Race 4 - Day 18
Crew Diary - Race 4, Day 18
05 December

Anthonie Botha
Anthonie Botha
Team Unicef
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The Reflections

Since leaving Durban, where we were treated so well by the NSRI and Rob Stewart, we are having a varying degree of wind and sail. Currently we are about 2,000nm from Fremantle and travelling in winds in excess of 20nm from astern.

It is a great time to think back on the last four and a half months on our Big Blue Boat. It started off with Prep Week, which for me was a time for bonding with the boat, helping with the rigging, sails and maintenance work. Obviously this was also the start of getting to know people better and realising that people make the race.

As far as sailing is concerned, we have thus far encountered nearly every facet of sailing, from the doldrums to squalls. Every facet has its own frustrations, but also its very own joys. I really enjoyed being on the foredeck, where things have to happen fast – lots of wind and water! Helming needs a lot of focus and I really enjoyed the experience. I got to know what it meant by feeling the boat and not focusing too much on numbers and instruments.

Apart from having raw bread every now and then, we have really had excellent meals. The two Mothers every day try and do their best and produce meals that are different from the others. I particularly enjoyed the first leg Mothering with Thom Fisher, who made it a wonderful experience.

The people who are leading us are really doing a great job of training, respect, leading by example. The Skipper Ian and AQP Mike, are two great teachers, as if this is their calling in life. The round the worlders who are taking on leading roles, I respect a lot for the way they are doing this and the way they are treating us.

Lots of friends have been made, and I am sure that will last for many years to come.

Have I become a better sailor? Yes, I think so. Though I always loved the sea, I think a deeper relationship developed.

Any regrets? No.

Would I do it again? I think so! I would definitely like to take part in sailing in South Africa more often.

I look forward to seeing my family again and spending Christmas with them.