Race 10 - Day 4
Crew Diary - Race 10 Day 4
04 April
Reflections of a multi legger
As I approach the start of my 6th month aboard Our Isles and Oceans (CV21) and the fourth leg of my voyage, it is time to reflect on my experiences.
What memories will I have?
Foremost the natural environment. Clear skies, brilliance of the night stars, the Southern Cross, sunrises and sunsets, storms, grey days. How vast the oceans are, but how steadily these wonderful Clipper vessels cross the expanses. Wildlife highlights include whale sightings, dolphin pods alongside, a lone swift landing on deck for a rest, butterflies, many and varied sea birds, but top must be the majestic albatrosses who graced us frequently with their effortless soaring. Waves, endless waves, each unique like a fingerprint. Bio luminescence, the taste of salt laden air, the smell of land after weeks at sea. Sensory overload and magical to recall.
People. The initial worry about fitting in. Sharing the confines of the boat with a bunch of strangers. Soon becoming like family...little dynamics emerging, bonds formed, opinions, worries and differences discussed openly. The social experiment has been extraordinary, and top mention has to be the genuine unity and harmony we have on board Our Isles and Oceans. The mix of social, professional and geographical background (although the Celtic Irish and Scottish bond is prevalent!) has been educational and it has been so humbling to be part of this mix. The raw nature of the undertaking we are doing has hopefully allowed me to leave a positive contribution to this family. However, the clipper family extends beyond our boat. The togetherness of all crew, staff and officials makes time ashore fun, and in some way compensates for the loneliness of being away from real family. Thank you to all who have made me feel a part of it.
A special mention must go to the Our Isles and Oceans Ambassadors. Each has been selected for a leg of the race for particular reasons. These young persons have shown that they have ability and maturity beyond their years. Each has their own stories of adversity, and it has been inspiring to spend time with them, learning what true hardships and life experiences are. Thank you to all of you who have opened my eyes and made me realise how fortunate I have been and indeed am in life. Without exception you are remarkable, and I look forward to hearing of your successes in the future.
As I write this, we are east of Japan and headed into the North Pacific Ocean, for a further 4,500 miles of one the greatest endurance challenges on earth. I look back on the last months with a feeling of great achievement, of pride in being accepted as a part of something, but with sadness that my time aboard is nearly over.
What I look forward to is the reunion with family, to catching up with friends. Hopefully returning to them as a better person after the experiences I have had in the time away.
And Oban, an arrival of Our Isles and Oceans and her sister fleet of boats - what a party that will be!!