Race 2 - Day 26
Crew Diary - Race 2 Day 26
01 November

Richie Batteram
Richie Batteram
Team Zhuhai
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The moment I first set foot on our vessel; I knew life would never be the same. It wasn’t just a boat. It was our home, our haven, our chariot in the ‘Clipper Round the World Yacht Race’. Eleven teams, all with the same dream – to set sail with the waves and embrace the wind.

The equator loomed ahead. It’s one thing to read about the doldrums and another to experience them. The sun and its unrelenting force, baking our deck during the day and painting fiery sunsets in the evening. On clear nights, the stars our companions.

One particular night, the Southern Cross gleamed brilliantly. Taking the helm, feeling the gentle pulse of the boat as she moved through the water. Despite the competition, there were moments like this where nature reminds us of the bigger picture.

Racing against ten other teams is as thrilling as it is exhausting. Every change in the wind, every shift in the current is an opportunity to advance or a challenge to overcome. The camaraderie onboard is strong; we are more than just a Race Crew; we are a family.

I remember our first squall. The sky darkened and the sea grew restless. Rain lashed at us as the waves grew. Our sails strained and our deck was awash with surging water. We worked tirelessly, adjusting the sails and holding on as the boat rode the waves. And then, as quickly as it started, the storm passed, leaving behind a surreal calm and a vibrant rainbow across the horizon.

When the finish appears in the distance, a mixture of relief and exhilaration shall for sure wash over us. It isn’t just about the race anymore. It is about the bonds formed, the adversities overcome, and the profound respect earned for the mighty sea. This isn’t just a race around the world. It is a discovery of the soul, a testament to human resilience and the enduring allure of adventure.

The sea sings its song and I, with our amazing crew, will always be ready to dance to its tune.