Race start out of Den Helder |
The last race began at 1400 local time on July 28th. I wrote down nothing from the race as we were
going strong the entire time with no time for breaks. It was neck and neck the
entire race. Depending on which tack you were on, you may show up in first or
fourth, that is how close we all were.
Trying to take the win! |
Trying to pass Derry, they are so close! |
One memorable moment I remember from the race is when Jesse
informed us that we would be crossing our own path. Although, it was just
random coordinates in the middle of the ocean, it was quite meaningful to all
the RTWers on our boat. 51°30'2 N, 0°57'5 E, that point marked the spot
where we officially circumnavigated the globe! There were cheers and tears all
around and lots of hugs to be had. Then it was back to the task at hand, trying
to keep up and overtake Derry!
We really gave our supporters a show as it came down to the
wire. We were neck and neck with Derry, only 0.01 nautical miles between us. So
much support and commentary on our Friends and Family Facebook group as we
neared the finish line. We held strong and crossed the finish line in 2nd
place. Derry crossed at 2014:39 UTC on July 29th and we came shortly
after them at 2015:08 UTC, only 29 seconds behind them! It was a great finish
and well deserved by our team. And I’m sure this made for a fun birthday viewing
for Mama Hobbits!
Waving to my in-law's family! |
It was late in the day, but no one was tired, champagne was
flowing and lots of singing and dancing was to be had. We made our way down the
Thames River and into St. Katherine’s Docks on the 30th, bright and
early. I even had a lovely surprise waiting for me in the crowd…my
brother-in-law’s family came to cheer me in! It was great seeing family so far
away from home!
Receiving our 2nd place flag! |
Sending photos to home via Ali! |
It was a crazy day and there wasn’t much time to do
anything! There were quick prize givings aboard each boat for the Race 14
victors and then the overall race prize giving was held up on stage as each
team came up celebrating their amazing accomplishments over the past year.
Although, we finished the overall race in 8th place (still quite
good considering how many times we were close to last), we managed to pick up
the overall Stormhoek Social Spirit Award! I think this was a greater
achievement than coming in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd
place because our journey was so much more rewarding than just competition; this
was an experience we will never forget and we made friends for life and I think
our supporters probably did too!
Winning the Social Spirit Award meant that we also got to partake in a Stormhoek sponsored party that afternoon! So it was off for a very quick check in and shower and then back to the docks where the celebrations continued. Of course, no Visit Seattle party would be complete without some Rum and Gingers, so James so kindly made that happen by bringing a case of Mount Gay for us all to enjoy at the party. James and Ana were even behind the “bar” mixing up the drinks for us! I saw the staff looking at each other skeptically wondering if they should really being allowing us to bring our own alcohol and serve it, but I think it was anything goes at that point!
That night was also the last official crew party for all
crew. It was a great night with lots of dancing. Jesse went out with a bang!
And then disappeared off for an early flight home in the morning!
The next day, a majority of the team for all legs met up for
breakfast at Tom’s Kitchen, the very place we started this journey before we
headed off for Leg 1. Friends and family came and it was a nice good bye meal
for many of us departing London that day. At some point, I made my way back to
the boat to search every crevice for anything that I had left behind and made a
large drop off to the bin with stuff I’d never like to see again! Jan was also
onboard trying to download all the media files so he could share them with the
team later. One of his friends met up with us and we ended up reminiscing at
the bow over some beers. Emily, her brother, Jon, Hollywood, and Matt all ended up
joining us at some point and we had a nice little evening chatting the night
away.
Good bye breakfast |
On the 1st, I went and watched my home for the past year motor away back to Gosport. This time I was on the other side helping with the lines. Although, sure glad I didn't go on the delivery back...they hit quite the storm!
I moved into the Airbnb I’d be
staying in for the next week until my parents arrived. Did copious amounts of
laundry and sorted out my belongings of what was staying and what was going.
This is also when I decided it would be a good idea to wash my Nike’s which reeked
horribly bad…word to the wise, don’t try this! Apparently, even though I was
just washing the shoes and not drying them, the temperature was too hot and
ended up melting my shoes! They are now permanently curved and the bits on the
bottom have melted off. They will still last me until I get home though!
If anyone was wondering...the nepresso machine made it around the entire world with us! |
And now we arrive at August 2nd, my 32nd
birthday! Posh took me out to a delicious breakfast in the morning, then I met
up with Karri who took me shopping, and treated me to a blow out and nails! I
hurried back home to change for the evening as Karri had arranged for all of us
to meet at a nearby pub. So many people from the boat turned up, even friends
from other boats. Amancio and Leo who
had been on the boat delivery back to Gosport even managed to catch the earliest
train back to attend the event and my brother-in-law’s brother and girlfriend
showed up too and last but certainly not least, a friend from home managed to
stop by after work too! I sure felt the love that night!
I would have never thought that I’d be celebrating a
birthday in London, let alone after circumnavigating the globe with so many new friends! It was a great
year and ended with one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had!
Until my next adventure… ;)