Day 17 - The voyage nears its end
Sawsealady
David Moore
Tue 12 Dec 2006 12:38
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15:50N 53:46W "
Day 17 - The voyage nears its
end
We hope, God willing, another 60 hours at sea will bring
us safely into Sainte Lucia.
The past 17 days have been lived in a nether world - tone
which has existed betixt a world that was pre-ARC and a world that is soon
to be post-ARC.
The ARC is a big event. It is big in its concept; big in
its scale (distance sailed); big in the demands placed upon
aspirants, and, big in its significance in the lives of the participants
(their families, friends and workplace). For most, competing (I mean
participating - 'cos it is a rally not a race!) is a major and long awaited
event in their lives. Not merely in their experience of sailing, but in
their overall experience of life. Likely there will have been years
of planning. Sacrifices will have been made (homes may have been sold
to pay for yachts and participation). Risks will have been taken
(financial as well as physical - some will have taken sabbaticals from
careers).
They came from the other side of the world to be on the
start line at Las Palmas on 26 November 2006.
Now, as landfall Sainte Lucia approaches, the tedium (or
otherwise ... ?) of shipboard life is quickened by thoughts of loved ones,
families, friends, and, eventually a return the larger world to which,
seemingly, we said goodbye long ago.
The wonders of modern communication systems have allowed
us glimpses of some brilliant sailing and remarkable seamanship within the
fleet. Increasingly we look forward to again meeting with rivals, old friends,
and, new friends made pre-ARC. We also look forward to comparing
experiences and to the telling of stories (the taller the better!)
But most of all we look forward to again being amongst and congratulating fellow
participants (and to, perhaps, dare we admit, receiving some small praise
ourselves .... ?).
For some participants ARC 206 has been a less successful
experience. The weather, unseen objects in the water and other mishaps have
taken their toll. Indeed, it may be that ARC 2006 will go down as one of the
tougher. We think of our fellow participants and we share something of their
frustrations and disappointments in the full knowldge any one of us could so
easily have suffered similarly. There but for .....
When, God willing, we arrive Sainte Lucia, we will share
our sense of achievement with all who set sail from Las Palmas on 26 November
2006 whether or not they too arrive Sainte Lucia.
The crew of "Sawsea Lady" greet and send congratulations
to each and every brave soul which set sail Las Palmas that day!
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