Best New Year Present – Ever!

Although not currently involved in the VELUX 5 Oceans, I did have the privilege of standing in as Race Director for a short period prior to the start in Bilbao. I found the experience fascinating, especially not having come from this world. The boats are truly amazing machines and combine power, glamour and cutting edge technology. However in a race such as the VELUX 5 Oceans, it is the Skippers that make the race. They are all delightfully different but are drawn together to achieve their goal and beat whatever the oceans throw at them. It is the greatest gladiatorial challenge than you will find outside the lions’ den.

So the best New Year present in my book is having all the 8 skippers I met in Spain safe and sound. The race had its first major excitement with the fierce storm immediately on departure. The loss of Hugo Boss in the Southern Ocean and Alex Thomson’s remarkable rescue by Mike Golding put everything into perspective. The fact that Mike slowed down when he appreciated that Alex’s speed had dropped on a routine schedule, before the emergency call, illustrates a sixth sense and the perception of a great seaman. The subsequent loss of his mast and retirement was a disappointment shared by all but his saving of a life puts a true perspective on the situation. His OBE in the New Year Honours’ List for services to sailing is a most timely and appropriate award.

Sir Robin has made it safely to Fremantle and his boat was reported to be orderly, clean and tidy on arrival – a true compliment and an example to some scum pits that finish the Fastnet after a mere 5 days.
‘It’s ports that wreck ships and men!’ Luckily Sir Robin has not got long to wait until the start from Fremantle on 14th Jan – make sure you follow it and the rest of the race at http://www.velux5oceans.com/

And for Clipper followers, fear not. The VELUX 5 Oceans is a great race but it is severely limited in the area of Crew Parties – Here the Clipper Race get this prize every time!