Race 12 - Day 12
Crew Diary - Race 12 Day 12: New York to Derry-Londonderry
08 July
A Voyage for Madmen.
This is the title of a book that I'm currently mesmerized by that describes the characters and endeavours of nine men that attempted to sail around the world alone, and non stop back in 1968.
No one had ever done it before, but through a coincidence of their timing a race was born - the Golden Globe. The rules were very simple. The Golden Globe would be awarded to the first non-stop single-handed circumnavigator of the world. Only one of the nine crossed the finishing line after 10 months at sea, and that of course, was our very own Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, a man who is fast becoming my new hero in life.
The reason I mention this is because we as 'Round the Worlders', whilst we have not yet returned to Liverpool, have in fact completed a full circumnavigation. A huge achievement we are all so very proud of. What makes me chuckle is that in today's world this is marketed as 'The Race of Your Life' which is a far cry from how Peter Nichols, the author of a 'Voyage for Madmen' describes the race in 1968.
What I have endured this year is nothing compared to the suffering, the sheer despair, the extremity and even death that the nine men encountered in their race. Reading their stories has only inspired and left me with utter respect for what they took on. My resounding take out was how desperately lonely their voyage must have been and the mental torture they must have gone through to keep their spirits and ambitions alive. We on the 'Race of our Lives' have the huge advantage of having a team around us to see us through to completion. (as well as the impeccably built 70 foot yachts, professional skippers, and water tight safety standards!) Every single person I have sailed with has in some way shaped and contributed to my experience of a lifetime. A special mention must go to my fellow 'Round the Worlders' because they have in fact been like a family to me over the past year.
Mr Neil has to be one of the most unwavering and stoic people I have ever encountered and radiates positivity and belief in all of us on a daily basis. Justin's commitment to the boat is like no other and with him on board I genuinely feel we could achieve anything. Matt continually pushes for improvements in our race performance every single watch, a role that requires huge energy and tenacity. He is also the single person I would have started and will finish the race with after our transfer from Greenings. He's been a brilliant friend to me through all of our highs and lows. Sam with her dry sense of humour keeps our spirits up on a daily basis. She provides me with laugh out loud moments on a regular basis and gives you the warmest reception at watch change no matter what the conditions are. Charlie's huge smile will give you a boost any day of the week and her eagle, and rightly so tough eye on safety gives us all comfort that we are looking out for each other. And Mick has kept us fed and watered throughout our journey. I'll be forever grateful he likes a strong cup of tea but on a serious note he has taken on one of the toughest jobs on board with the victualling and he deserves huge credit for this.
Last but not least, our skipper Dale. The strength of character he has demonstrated over the past 12 months is nothing short of phenomenal. To take 60 ish amateur sailors around the world safely but competitively takes something special. I'm starting to think you actually are a 'madman' and would not have been out of place in the 1968 Golden Globe race. You, Natalie and the boys have sacrificed a huge amount to allow many of us to realise a lifetime dream. We as a team, can't thank you enough. You've kept us safe, fast and motivated. And above all, you've become one of the greatest friends I'll ever have.
If it wasn't for the 10 'madmen' (and that includes Dale), I probably wouldn't be here now doing what I'm doing. I'm having a brilliant last leg of this epic adventure of mine and have caught myself thinking I don't want this to end.
A huge thank you to my Mum, Dad, Nana, Gemma, Steve, Amanda and Paul for coming out to New York. I had the stopover of a lifetime and you gave me that extra gear to finish what I started. Sir Robin, thank you for doing what you did. And good luck to all of those competing in today's version of the Golden Globe that recently set off from France. I am filled with nothing but admiration for you and will be avidly following your progress.
So my outstanding question … “Is the Clipper Race a voyage for madmen or the race of our lives?”. I think I could argue either way.
Smiling, as always.
Jenny xxx