Race 14 - Day 2
Crew Diary - ​Race 14 Day 2
01 July

The New York City stopover had special surprises to many of us, such as sailing past the Statue of Liberty, docking at Lower Manhattan or (thanks to our lovely sponsor Yacht Club Punta del Este) visiting the historic and exclusive New York Yacht Club where the legend of the America’s Cup was forged.

But it was time to bid our farewell to the Big Apple and head towards the Old Continent on Race 14. While motoring towards the starting line about 120 nm East, and still in sight of the coastline, we were greeted by two whales (allegedly mom and calf) waving at us with their fins, and later followed by several dolphins swimming on our bow just after sunset. But not everything was a relaxing time. We finalised some last minute repairs on the way (mostly threading lines), and an unexpected MOB drill pulled some of us out of bed in choppy and windy conditions in the middle of the night. What seems like routine during daylight after countless runs throughout training became a challenge in the dark. Plenty of lessons regarding MOB-procedures were reminded, particularly ahead of challenging conditions in the North Atlantic Ocean. Yet above all, it instilled and galvanised the mantra ‘clip on’ and do not take risks.

Following little rest for the crews, around 0730 local time all the Clipper Race yachts lined up for the long awaited Le Mans start of the final ocean crossing of the 19/20 race. Punta del Este started this time on the windward side of the line. After another good start from the yellow team, it was clear that the different teams chose different strategies for the race – some veered away quickly and even gybed, whereas others stayed on course. We will see which strategy paid better at the finish line.

After the excitement of the start and after the white sails were dropped and the spinnaker hoisted, the Punta crew members dispersed to their respective roles and jobs on board again, a sign of established routines that will dominate the coming two weeks. Crossing an ocean not only involves sailing fast but also sharing a tiny floating hostel among many people, and keeping it tidy is essential.

Lucy Gore

While surely this 14th race will be exciting, the challenge of almost three weeks at sea does not allow for heroic 12-hour watches as in the Bermuda – NY sprint race. This one will be about energy and risk management, skilled navigation, and kit conservation. But make no mistake, we are in race mode and the coffee grinders do not stop working.

Final words for race day 2, 30 of June 2022: our dear Scottish fellow crew Donald wishes Lynn a happy wedding anniversary (he actually mentioned it while watching a beautiful starry night, surely full of lovely memories).