Waking up today had a funny feeling. The adventure that I have been planning since the start of 2010 will be kicking off today. I have packed my backpack 2 days ago and stored in the ship’s hold, wrapping 2.5 rolls for cling wrap around it to keep it dry. The only things I had with me, were the clothes that I was wearing. The rest of my gear was already onboard Xtra-Link (the boat I am taking part in the Cape to Rio Yacht race). My mom drove me down to the yacht club and I off loaded the shore equipment.
It is customary to bless the fleet before any long distance race. A short service was held at RCYC. Not quite what I was expecting. The pastor kept the blessing very general & could be applied to any religion. John Martin, the kingpin in organising the event, also had some words to say. I think he is very passionate about the race. He had to hold his tears back.
John Martin & dignitaries, view on the deck of RCYC.
Family and friends came to greet all the competitors. The press was there and I saw Eben Human, a school friend’s dad. I forgot that he usually covers the sailing stories. My dad, mom, sister, step mom and Grant came to see me off. I was surprised at the little amount of tears that were shed. I’m sure they were just holding back, and they know that I’ll be back in about a year.
View from Xtra-Link as we depart the yacht club
We left the yacht club fairly early and enjoyed the view and great weather, no clouds & light winds. Aboard the boat, the star was typical for Wednesday evening racing, just less people on board. As we sailed out after the start, boats would follow us for a short while, taking photos. By the time we passed Robben Island, we were alone with only competitors on the horizon to motivate us.
The start boat (SA Navy), spectator boat, my fan club :)
Our satellite airtime sponsor, Xtra-Link flag (supplied satellite communication aboard, Looking back at Cape Town
The Heineken boat (event sponsor), Our view of Cape TownA video from Xtral-Link, just before the start.
The day was chilled as we sailed on a 2 sail reach until night fall. It got cold early. We all donned fowlies to keep dry and warm. Our shifts started at sun down. It was very different to sleep 3 hours between every 1.5 hour shift. During the night we saw lots of commercial shipping traffic and 2 competitors in sight, 1 south and the other astern. I was on shift for sunrise….beautiful!
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