Race 4 - Day 10
Crew Diary - Race 4 Day 10: Fremantle to Sydney
12 December

Scott Elles
Scott Elles
Team Garmin
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It’s day 10 on the Garmin Black Pearl and I’ve just come off the 4am to 8am watch. Our watch began with a cold dark grey cloudy sky, pea soup fog and drizzle. The watch then proceeded with a flurry of evolutions from hoisting the staysail to hoisting the code 1, dropping the yankee 1, dropping the staysail, hoisting the antiwrap net, gybe, gybe again! Somewhere during all of this activity, with barely time to notice, Tasmania appeared on the horizon along with a glorious sunrise and clearing sky. After soaking in the view for a few minutes, we handed over the reins to Starboard Watch and headed down for breakfast and a well deserved rest.

Having completed leg 1 and now doing leg 4, I’m the only crew member to have left the boat and come back. Some of my friends back home questioned my reasoning for going back after hearing me describe the hardships of living aboard for 34 days during leg 1. I must admit that I also had a degree of apprehension, knowing all that is required to keep the boat moving fast and safe in the right direction. However, it’s watches like the one I described above that provide the reason for me. Ten crew all working together, stretching our physical and mental capabilities, backing each other up, learning from each other, pushing and encouraging each other in order to achieve something difficult and worthwhile. It’s hard but I’m grateful to be here. Dave West, our resident philosopher, said it best as we sat appreciating the sunrise view of Tasmania, “Not many people get to see Tasmania like this”. You’re right Dave, not many people get to do this and that’s why we do it. We’re all grateful for the privilege to have this experience together.

I’m grateful for everyone on the boat for their effort in making this a very rewarding race campaign thus far but I’m especially grateful for the members of my watch, port watch. The aforementioned Dave West (Westie) Mick Pattni, Rick Collins, Sebastian “Bas” Yeates, Mia Showell-Woodsmith, Rowena Verity, Art Bonnet, Toby Rubenstein and Dave Loe. Some make us laugh, some make us think, others offer a kind word but everyone works hard. We’ve become a great team that I’m proud to be a part of. I’m also grateful for GT who keeps us safe and shows us “the ropes”. It’s far too early to predict where we’ll finish this race, hopefully near the top. Wherever we finish, I think we can all be proud of our effort.

Finally, I’m grateful for all the friends and family back home that love and support me and have made it possible for me to have this experience. To all of you who I’ll miss during this holiday season, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Hello to Erik, our crew mate and friend who is recovering in Brisbane….we miss you and look forward to seeing you return soon!

A big shout out to all the employees at World Art Group/Atlantic Art. Have a great time at the Christmas Party but don’t destroy my house! Love and miss you all!

Anne Marie, Will and Katherine I miss you and can’t wait to see you in Sydney!

Sail Hard and Stay Stormy!

Scott