We Finished!!!
Ppariso
Sun 28 Oct 2007 08:31
sit here trying to find words to desscribe our experience, it is
slowly dawning on me what we have accomplished.
My last note implied we knew we would have some weather during the
race. We did. The worst being 62kts of breeze just outside Messina
Straights. It was dark, windy, sea state very confused, horizontal
rain - crew on foredeck trying to change down sails - and me in pit!
I couldnt see them, or hear them! The rig shaking, Andy trying to
control the boat, was amazing.
Over the next 36 hours we were hit with three more Force 9 storms,
lightening (of which we think we took a strike as our electronics went
crazy), hail stones, winds averaging 40-45 knots, sea state HUGE (with
a couple of rollers at least 12-15m in height), water spouts. Mother
Nature just kept throwing it at us. The boat stood up well with our
only damage being the gooseneck sheering off (holds to boom to the
mast), and the vang breaking, and a tear in the main.
We persevered however and made it to the finish line. It was
fantastic to hear a voice come throught the dark as we approached the
finish line, encourging us on in no wind at all. We literally
floated across the line. As we entered our own harbour afterwards to
berth, one of the super yachts started blaring their horn and lights
welcoming us back from the race. So many people we have met here in
the marina, and all of them kept and eye on us as we made our way
around the course. Was such an overwhelming feeling that peopel you
have just met were so concerned for us.
Out of the 58 boats that started, only 15 finished the race. We
placed second in IRC3 and 11th overall. This for me was the hardest
thing I have ever done: mentally, physically and endurance. It is
amazing when one goes through a situation like this, it changes you.
You realize you are stronger than you think, and you can push yourself
that little bit more.
I feel very fortunate to have been here in Malta for this particular
Middle Sea Race. I am going to miss Malta (we leave tomorrow).
There are many memories from this special place, not only the sailing
but in close friendships that have been forged.
Must run off again, as someone else needs the laptop.