Race 8 - Day 10
Crew Diary - Race 8 Day 10: Sanya to Qingdao
14 March
And so, my Clipper Race experience is coming to an end.
Today I am full of mixed emotions, feelings and lots of memories. Throughout this journey, I have met people who have made me laugh so hard I have cried and those whom I would happily throw overboard. I have eaten a variety of meals, many creative and some more successful than others, many which, at home, I would not consider eating; some which were divine. Homemade bread on a daily basis is a feat most land based people couldn't be bothered with yet we do it daily, it is a favourite part of any day, coming down the companionway stairs to the smell of bread being baked. Considering the conditions we have to work in, I think most people would do well in a Masterchef challenge!
I have spent several consecutive days wearing the same clothes and thought nothing of it – why should I, everyone else is the same. I am currently going into my tenth day without a shower, my hair feels like straw, but my skin, strangely feels really soft. My fingernails are in tatters and I have more bruises than a dot to dot picture. I have been swamped by huge waves, (but only in the warm water areas) whilst working as the bow monkey, the cold water areas I leave to the braver boys. I have slept at the strangest angles waking regularly with a mesh print on my face from the storage cubby, a flat bed is going to seem rather luxurious, especially if it is any larger than a small child's single. I have been terrified and clinging on for dear life at around 60 degrees – the brochure describes “Life at 45 degrees”, who are they kidding!
All this through howling winds, rough seas and cold temperatures, I have seen the paddling pool (bought and used for the purpose of soaking ropes in fresh water when in port) on deck while lounging around in a wind hole through the tropical waters off Northern Australia. I have had a go at most things, up the mast (well, just a little way), worked on the bow, grinding, whipping ropes, cooking, cleaning, winch maintenance; I even had a go at helming, but that was not for me – give me a car any day! T
The night skies we have seen are like those few others have seen, shooting stars, moon rises over a horizon where there is nothing to distract from it's beauty. I have seen absolutely nothing around us for days and the isolation is something quite special and we have been surrounded by fishing vessels who light up the night time horizon trawling nets for long distances. This, quite simply, has been like nothing I have experienced in my life before and I have been lucky enough to travel quite extensively, it really has been The Race of Your Life. Would I do it again? Not bloody likely! Go through the hardships of life on board during the tough times? Yet, conversely, absolutely, I would in a heartbeat. Because it is like nothing else, the fun times, the way the team get through adverse conditions, all one watch at a time. I shall remember this experience for a long time to come.
The next few days will be a transition back to the real world, upon race finish, I shall check into a hotel, with all the standard mod cons and enjoy them immensely while still part of the team helping with the deep clean and maintenance before heading back to my world. I am beside myself with excitement to see my husband who so generously sent me away for four months to enjoy this adventure while he has been at home taking care of everything there – not long now! Thank you, I love you. To be able to communicate in real time with family and friends easily, drive, iron, walk our dogs, sleep for more than five hours at a time, use all my kitchen gadgets, use more than two pieces of loo roll without fear of it blocking the system, wear clothes that are not salty or sailing related. So many things to look forward to.
To Andy and GT who were my level one training skippers and made me believe I might actually be able to do this, thank you. Nikki, your patience and training skills have been invaluable to me, I was so very proud of myself the day you described me as a bow monkey, thank you. Who knows what my sailing future holds? To the Visit Seattle team, thank you for the laughs, the support, the meals, the silliness, the treats, the way you have kept me safe, and sane, you have made my experience. And so, onto life after the Clipper Race, watch out world, here I come!