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The first 6 overall places were not in any real doubt, it was the tussle for 7th place between ourselves, 3COM and NUCLEAR ELECTRIC that would cause the most interest even up until the time all 3 Yachts had crossed the finish line some 3,000 miles later. NUCLEAR was roughly 2 hours in front of us and 3COM, while we were just 5 minutes behind 3COM. On the start line all 14 yachts jockeyed for the best position. With a stiff breeze behind us, it was a colourful spinnaker start up Boston harbour. On Ocean Rover we wanted to do so well in the last leg to save a little face for our appauling 12th place in the previous leg. Faces were red, the air was blue and we mixed it with the superstars - Group 4, Toshiba and Save the Children. During the next 8 days 10 boats, including ourselves, were within 5 miles of one another, making little progress due to lack of wind. So much for the promised storms on the " pond ". Then came the fog. In one incidence, Motorola crossed behind us by only 30 feet, each skipper talking on VHF radio to avoid collision, neither wanting to give an inch away. Heart thumping times when we could not see beyond our bow and maneouverability is hindered when flying 4,000 square feet of spinnaker. The fog lifted and the tail end of a mini cyclone scattered the Yachts so that we became pin pricks on the chart. As we converged on the English Channel 3COM and about half the fleet were behind us but in sight. Our friends and families were waiting at the infamous Needles, an emotional time which had to be kept low key. We had relentlessly worked hard over the last 17 days and didn't want to blow it now. As we crossed the finish line there were hugs and kisses all round, even between the guys. A hush came over the Yacht as we waited for 3COM. Faces were glued to stop watches as we counted to 16 minutes - pandemonium broke out as we realised we had beaten them into 8th place by 11 minutes after 30,000 miles and 171 days. Jubilation, adulation and champagne waited for us at the marina. Thousands of people had come down to welcome us home. It was a tearful reunion with family and friends, with celebrations lasting til the early hours of the following morning. I am writing this my last report while sitting behind my old desk. I am trying to come to terms with " normal " life, however part of soul will be forever soaring with the albatross. I was given a great opportunity, unique to few people, and I shall be forever grateful to those who made it all possible. My one regret is that we as a crew never reached our full potential until the last leg. Had this been harnessed sooner I know in my heart we could have come in better than 8th place. I learnt a great deal about sailing, leadership, management and human nature, all of which I hope to put to good use at work.
Lyn Guy |
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