Race 2 - Day 17
Crew Diary - Race 2, Day 17
02 October

Facing the unexpected

Hi to all our families, friends and followers. A day late for this one – typical me, however – a good reason. The last 24 hours have been relentless as we suddenly hit the most uncomfortable storm yet again, but to me, this seemed worse! Storm Lorenzo had us prepared for a couple of days but this came about within minutes and the Skippers quick decision to take down the Code 3 and keep the staysail and full main in place was perfect timing. Not for one minute have I felt scared on this race, but yesterday was my day for facing my fears. I had to have a little talk to myself to man up. The waves have been powerful and as we kept being hit by them on deck, I found myself worrying for all the crew's safety. Handling the spinnaker sheet at a time when broaching was a near possibility made me realise that if I mess up and ease too slowly then we were over! It left me nervous all day and not a happy bunny. Held on so tight that the skin on my hands is shedding off like a snake! I did manage to laugh at the point when Donna got swept off the deck right into me by a big wave and it was funny when I got handed a cup of tea during my trimming of the spinnaker and when we heeled over my tea mug went flying across the deck untouched.

We are sailing well, but we have still over a week to go so we all need to be on our game. Our crew are amazing and its quite painful for me to think that I will be leaving these guys in Punta del Este. Life on board at this angle is harder than anyone could imagine. No training prepares you for the real race. It's not what they tell you in the brochure ha ha … Leg 1 has been full of surprises, beauty, heaven and carnage all rolled into one. I now know that the Clipper Race is not so much about sailing but people. ‘Saltwater can make your eyes sting, but only people can make you cry’ - And boy have I cried with full-on belly laughs, emotional tears through the beauty of nature and the odd tear from being tossed around below deck from port to starboard. The Galley runway has my name written all over it. Also managed to remodel my nose on the bunk steel bar too. Thank god we have no mirrors! Loved my one bucket shower I had from the stern. Amazing. I can also feel proud that I sailed over the equator with my team and it felt like new years eve. Very special.

Each sailing day I make sure I have learnt something new and not been too hard on myself. But I do know that sailing will remain in my future, especially if it includes a glass of wine and a flushing loo. Dreaming of the day!

Today Susan and I are Mothers so that’s a full day of cooking for the crew and a reward of eight hours sleep tonight. Each night my bunk partner Susan leaves me a mini chocolate on my pillow and in return I sprinkle hers with my grapefruit and lavender essential oils. It's the little things that keep you going … plus it masks our sweaty feet!!

We have just served a ginger cake with custard, which the crew and Skipper love, however trying to get them to eat Quinoa is another story …

Big hug and kisses to my family and dear friends. I have many a story to tell, but don’t think The Clipper Race would be impressed if I told you the funny ones on this blog. Save those for my safe return.xxxxx