Hello everyone and a huge happy New Year from everyone here on OIAO! I hope you all had a splendid time celebrating wherever you were.
The build-up to the new year on Our Isles and Oceans was a tad different to your usual affair, the sound of champagne corks popping instead replaced by the occasional crash as we carved through yet another large wave. New Year’s Eve itself was like any other day onboard, with several racing headsail changes to keep us occupied throughout the day. The on watch during the evening enjoyed one of the more impressive sunsets of the race so far, shovelling down Mac ‘n’ cheese on deck and trying to spot the elusive green flash. As the day progressed, Max announced to the boat that he had the best New Year’s resolution, a fact that many onboard disagreed with strongly. Having failed to build the six-pack I’d promised myself in 2023, I was in no position to comment either way.
Everyone made their way on deck just before the clock striking midnight to the waft of freshly made caramelized apple pie courtesy of Richard. Suited and booted in our foulies (or in one case, a kilt – a risky garment to climb the companionway in), we gathered in a circle in the cockpit, gleefully counting down the last minute of 2023. We entered the new year with a synchronised chorus of “Happy New Year” echoing across the boat. Hugs were exchanged happily before arms were linked for the traditional rendition of Loch Lomond.
After this burst of jollity, we sat in the cockpit, collectively, for a moment of silent reverie. The lights were dimmed, and we gazed out into the abyss around us, reflecting on the monumental nature of where we were and what we were doing. Sparks of bioluminescence danced in the waves around us, with flashes of brilliant blue lighting up the sea. This was bettered only by the sky itself, the Milky Way painting itself in waves and twirls above our heads, reminiscent of the Van Gogh painting it inspired. It was as if sky and sea were competing which could be the more spectacular.
This moment of shared reflection was disrupted only by the need to continue racing, Max taking advantage of the numbers on deck by persuading us to perform the quickest headsail change of the race so far. The lure of the apple pie sitting in the galley below was definitely not a motivating factor at all. Definitely not. Glow sticks were lit up in lieu of fireworks (the skipper had previously vetoed any suggestion of flares being lit..) and we celebrated starting a new year with laughter and merriment. The only thing missing was the champagne.
New Year’s Day was spent with everyone fully engaged in pushing the boat as fast as we could. A turn into the wind meant more heel and less speed, something we were determined to endure if it meant we would arrive in Newcastle sooner. Special mention has to go to Steve for his genuinely incredible lamb stew for New Year’s Day lunch, all the more impressive for the conditions it was cooked. We devoured it in seconds, squeals of joy escaping from us all (especially Max).
I am no stranger to a New Year’s Eve with a difference; working in emergency departments over the festive period tends to keep things interesting. I can say that this was by far the strangest New Year I’ve ever experienced. We knew when we signed up for this race that our New Year was going to be one we would never forget, and it was every bit as different as we would have expected. We weren’t able to celebrate at home with our friends and families, but we were fortunate to celebrate it here, in the middle of the ocean, with our growing CV21 family.
If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that those of us onboard Our Isles and Oceans will never forget the way we welcomed in 2024.
I wish you all a spectacular 2024.
Much love from OIAO.
Ben Holt