Race 12 - Day 12
Crew Diary - NEW YORK, USA TO DERRY-LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND
02 July

Leg 8: Race Day 12

After following the race for the past ten months on the Race Viewer, now that I am onboard I have a greater appreciation for the work needed to keep that little purple triangle moving and competitive. The constant sail trimming, grinding, sweating required in the 4/6 hour sleep and work cycles can be relentless. The frustration of wind holes or the adrenaline of making gains on rivals isn't conveyed by the website as emotions on board are heightened by the constant damp of clothes and accumulation of disrupted sleep after disrupted sleep. But so far our hard work seems to be paying off.

Today was the day of the Ocean Sprint – a 120 nautical mile time trail northwards.

Having spent quite a few days south of the ice fields basking in the sun, we are now definitely in the midst of weather more expected of the wild North Atlantic – colder winds/nights, cloudy grey sunless skies and waves which make moving around below deck more challenging. Luckily the winds were in our favour for the sprint and helped us to a competitive time, with the waterproof beanie hats, fleece lined salopettes and other foul weather kit provided by loved ones being greatly appreciated in countering the cold.

Now we are on full steam towards Tory Island and the Donegal coast. Unfortunately we will have not have too much time to appreciate Patsy Dan's kingdom before heading northwards again to Rockall. Once circled, it is onward to the mouth of the Foyle at Malin Head for race finish, an area where galleons from the Spanish Armada and World War II U-boats lie beneath its waves. Ships carrying fleeing Earls, siege breaking supplies, and jedi knights have all been spotted from the headland of race finish.

Although there are another two races to go before the conclusion of the Clipper Race, it is the homecoming into Derry/Londonderry which this crew has been building towards since crew allocation. The warmth of the welcome the fleet receives has been talked about by crew of all boats and is highly anticipated, as is the Maritime festival that follows. For many of the crew, this will be the first time they have seen many of their family and friends since last August. For those of us who were lucky enough to have been waved off from the last port, we are looking forward to being reunited with loved ones regardless. Despite being under the same stars for the past few weeks, being under a roof with pint in hand will be preferred.

We are racing hard to be back in Derry/Londonderry as soon as we can, and cannot wait to see you all there.

David

PS. Despite living away from home for the past 14 years, my mother always seems surprised that I do not return to Northern Ireland with laundry for her to do for me. This is not the case this time.