Race 1 - Pre-race
Crew Diary - Race 1 Day 0
02 September

For me this was more than two years in the making. The day we finally left London to venture out on the greatest of journeys. Finishing the first evening meal with my fellow crew I am reflecting on this special day that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

St. Katharine Docks had been boiling this last week. In more than one way. While the skies were blue, the sun baked us as we set about to finish the final preparations. But it has also given us the opportunity to meet our friends again. Friends that we have made during the Training for the Clipper Race.

For me, this was a special moment to remember that first Level 1 Clipper Race Training back in early 2018. I was completely unprepared for what was to come. Scraping the ice off the deck before setting sail in winter conditions with my brand new summer sleeping bag in below 0 degrees in temperature.This was the coldest I had ever had been. But I survived because of a warm water bottle that was given to me (Sacha you saved my life!). At the time I seriously doubted that this race was something for me. But while we all had endured it, it now filled me with pride and joy to remember these moments, with what now had all become confident Clipper Race crew members.

When we slipped lines today and set out on the Thames I couldn’t believe this was actually happening. I had worked for this moment and more, then once questioned if this was something for me. That fear had been overcome and I now only felt gratitude and immense joy as we passed beneath the mighty Tower Bridge in the parade of sails. The spectator boats were literally packed with friends and family, who have also been part of the same journey as us whilst we were getting ready for this big day. Supporting us all the way with the choice we have made to become Clipper Race Crew.

Now the evening has arrived whilst we are anchored, for Race Start tomorrow, the first watch is getting ready to keep the rest of us safe whilst we sleep. With all the anticipation in the air for our first race day, I doubt many of us will sleep much.