Race 3 - Day 26
Crew Diary - Race 3 Day 26: Cape Town to Fremantle
26 November
The Rematch
After a bruising defeat a few weeks ago to the undefeated champ, this contender wanted another go. This time I was more prepared, back in the gym and training daily with expert tuition from the grizzled veteran boxing coaches.
My confidence was building and I was ready for him. I'd seen all of the Southern Oceans dirty tricks though and I was prepared for them.
As the rounds progressed, the Champion did it's worst, squalls, wind changes, unexpected bursts of bad weather. By now though, I'd seen it all before and went back to my corner after each round feeling more confident.
In the later rounds, the Champ tried to throw a few surprises, the odd squall whilst I was helming made me take a knee but I corrected and was back in the fight.
By now, I'm night helming with the spinnaker up, no stars to guide me, compass lid shut, I think I've got this.
With less than 24 hours to go until we reach Fremantle, my hand is raised, I'm the winner. I took all the Southern Ocean could throw at me and I came out on top.
What this experience showed me though is that this boat of 17, that starts with prospects, contenders, former title holders, all ended up as Champions and victors over the Southern Ocean.
Southern Ocean, you're not unbeatable, you're not so bad. The crew of CV31 Team Nasdaq are the real Champions.
On a personal level, I have had a brilliant experience. I cannot honestly say that I've enjoyed every minute but it has been character building and has left some moments imprinted in my memory that will last a lifetime.
The beautiful stars of the unpolluted night sky, the phosphorescence in the dark ocean that makes me think of my daughter Gracie who's still at the age where she loves anything that sparkles.
The fantastic sunrises and sunsets that my wife would love. The physical and mental challenges of beating upwind for days on end and living at 45 degrees.
The camaraderie of my starboard watch. A diverse mixture of individuals who are thrown into a pot and develop into an efficient team who work together with a united goal, the bond that develops is testament to the human spirit.
They call it the Race of Your Life, it certainly has been for me and apart from missing my family terribly, I don't regret a single minute of it.
Thank you Clipper, thank you CV31/Nasdaq, thank you to Starboard Watch.