As I write this, we have less than 50 miles to the finish to go, so time for some reflection. It has been a tough couple of days after a long tough race, in which we have seen our fair share of setbacks and successes. We have overcome being catch of the day for a Chinese fishing vessel, a stomach bug raging through the whole crew, broken kites and now a wind hole that has kept us on a go-slow for two days in which the rest of the fleet has managed to catch up and, in some cases, even overtake us. Not fun!
But on the flip side of that, we managed to race ourselves back from the back of the fleet to the front twice, we had an amazing fast run in the middle of the race, we have overcome tough conditions together, the food has been extraordinary, and we have had fun along the way. Each crew member gave it everything they had to give, and they have all come out the other end as real ocean sailors, with a good pub story or two about their adventure of crossing the mighty North Pacific.
This was my third crossing, and each has been very different from the other. This one might have been a bit mild wind-wise, and certainly lacked some of the big wave surfing many had hoped for. I will remember it as wet, grey and fast, with some very enjoyable, some challenging and some downright uncomfortable sailing. This was never my favourite leg but completing it does give a buzz every time. And now, I have to admit that after a few days of rest in Seattle I will be more than ready for some heat and light winds on Leg 7 to Panama.
For those crew leaving us here, thank you for all your hard work and company. And especially for one of our round the worlders who most likely will leave us here due to an injury: to be forced to leave is never nice, but to have to give up a dream of sailing around the world this late in the race is heart breaking. Thank you for everything you gave the boat and the team. We will miss you!
Ineke, Joss and the ready for a beer and shower Sea Dogs