Race 4 - Day 13
Crew Diary - Race 4 Day 13: Fremantle to Sydney
15 December

Rick Collins
Rick Collins
Team Garmin
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I joined Clipper Round the World to experience sailing the open ocean after many years sailing the Salish Sea. Now I’ve experienced a few of the conditions one encounters on the ocean. During the voyage from Fremantle to Sydney there have been multi-day sails close hauled to weather, day long spinnaker runs, some large waves to surf (helm records are in the 17-20 knot range so far) and a frustrating day in a wind hole a few miles off the east coast of Tasmania.

From my arrival in Fremantle I’ve struggled with a cold that was soon overlaid with several days of seasickness shortly after race start. I’m left now with a persistent cough that is unusually dry and hacking. I’m concerned about how my health will continue to be impacted by the living conditions on the boat.

It’s tough to learn new routines in a confined space with 20 other people. Lots of routine tasks are familiar from the excellent training Clipper provides all of us. This said each boat has its own flow about how and when tasks should be done. I have gotten by with a little help from my friends.

The highlight of the trip for me has been seeing the stars in the night sky. It’s so dark at night when sailing the ocean that the stars in the sky are amazing. It is truly humbly to see so many stars with your naked eye. It has increased my awareness of how many we normally don’t see because of all the light pollution in our cities and towns.

To family and friend following our progress take care and I’ll be in touch soon from Sydney.