Race 7 - Day 9
Crew Diary - Birthday On Board
03 March

Maeva Bardy
Maeva Bardy
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I had pancakes for breakfast this morning, scones are rising in the oven and a cake is cooling down in the galley. Today I am turning 40 and my new Clipper Race family, that I have met only 10 days ago, want to please me and make this day special.

I am the On Board Reporter, which means that every race I am jumping onto a different Clipper Race boat, so by the time we arrive in London every boat will have a chance to receive media coverage.

My original plan was to arrive today (3 Mar) into Subic Bay and to celebrate my birthday on dry land with my friends. I felt a bit sad when I realised that we couldn't arrive on time. Then, I had a thought about what I have achieved over these last 10 years and I cannot actually think about a better place to celebrate this last decade.

Life on a boat is very representative of life in general. We are aiming towards a destination, our goals, our choice is to do whatever it takes we have to keep going, making our own track, following our intuitions. You are the navigator of your life.

Ten years ago, comfortably settled in my office, as head of communications, I was dreaming of packing my bag and start travelling around the world. I wanted to have a life of adventure. That was not an easy decision: leaving my comfortable life, selling my cosy flat and my car, and leaving behind everything I had built so far. That was a big bet, that maybe one day I would be able to earn my living whilst travelling. Since I took that decision, I had to face storms and to resist all temptations to return to the safety of my previous life. My resilience helped me to keep trimming, beating waves and currents. While experiencing life out of my comfort zone, I was looking to find a job that can combine my different passions.

I have now worked as a photographer and videographer for 5 years. Those jobs have led me to work all around the planet. I still have to beat barriers because definitely I haven’t chosen the easiest path, but looking back to where I came from, I have reached my goal, my destination.

I now look forward to my next challenges, so when I will turn 50, I can look back and be proud of what I have achieved.

Thank you WTC Logistics for making this day memorable, I am very grateful. I won't ever forget this one!