Race 5 - Day 3
Crew Diary - Race 5 Day 3: Sydney to Hobart
29 December

I started this blog on Xmas Eve sitting in the CYCA.

I'm reflecting on the process of sticking on the Rolex logo over the Clipper logo on the bow for the RSHYR.

Communication is a key element on the boat which I am having difficulty with, I took great care to obtain instructions on how to apply these stickers from Clipper staff. Did I misunderstand the instructions? I think I did because the easiest way to apply said stickers was the opposite of the instructions received. This made me feel incompetent. Everyone seems to have different interpretations of instructions and I think I'm interpreting those received incorrectly, I'm listening but not necessarily understanding? I'm very conscious that I need to improve, but how?

Your confidence and patience are tested during this race.

There isn't always time to nurture, lessons are learnt through mistakes as well as this the heat is draining and tempers become frayed.

So I ask myself, “Why am I doing this?”

I love racing, especially race starts but I will need to contain my excitement as I know I will not be allowed to show this feeling. My mouth will be zipped and hopefully I will soak up every second of the Sydney to Hobart race.

Jump forward to Friday morning; this is day 3 of the RSHYR. Did it live up to my expectation?

The start did and my lasting memory of that is the noise of the helicopters flying around us. It was very difficult to hear the instructions.

Sea sickness took hold after 10 hours, I am quite used to this condition having experienced it since level 2 of my training but I was completely incapacitated for 24 hours. I have recovered in time to enjoy the last few hours of the race which may take a few more hours due to the lack of wind.

I am looking forward to arriving on dry land, this adventure makes you appreciate the simple things in life like a shower, a cold drink, family and friends.

A Happy New Year to all my family and friends old & new.

Lots of love,

Alyson