotland (two points)

1st | Power of Seattle Sports (three points)

Congratulations to all teams!

“That’s the thing with ocean racing, you make a play and then you have to wait another three days to figure if it’s worked out”

As Team GOSH emerge from Stealth Mode this evening, did they succeed in what they hoped to achieve?

Filmed pre-Stealth Mode by Skipper Oli Irvine and multi-legger Race Crew, Craig Head.

It’s been a big few days on board Team Tongyeong. Capturing the moments that mean the most 🥹

OBR James Chapman reports from Team Tongyeong: "Life on board is flowing, atmosphere has been pumping and it’s great to be back home at sea. The South Atlantic has thrown a mixed bag of conditions at us already but we’re here for it!

"After a hard, long stint on sail repair in Punta, an emotional day was had yesterday as the Spinnaker was hoisted for the first time and all the hard work paid off. Hugs, tea and ginger nut biscuits all round!"

Jon Braidley, circumnavigator on board Team Scotland explains why the deployment of drifter buoys is so helpful for supporting ocean health reasearch.

OBR James Chapman is back on board, this time peeking behind the curtain at life with Team Tongyeong. It’s windy, it’s splashy and it’s full of smiles. Hear the latest...

Fair winds and following seas

The fleet looking glorious out on the water as the starting canon was fired for Stage 3: The Musto South Atlantic Challenge.

A farewell to the fleet with the same Uruguayan warmth and hospitality as its welcome. Muchos gracias!

It’s time to get back to racing...

Hear from Race Manager Hannah Brewis about what lies ahead for our crews on Stage 3: The Musto South Atlantic Challenge

Welcome to the stage 3 live blog, expect to find your real time race updates here.