Clipper Around the World - The Strong Boat of the Fleet

by Steve Mead on Cape Breton Island on 23 Nov 2009
When we sailed out of Rio along the Copacabana, the buzz and excitement was worn on the face of everyone. All the inter-boat banter, bragging and wages had been replaced by action. The boat crews’ faces changed to poker face competition; it was all about the result. After a week of effort and toll, reality struck that maybe this wasn’t to be our race. Disappointment from this can consume a boat and spiral downward quickly.

Thankfully we have a wonderful blend of characters and 'cards' on board. Competition took on a new shape in the motherwatch bread wars. Split tins were repelled with finger rolls, cobs returned with bloomers and the occasional plaited loaf thrown in for surprise.

The watches mixed in the saloon with charades, card games and conversation covering the hurt. All of these small points of boat life made for a stronger crew bond.

So as a crew we face the prospect of ninth place together, our pride dented but intact. Others will get the opportunity to put the record straight but the leggers return home with stories of bad luck and laughter. Nothing should detract from the achievement of crossing an ocean with a great crew.

So congratulations to the winning crew, they deserve their praise.

The only thing left is to settle one’s debts to the other crews, with the currency being cold beer.

Cape Breton Island standing by.