Well I am off again, Currently 25 miles off Newport, I set off this afternoon bound for the Azores. It was very difficult leaving Newport. Over the last 10 days I have had such a wonderful time greeting other competitors, sharing stories between skippers, laughing at various hilarious stories and scenarios that kept us all going through the hard times, and above all making new friends. All the members and staff at the Newport Yacht Club have been absolutely fantastic, and have made us all welcome. When I crossed the finish line of the OSTAR over a week ago I was greeted with a cannon and a warm reception and as I left this afternoon that same cannon was fired again. I have wanted to take part in the OSTAR for over 6 years now, and after my retirement from the last edition my determination to succeed became even stronger. Today as I motored out of Newport harbour the dream was completed and all it is now is a memory. It seems so surreal to have now left that behind and to be on my way home. I am alone on the boat once again and I am sure will quickly slip into the same routine as I had before. The reassuring familiarity of having a pee in a bucket did make laugh earlier, but I must not be complacent about this next challenge. I have 2000 miles to sail to the Azores. And although on paper the trip will be easier - warmer, with the current and lighter winds, I still must cross an ocean to get there - solo. In front of me I have Mervyn Wheatley who set off a couple of days ago and behind me I have Pip Hildesley who left a coupe of hours after me and 2 other competitors leaving tomorrow. Everyone else is sailing double handed but its reassuring to know I have them close by should anything happen.
I have lots of time now to contemplate life, my future and really enjoy the experience of sailing across an ocean with no time pressures. From here, I am heading east... and eventually will end up back in Lymington my home, where so many of my friends have carried me through this race and this experience and who I shall be desperate to see and share my stories with. But for now my thanks stay with everyone in Newport who really made me realise what an achievement completing this race is. Thanks to the girls in the shoe shop who shreiked with delight when they heard what I had done. Thanks to Tommy in the Irish bar for the free drinks. Thanks to George the dock-master for his tireless efforts to help me with fenders and electrical connecters and who thinks I am crazy! Thank you to Barry - a fellow competitor who made Newport so fun... Thank you to all my new and old friends who competed in the race... you are all amazing.....
Jankess - thanks for the help with the pilot and bloody good job - you won!!
Will - my new buddy... hope you like the Helly wellies, love to you and Tam
Bart - We did it!!!!
Roberto – can’t wait for the middle sea race!!
Luca - lovely Luca I miss you lovely cheeky Italian smile
Marco- a massive cheer for all of Marcos efforts... just try and steer a bit next time!!
Katie - bloody good work mate bring on 2010
Oscar - we are going to call you onion because of your peels, but I’m proud of you, i couldn’t have done it at 18!
and Barry - thank you for being a terrific friend and helping me through the race - you are not so bad for an Irish bloke!!
And without sounding like an Oscars speech (as in the awards ceremony - not Oscar Mead) we shouldn’t forget David, Marten, Jean and Jill for their sterling work at all hours as the race direction. Thank you for being there to greet each and everyone one of us. Finally, Commodore Bailey thanks for training up my father as crew, and Commodre Arscott, thanks - I owe you!!
For me now I shall be settling back to life at sea, dodging the fishing boats off Marta's Vineyard and doing 5 knots over the ground in once again no wind as my fab parents jump on a plane... and will be home in the morning. Do I wish I was going with them... yes in a way because to see my granny and brother and friends for a day would be lovely, but that time will come, but for now I am an adventurer... on another adventure.
Thanks mum and dad.... for everything - enjoy business class!!
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