Race 5 - Day 19
Crew Diary - Race 5 - Day 19
10 January
One to remember!
Well, my friends, with the finish line soon approaching and Airlie Beach not far away, much to my dismay this totally crazy adventure is soon to be over for me. I can remember so vividly the very start of my Clipper Race Journey, I was sat at home on my laptop when an ad popped up advertising The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. With Mum and Dad away, I signed up without even telling them, for me it was one of those it will never happen to me kind of moments! I totally forgot about my application, and a couple of months passed until I had a very concerned call from Mum at school… her very words ‘oh Elle, what are you going to put me through now…!?’.
I was sat in Geography one November Monday morning when I got the email confirming my place on the race, I can remember my friends and I huddled around my phone in total disbelief… them thinking I was totally crazy! I really was overwhelmed, experiencing a complete multitude of emotions and thoughts, the first and foremost… oh goodness me I actually have to do this now! But too, I was filled with excitement and expectation for the next year of learning, laughing, training, being pushed out of my comfort zone, emotionally tested and meeting a truly special new group of people. I never even realised the complete social aspect of the Clipper Race until I started training. The fact that I have really made friends for life on this boat is so cool. Though they maybe ten to 20 (sometimes even 40!) years older than me, the bonds I have made during this race, and training, have proven so strong. I do really hope that they are friendships I will have for the rest of my life. From Level 1 Training, Crew Allocation, to actually sailing and meeting my Skipper and delivering GoToBermuda to London… I have had just the best 2019 imaginable - filled with so many amazing memories, all of which I will cherish. I have learnt so much from the different people I have met along the way, listening to their stories and knowledge and trying to implement their wise words into my very own life. I too have learnt so much about myself… more than I ever have. The Clipper Race has given me that opportunity. From having days of thinking ‘why am I actually doing this?!’ to days where I was high on life and living my best life out in the big deep blue sea - I am forever grateful for the things I have been able to learn along the way. This truly has been the race of my life…
Leg 4, the GoToBermuda crew, you guys have been the best. A crew of dreams… such a brilliant bunch. We have laughed and cried in equal measures, sharing just the most fab memories along the way. From Christmas Day dolphin displays, New Years celebrations, experiencing a Southerly the hot, hot, hot of a Queensland windhole, we’ve really had a complete blast. I can only speak for myself, but at times the going got tough, and having you lot around me made all the difference. Saving the day, when the day needed saving hey! Thank you, millions.
Well, as for Wavy and Fabs… you have both been the total best too. Wavy, I admire your extensive knowledge and competency of all things sailing… you know everything! I will miss your disapproving daily eyebrow raises and eye rolls of my attention seeking and giggly ways… haha! And Fabs, you are a total sweetheart and so very jokes… thank you for helping me out and teaching me how to make the most perfect coffee ever… 92°C always!
Callum, Katie and Heather my on board besties! Never did I think I would be able to call three ‘oldies’ my friends… but you guys have made my time onboard GoToBermuda. Callum, you have made me smile and laugh more than you will ever know, thank you for brightening my mood every single day. Katie, my sister at heart, aww you are just amazing, love you so much. And darling Heather, you have looked after me so very kindly… Mummy No.2 - thank you!
All that’s left to say I guess is that this is just the beginning... sorry Mum, but there’s plenty more where this came from! To our wonderful crew and special Clipper Race family, this has been everything and more. Biggest love ever, Elle x