Race 10 - Day 22
Crew Diary - Race 10 Day 22
19 April
As we race away to Seattle on the 44th parallel, having just hit 24 kts of boat speed surfing down a wave, I’m sitting in the galley reflecting on my Clipper Race journey that started six years ago. You see, I had signed up back in 2018 to do Legs 2 and 6 in the 2019-2020 edition, so that I would cross the Atlantic and the Pacific. I did do Leg 2 in 2019 but, alas, couldn’t do Leg 6 due to COVID so I deferred to the 2023-2024 edition. Five years later, I am back to finish what I started and also because a friend made me promise to come back. Hope you are happy Rady.
I am pleased to be on the same boat (CV22) with the same skipper (David Hartshorn) as last time - as I thought it would add some familiarity, and make it feel like a continuation rather than a new adventure. But it turns out it is a whole new adventure. Yes, the Skipper is the same person whom I respect a great deal, aided by the fearless sailing genius Maisie. And the boat is the same (with its dodgy wind instruments), but the mighty Pacific cannot be compared to anything else.
If you open Google Earth and pivot the globe, there is a point at which the Pacific occupies the entire screen, a bit shy of half the planet. It’s not just big, it’s also relentless, harsh, cold, wet, desolate, raw, wild, the list just goes on... and it tests you. And it has stretched each of us to our limit, and then some. But like all things, that too shall pass. And we will all look upon this great adventure with pride, remember the fond memories and dilute the rest. Whether it’s a sunrise off the coast of Japan, or a crisp moonlit sky with non-stop shooting stars at the 47th parallel and what could only be described as a UFO sighting, or just a fellow crew lending a helping hand when you’re down.
The crazy thing about the Clipper Race is how they put a bunch of complete strangers in a boat and ask them to cross an ocean together under extreme conditions. But it works. The training is so standardized that despite having never sailed together before, we speak the same sailing language, and the camaraderie and support culture that gets moulded out of this pressure is admirable. Needless to say, it is not without its challenges as these are very tight quarters for even the closest of friends. But we pass the lows and somehow find the highs again to reach our common goal: a safe passage, maybe even a fun one. What is even more interesting about this specific crew, is that we are ten nationalities from four continents in a crew of 16 (sorry David, Welsh is not a nationality!).That’s quite diverse and despite our cultural differences, it has been a very enriching experience.
I also have to say that I am grateful for my watch. They are competent beyond belief with each of them able to do any helming, cockpit or foredeck work required. Moreover, whenever any of us were sick, the load was carried by the rest without a complaint, almost with enthusiasm.
I also want to thank my family and friends who endured this adventure with me and cheered me on throughout the years. They advised me many times to pick up chess instead, but their support never ceased for an instant.
Last, I would like to send to all the sailors out there what was sent to me when I started this:
May the seas lie smooth before you
May a gentle breeze forever fill your sails
May sunshine warm your face
and kindness warm your soul
Good night and good luck