The start of this epic adventure is underway as we finally depart from Gosport what will be the final time before we circumnavigate the globe. The departure whilst much anticipated leaves a slightly sore feeling as we realise those we leave behind. As the sun must fall upon the plain each day, rejoice as for every morning it returns with equal warmth, strength and intensity.

Comfort in that knowledge of return we enjoy the slight tension and nervous excitement as each member of the team not only looks forward to the path ahead but enjoys the flickers of experience in the now. It's here, in the present, we have all begun our journey.

The Sailing:

We set sail into our practice parade of sail and then moved into our red arrow like; spear head formation for our photoshoot. In the fresh breeze we bring the boats even closer together for the helicopter to pass taking photos of all the yachts. Its a privileged position to be skippering these 70ft yachts in such proximity at speeds well in excess of 10kts watching as the chopper buzzes close by snapping and recording.

The child once left behind by the man, returns to experience his jet fighter dreams in a way only a jet fighter pilot or a fractious six year old boy could know. If there were a tower we'd be requesting a flyby.

From a young age, I was brought up by a handful of people other than my parents. I'm not entirely sure whether they chose me, or I them but, either way I consider myself very lucky to have had some fantastic role models to learn from. As a young lad I was taken beneath the wing of an old Navy man John Foster. He shaped my morals and ethics and taught me how to look after myself in a rough estate and world that ran awry.

John was a wise man, a good man, strong and well respected. I don't know what strength he saw in me, whether it was my hunger to succeed but he decided to nurture it. I was always challenged. John gave a focus for a busy mind that needed to be stretched and he set the goals so high. Amongst many stories and lessons, I'm sure you'll come to learn, john would explain, "you get out of life what you put into it".

To this day that sentiment rings true and I carry him close by my heart.

The Sailing:

As we departed the fleet from SE of the Isle of Wight we decided to have a look at all our sails. When sailing with a new suite of sails its important to check out measurements and make sure there are no problems. We hoisted the code 3 spinnaker and started making our way East on the delivery to London, via an overnight anchorage outside my home town of Southend.

Whilst this delivery is far from a race, it was certainly prep and being the first out of the blocks to hoist the spinnaker was a nice touch even if not planned. We pealed (changed spinnakers in a fashion that allows for both to be hoisted simultaneously before removing the other) to the code 2, our biggest spinnaker and found ourselves pulling, still forward on the fleet.

The crew are awesome and somehow our goals have all aligned. No one questioned why we were working so hard on delivery and we used the time to check out nearly our entire sail wardrobe. I must say the new Hyde sails are looking good and we have had no issues with the fitting.

As I think about the effort involved in changing all those sails, ensuring they are right for the race, I can only recall that sense of nostalgia, John Foster, "You get to of Life what you put into it".

Thank you.

We are representing a sailing city that prides itself on excellence, international standards and the pinnacle of sailing competition. Qingdao will certainly put in their best.

As we prepared to depart St. Kats the atmosphere was amazing. Thousands of race fans, supporters, family and loved ones illuminated the walkways of the docks. Thank you all Qingdao supporters and race fans alike. The team walked around St. Katharine Docks and were introduced to the crowds that looked on. The music playing, a loud drumming both internally and externally. We welcomed the crowd and introduced the teams.

Leaving the docks we started our procession to Tower Bridge. Was this for real??? I've been talking and discussing the world with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and now the bridge is being raised for us.

The bridge raises and we make our way up to London Bridge before preparing for our final sail past. As the fans and supporters illuminate the world all around, I spare a glance inward, a thought for those that have brightened up a little place inside. I look to the boats, the cheers, thank you "Salute" and the waves. I feel an overwhelming sense of emotion. Thank you London for having us. Thank you to all those supporters and thank you to my friends and family. Thank you Charley.

As we make our way down the Thames we look forward to the new days ahead. I pulled my team aside as we arrived in the start area at Southend Pier to explain I'm incredibly proud of them.

We'll work hard for this race. We'll work together and we will do our best.

Chris Brooks