Keeping the Candle Burning the thoughts of Christine Buerk, wife of Michael Buerk (News reader and Toshiba crew member) Reality of just what had been agreed to began to dawn on them both as the training sessions progressed and the members of the Toshiba family filled in the gaps. The weather was going to be very changeable in the inhospitable Southern Ocean. The racing would be hard. A far cry from the short trip across 'inland water' that it first appeared. As the third leg approached the initial delight at such an opportunity turned to concern and moral support as Michael became increasingly withdrawn and thoughtful over what lay ahead. Seeing her husband, who had faced many hazardous assignments in his professional career, going through these anxious days was nothing new, except this time it was voluntary ! The night before the start they both left the restaurant early, where they had been eating with friends, to gather their thoughts and have some quiet time together. A last brief moment before Michael and fellow crew tackled the gale that enveloped Wellington Harbour and the unpredictable Tasman Sea beyond. 'It was disappointing not waving goodbye from the quayside, but being on the Frigate, from which the start gun was fired, afforded a spectacular view of the early jockeying for positions. There were anxious moments as Toshiba wrestled with her spinnaker before passing through the harbour heads and away.' Holidaying with friends and being able to divert their attention to other things (a mental trick, honed over many years) enabled Christine to switch off to a certain extent and enjoy the next few days. Arriving in Sydney two days before the yachts arrived brought everything into sharp focus once more, the Media Centre providing regular updates on the boats sat stranded offshore. Reunion was sweet. Celebration at her new sailing family being together again. The infectiousness of the race is summed up in her own words, 'it is a fun thing to be involved with as it is completely out of the ordinary. I wouldn't have missed it !' Written by Robin Haynes
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