Final Leg & Reflections on Sailing Part World

Home Sweet Home :)

It is about time I finally write up the last journey from leg 8 in the Clipper 11-12 race from Den Helder, Netherlands back to Southampton, UK. It was a short race and one I anticipated no sea sickness, and even if I did - that an end in sight would see me through...as homeward I was! 

However, before that......time to learn about my fun time in the Netherlands and being a tourist. I  also met up with a friend I once met at the European Heart and Lung Transplant Games, named, Joachim. It was lovely to see Joachim again and it is great to be able to connect with friends made here, as we all are like family.

I did all the usual tourist things seeing any sights and a day trip to Amsterdam and some cheese as a yummy reminder to take home. When all the Clipper yachts did arrive from Ireland to Netherlands, the most fantastic party day/night was put on for all of us. The Dutch DO know how to throw a party and brought along a fab DJ that rocked the afternoon! I could have danced all day! 

All kinds of entertainment was provided from artists, stilt artists, stalls, foods, music, dance and much more!

And here we all our in our sexy kilts - the crew of Edinburgh Inspiring Capital

Enjoying a drink with Sir Robin Knox -Johnston, the first person to sail single handed and non - stop around the world between 14/6/1968 - 22/4/1969.

Enjoying a drink with Jonathan Levy - Global Business & External Relations for Clipper

My new way to get home 

It is strange trying to write up memories - which is what it is from almost 4 months ago now. I had intended to finish a last blog soon after returning home. But, so much happened and also 2 months of being very unwell, and hoping that I would be able to train for the British Transplant Games soon after to compete in. My previous blog to this IS about the Games - So, I did get to go, and had the all clear just one week before it was due to start! But, better late than never :)

With Callum and George from EIC yacht I was on

One last group shot before we all wave (below) and know this IS it - time to return back to England! As in one of my earlier blog's I mentioned I was ill on the journey to Ireland, and really hoped this journey would not be the case.

It was only a few days at sea 3 or 4, I can't remember now and we were all due to sail around the top of Scotland and informed heavy seas. Oh dear, I knew what that meant. This time prepared with a bucket, water, and wet wipes. So after my sea sickness passed - it was time to gather all happiness as almost time to be properly re - united with my parents, family and friends.

The atmosphere returning back into Southampton waters was truly electric! So many boats, supporters waving the Clipper crew back home. The water was a buzz of noise, shouts, giggles, press going crazy trying to capture the moment and take what seemed like a zillion photos! Here we are about to moor up and see the first sight of the Clipper Management/Press.

WOW!!!! I AM HOME!!!!!! There were thousands and thousands of people and I had no idea how I would find my parents. Apparently - they were near the front and made a fuss to see me - but initially not possible as we were all ushered to the main stage. However, I saw my mum and Dad and other people waiting behind a partitioned area. My Mum came out to me in tears and gave me the biggest hug ever! I know my parents have been so worried about me (and me about me too,lol). And the tears just said it all - relief to have me home finally!

With some of the EIC crew before going on stage

I took some photos whilst on stage, and as you can see it is wall to wall with people like sardines and apparently 100,000 people at the race finish. It is impossible to really explain how this day felt - but perhaps one of an overwhelming emotion - one of tears, happiness, reflections, joy at knowing home life can resume. Time to catch up with friends - eat, drink, sleep and be 'normal' again. No more life on the high seas...no more sea sickness...hahahahaha!!!!

I was truly exhausted it is fair to say, and the last hours were spent saying farewell to people and then back to a hotel for a shower (luxury) and a meal out. We all went out for an Indian, and I think my eyes were bigger than my belly as I couldn't eat as much as I normally do. Or was that the portion of chips I ate not so long before the meal ;)


Reflections
I guess it would take me time to adjust back into my way of life. As I have already mentioned many months have passed now, and lots has happened. It took me weeks to get life back on track - with sorting out my flat, paperwork, seeing friends, training again for transplant games, re-covering from a scary bout of illness and being left underweight from my sailing venture. I guess I could see how the trip left me very exhausted and totally pushed my body to the max. It is surreal knowing I nearly quit twice due to being so unwell and unable to keep my  immuno-suppressants down. I have re-read my blogs over the trip and it seems that my experience was perhaps not negative but that of a challenge I wanted to achieve, and that IT was! It seems I had a lot of lows, and yes I did. I did have many highlights too - but I think it came across more that my sailing experience was of more lows than highs. On reflection maybe so, but the highs certainly kept me going and kept me strong.  The Clipper is about sailing, but it has other challenges besides the physical and incorporates mental and inner strengths. Being with so many people with various personalities, having no privacy, no space and nowhere to 'escape'. Being sleep deprived, hungry, and many other emotions that one possibly never knew existed. Time to think/reflect on life.....no quiet as constant noise even when 'off watch'. So regardless, whether I never worked night shifts - sleep was almost a no go with noise of sea/sail changes/weather/crew talking/moving sail bags from where the bunks were....and everything and anything!

The people I have met from this experience are totally amazing and made it all worthwhile. Never in any other circumstance would I have bonded with people across the world interested in sailing unless being part of Clipper. I have made some great friends across the UK and across the world. Some of my crew members on EIC were also truly supportive and helping me through my tough times to finish my challenge. Even, credit to the skipper Piers - who made it possible by helping adjusting my shifts - so that my lungs would not hurt and suffer the cold during the night times. Maybe their were one or two or even maybe more (on the EIC yacht) who didn't get me or understand my health situation and on the Atlantic Ocean journal I went into more details about this. However, in life - people will not always 'get' you and you can walk away - on the yacht you cannot, lol. So, learning to deal with uncomfortable situations and get on with it. My overview from this, is that - I will be in touch with those I like and made great bonds and that is how life is. You can work in your daily job and connect better with some people and some not at all. For the sake of work you all get on and do what you have to do. Then after hours - see other people you want to get to know more. I think you all know what I mean, and in your own way can relate to this (as it happens to us all).

It also made me proud that I DID accomplish my challenge, and I DID raise lots of Organ Donor Awareness across the globe, and made history as the first double-lung transplantee to sail the Atlantic Ocean. I know that when I die, I would have inspired many people and saved life's for the future by completing in the Clipper 11-12 Race (leg 8). So, that is PEACE for me :) xx

I have been asked. 'Will I sail again', to which normally I laugh a lot! Yes....I will, but not as an ocean racer sailor. Sailing is fun and I do enjoy it - but, I think calmer seas - and sailing around hot climates a preference to me. I would like to get back on the water, and see many of the friends I have made again.

I would recommend people to partake in Clipper, it is something that you can learn a new sport, make many friends, and overcome challenges and become a better person from it too. To gain an appreciation for life, food, sleep, and much more. I did actually enjoy being 'basic' such as no time for hair, make up/glamour. Being on land - when arriving in various ports across the world - was like, 'wow' a bed, quiet, calm and enjoying tea and take-aways. How I missed a curry and a burger! ;)

I think that summarises my time and lots of amazing things have happened to me...but, think that will be written up in another blog. Lets just say recognition for my sailing and all my other achievements over the years......

For now, I just to keep well and so excited to be part of Team GB in the World Transplant Games in South Africa (July 2013). I am fundraising - pretty please if you can...click on link highlighted and donate anything you can please, to further help with my awareness campaign raising Organ Donation. Thank you xx

Fundraising for Transplant Sport UK World Transplant Games


That's a wrap for now. Check out my cake made for my welcome home and belated 6th year Transplant Anniversary celebrations :)

Much love to you all, and thanks again for all support, messages, cards, over my duration sailing - love you all xx

Transplant Games 2012

                                                     Wednesday 22nd August

Welcome to Westfield Health British Transplant Games, taking place this year 2012 in Medway (Kent). I arrived the night before, as was due to rehearse at Dicken's World with Jamie (another transplantee) for a magic performance on the Friday night. It was fuelled with a milkshake at a local American Diner next door. So, rehearsals done and now time for a meal out in the complex, and a quick meeting with a friend from Twitter, Graham who also supported the event and took some great photos. Then, time to return back to the student accommodations whereby most of the Harefield team were staying.

Thursday  23rd Opening Ceremony

My day began early setting off into Gillingham - for a wonder in the town and always time to check out a few shops ;) Then back on a local bus to get ready for the Opening Parade.

Happy and Smiley

Well here we all are about to parade and very proud from our hospitals ,  competitors from the ages of 2-82 and 600 athletes partaking in this year's Westfield Health British Transplant Games 2012.
There was also the 'donor families' parading with us with a banner at the end of the line, and much respect for those who were there. I was lucky to be able to be able to speak with a lovely lady named, Claire who lost her mother, Linda to a sudden brain aneurysm almost a year ago. It was quite emotional to hear of Claire's experience of this and one that after our conversation made me feel very reflective, and think again of the man who gave me his lungs. Her mother sadly passed away aged 59 and Claire informed me that she was with a friend, and then suddenly she stopped talking mid conversation, and had a stroke. Then Linda was unable to talk, walk, function and the stroke further caused a heart attack which put her into cardiac arrest. Her mother was now also paralyzed and when in hospital was induced into a coma. This was to be a precautionary measure to reduce swelling, but during the night she suffered a second bleed. As Claire went on telling me her story it was hard not to be moved and hear the emotion the way Claire spoke to me. Everyone has their own story and it is sad to loose someone, but amazing to think that part of her mother lives on. It was always known what her wishes were and her views on organ donation. From this, Claire has also built up a good friendship with the Transplant Co-Ordinator at the hospital where her mother went on to give life after life.

Her mother  Linda, went on to help 6 people and both her kidneys, liver, both corneas, and vessels from eyes/behind the eyes were used to help recipients. Claire has received one letter from one kidney recipient. Our system has a lot of elements being anonymous and not revealing too much about the donor and recipient. I was told how old my donor was and the gender. He was a man and aged 42, and although I have written 3 letters, I have never heard back. I must admit for me personally, I find this one of my hardest struggles not knowing anything else about this man (and I may never ever find out). I had in my mind that I would hear back and maybe meet the person's wife/brother/mum or someone related to him. Sadly, this was never to be and part of my journey I need to still adjust too. For Claire, she expressed that it would be nice to hear back again from the first person who contacted her and hear from the other recipients. I guess though, everyone has various opinions and different ways to cope with loss or receiving an organ. Also, for us recipients whether we do write to our donor family or not. It is a very individual experience. After speaking to Claire, it has made me feel I want to write one more time, and if then I don't hear back....perhaps I need to heal and accept this. There isn't a day that goes by whereby I don't think of the man who lungs I breathe with and how he saved my life. I am breathing and living for him. I would like to thank Claire very much for her time talking to me over this sensitive issue, and Claire also expressed that she would be happy to talk to other people who have gone through similar experiences. Please get in contact with me, and I can pass your details on. Thanks

Harefield Team

It was great to see friends again and meet 'newbie's' (newly transplanted people attending the games) and walking proud with our hospital banners towards Rochester Cathedral.

The Parade is Starting

Each hospital was introduced as we entered the stunning cathedral, and extra mentions of people who done perhaps something great/extra-ordinary last year/this year. As our team entered and sat down, I heard my name and my sailing venture through the microphone followed by some 'woo's' of friends sitting behind me. A variety of displays were put on for us including:- a male choir, dance shows, speeches, and a very special performance (song/piano) by Peter Murray - as mentioned below.

Inside Rochester Cathedral welcoming all the athletes

• • Some information about Peter Murray
                                                                                                                  Now aged 20, transplanted 17 years ago 23rd May 1995, and was born with congenital nephrotic syndrome where protein, vitamins and minerals etc leak into the urine so you lose so much of what you need and start holding toxins in the body.
    
    
  • Peter wrote a song, called 'Standing Tall' and told me that he has been playing piano since he was 9 and writing his own songs on and off since 14 years of age. The inspiration for his song came about because he wanted to write a song which really understood the depth of the difficult experiences that transplant patients go through. Also, the scale of the gratitude/regard that we all have for our donor families. Peter wanted members of the public to be able relate to his song/lyrics and connect with the importance of organ donation.
    
    It was truly amazing, and I was really impressed and it definitely needs a mention - hence why blogging about about it. Please listen to his song here Standing Tall. Thanks x

Peter Murray

Friday 24th - Party and Magic

How about a nice chilled day for me...hmm me thinks not. Well, I did want to make sure I got plenty of rest so was able to give 110% for a magic performance later this night, and still to have energy to party after. I have been brought up from a world of magic due to my parents being magicians for over 20 years and touring the globe with various illusion shows, and my father a children's entertainer and also specialising in children's magic. A friend Jamie Jessop has been performing magic from a young age and a status update saying he was going to a magic convention - sparked me saying something like...'Oh my parents did those and I used to go to many as a child....' and someone said why don't we do a double act.

And....the idea was sparked!!!! It even escalated that Jamie had been buying books from my dad and then the penny dropped..is your Dad????...Hahaha...Yes I told Jamie. To now cut a long story short we decided to think of a modern show with illusions and call ourselves, 'Spare Parts'. We had maybe 5 months to make a new show from scratch and be ready by June as then I was going to be away sailing. Upon my returns, it would be just a case of final rehearsals - so, with little time and as many weekends as we could attend, the show developed! And the rest they say is history ;)

That night we saw the venue fill up with about 150 people at, Dicken's World. We had an introduction and then our music started to play from the centre's sound system. Star Wars dance music filled the darkened area and any nerves now gone, we rocked it! Jamie and I both really enjoyed performing and had some very good feedback afterwards. Feeling on a high, it was now time to pack up and let the night continue.......

Don't Mess with me

A little bit more information about Jamie and why he needed a kidney transplant, now 23 years old and his transplant was brought about from having kidney dysplasia. This is where the internal structures of one or both of the baby’s kidneys do not develop normally. Fluid-filled sacs called cysts replace normal kidney tissue. Kidney dysplasia usually happens in only one kidney. A baby with one working kidney can grow normally and has few, if any, health problems. Babies with kidney dysplasia affecting both kidneys generally do not survive pregnancy, and those who do survive need dialysis and kidney transplant very early in life.

So after the magic packed away, a quick microwave meal and costume change number two......the night then turned into 'Army and Navy' theme disco, and it was great to see many people as the party atmosphere filled up with camouflage and officer uniforms.

Terminator's ;)

Fight!

Army and Navy rocking it

It was a fun night and music that suited the theme of the disco. Time for sleep as an early start needed for badminton and ready to feel energised again.

Saturday  25th - Badminton  and Team Meal 

Nevermind all the athletes competing at the Transplant Games, sometimes we may require the assistance of physio's and let me introduce Alison and Sheila.

Alison helping athlete Lora

I asked some questions to both physio's and Alison went on to tell me that her involvement with Transplant Sport started in 2001 when she had an unexpected phone call from a girl, (Sandy) who had worked with her at Physio Practice, then left to emigrate to New Zealand. Her sister was a member of the British Transplant Games team and so Sandy had agreed to go with the team to Japan for the World Games in 2001, but couldn't go due to her new work commitments in NZ so she rang and asked if Alison would take her place. After being interviewed with Christine Evans who was a Team Doctor at that time, Alison then signed up - not knowing what she was getting into. In order to meet up with the Team, Alison  went to her first British Games which were in Leeds and was overwhelmed by the nature of the event and also shocked that there was no Physio support to any of the athletes at the Games. Alison's first Games with the Team in Kobe, Japan, was a revelation and a life-changing event - and she became hooked. The next year at the British Games, Alison turned up with a couch and some tape and started to provide a limited service which over the next few years turned into providing a team of people and a more comprehensive Physio service. It was her idea to provide for the transplant athletes the same level of support that any national level athletes could expect, and in the last few years with Physio volunteer teams of up to 20 Physios/Sports Masseurs. The service is now an integral part of the planning and provision for the Games, and is both expected and well received by the athletes. 

As the understanding of the role of Physio increased within the Team and the size of the British Team grew it became necessary to have two Physios accompanying the British Team and so this has been the case since 2007. Alison went on to tell me, that she, 'considers it to be an honour and a privilege to accompany the Team to the World Games and to manage the Team of volunteers, all of whom must pay their own way to work at the British Games. So many of the volunteers do become hooked on the experience as I did, and so I have no trouble finding people to volunteer these days! The Games and the athletes inspire me enormously and I cannot imagine life without them or without the numerous wonderful friends that I have made. It can be hard work but is always worth it! I am looking forward to Durban with the Team and the planning starts now towards Sheffield 2013!'

And now also some news on Sheila, another physio at the Transplant Games - who started when the games came to Coventry and has been every year since, and really appreciated assisting at the world games in Sweden with Alison. 

Sheila's association with TSUK has changed her as a person and has given her an opportunity to be part of a very special community of people. Sheila explains this being like, 'my extended family, and that it was so easy to fall in love with everyone.' And, 'they are highly competitive and deeply care about each other which is very unusual in sport. I have worked at children's games, school games olympic and about to do the para olympics. I have worked with teams and individual both local national and international level. I have enjoyed all of these things but my heart belongs to the TSUK. A very special team - and we are very lucky to have Alison lead us all to maintain a professional and very high standard of physiotherapy.'

Shelia on left in middle with volunteers and Alison far right

So there we have some information about the lovely ladies, who as you can see play a vital role to us athletes competing at any of the Transplant Games. Often people are not aware of what happens during these events, and hence why I wanted to inform people that out games ARE just the same as any other Olympics or Para-Olympics. Thanks to both Alison and Sheila for all that they do, and to the volunteers who help too.

So, now onto badminton competition day with an early start to register for 9am and a good healthy breakfast to start my morning. I was competing with Lisa in Badminton Doubles and the first time we have partnered up together as a double.

Getting ready for battle


Lucky us we both won silver!

Lisa and I winners :)

Silver Champions


The evening was a group meal at 'hollywood Bowl', and I was very good  avoiding a burger for salmon. But, it all failed after we shared a dessert with ice-cream, cream, sweets, meringue and lots of naughtiness. Bed by 11.50pm.


Well, take note of this photo below...and...'just do it'. Thank you and goodnight xx

Just Do It

Sunday 26th - Athletics and Gala Evening

Hello and good morning from the track and it was a busy morning for me with 3 events back to back. Javelin from 9-10am; Discus from 10-11am and Shotput from 11-12noon.

With Simon - free chips for a photo ;)

Jussie Bolt

Getting ready to throw the Javelin

Discus action

Ready to shot putt

The Bling: 1 Silver and 3 Bronze's

Being filmed for British Heart Foundation

A day over and clinging back to the room staying in for mini rest and again a quick turnaround for the last night of the long weekend. The Gala night is whereby everyone comes together for a meal, final awards/presentations/speeches, and a chance to have a good boogie celebrating us being together and life.

Sunday Closing Ceremony

Closing Ceremony was once the Badminton Courts ;)

With Richard also an Olympic Torch Bearer

Party Party

I would like to add a quote from Lynne Holt, an incredible woman who not only is a Clinical Transplant Co-Ordinator, but also the UK Team Manager.
Lynne Holt, from TSUK, 'We are really looking forward to this year’s Transplant Games. Olympic fever has really gripped the nation. We will be selecting our Team to represent the UK at next year’s World Transplant Games, to be held in Durban. Our transplant athletes are the best in the world, running the 100m in 11.16secs and swimming 50m Freestyle in .26secs. However, all our athletes are gold medallists, in that they have all won their race for life!'

So there you have it! An insight to the Transplant Games, please pass this link on to help inform people and let's spread awareness of Organ Donation and how important it is that we too get more media to promote the goodness that there is life after life - gives hope to so many waiting for a life saving transplant.

Happy smiles to each of you. Thanks for your time reading my journal. xx

Living it Up, because I can now xx

Journals I wrote for Clipper Website - For Your Eyes :)

Hi everyone - these were two blogs I wrote onboard the EIC yacht whilst sailing around part of the world, and may not have been seen by people (from the Clipper website) - so decided to publish on my site too.  I have a poem still to upload, then also to write about the last part of the race from Netherlands back to Southampton, and the race finish day itself!! And lots more photos (took over 1,300+) but, will only upload some on here. If anyone wanted to donate still, my Just Giving Link is still running - if you would like too. Happy reading lovelies in the meantime. xx (Oh...I am glad to be home - hell yes!!) hahahahahaha

RACE 14 - DAY 3 - by Justine Laymond (Edinburgh Inspiring Capital)
I was hoping to blog on my sixth Transplant Anniversary (July 9th) – but I had better things to do. Spending the last two days bed bound with a private butler bringing me food in bed. Champagne and salmon en croute and a non-stop supply of my favourite mocha cookie crunch frappucinos... Hold up....as if – was a dose of sea sickness instead. Ironic really, as I was hoping to have no more encounters as per crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

I reckon there is nothing worse, when you haven't been able to eat or barely drink, and your stomach still has that throwing up motion with nothing to say hello too into a bucket. Needless to say, it's a horrible feeling and a few others suffered too. Think I was champion over these days with most amount of reaching and making some horrific noises from reaching and my stomach being tumbled dried inside and out. To my surprise no one heard.....or maybe being polite. If  I'm honest, I was worried about my medications not being able to stay down and missed some dosages that my body requires to keep me alive (in basic terms). I lay in my bunk very tearful and could not see a light at the end of a tunnel.

However, I do remember a night torch being shone in my face as Piers our skipper tried to reassure me the rough seas would change in 2,3,4,5,then 6 hours – did he realise he did a number increase, perhaps he should have started from 6 deducting instead..lol. But, I said get plans in motion to get me off the boat. At this moment I thought, yes, now I am in game over and had had enough and was not happy and couldn't bear at all how I was feeling. I guess I am a fighter and just tried to continue...

The next day, out of my bed, smoother sea and a big happy Jussie smile re-lit my rosy cheeked face. It's difficult to eat when no food is consumed over 2 days as the stomach shrinks. But...when the appetite does come back...Woohoo! Happy Days!

I had written a poem to read that day in respect of my donor, never had the opportunity. But here it is for everyone to read.

Gratitude

Thank you for life
Waking up smiley
No worries no strife
I think of you highly
Placed into my body -
By a surgeon's knife.
We are as one
Unified as whole
One aim – one common goal
Ambitions, drive, challenging roles
Enjoying life whilst can
It isn't forever -
So you gave me a plan....
And I do all and
As much as I can
Breathing for you
Living for you
Loving life for you
Your an amazing man
You've extended my life
I want to carry on with colourful hair
Be the longest living blue rinse – Granny Lungs Yer Yer, you heard it here first ;) xx

RACE 13 - DAY 5 - by Justine Laymond  (Edinburgh Inspiring Capital)
Wow! Where do I start? It certainly has been a roller-coaster for me and perhaps for the other leggers who joined Leg 8. The first part of the race from New York to Halifax was like a smooth introduction to get back into the swing of things. Weather and sea like a dream. But, I guess good things don't last forever.

We all only had a few days to enjoy Halifax and I saved one day to combine Media/PR worked I had organised. Not realising I would make front page news of their National newspaper, and appearing on two TV shows. It was great fun and definitely raised the profile of Organ Donation, LAM disease (the rare condition I have) and naturally for the Clipper race itself. I was quite overwhelmed on race departure, as a lady came to see me to say her husband died and she consented for his organs to save the lives of others, and wanted to meet me, as a recipient of donation. Needless to say we both cried -it was very moving. Even on a day out to Peggy’s Cove, I had people coming up to talk to me – you are the lady on the newspaper....I saw you on TV etc... And lots of people wished me luck. I am grateful for all this as my nerves for a two week journey sailing across the Atlantic fills me fear, and all I want is to keep well. So, with that in mind...Goodbye Halifax and welcome the Atlantic Ocean.

So here we go.....woohoo! All wearing our sexy kilts with underwear (was a tad windy) ;)

I seemed OK up until eating dinner, then oh dear running for the heads and vomiting like crazy. The next two days I was so poorly & bed bound unable to eat, drink and lost my appetite for three days. True to say, I felt crap and really hoped I would pass this corner and get better. Thankfully, I had Darius (transplant surgeon) and Niamh (Paramedic) keeping tabs on me. Well – what an intro to the rough seas ahead. But, I am a fighter and wanted to get through this and make land! (Just a lot of days still to go).

Hurray...mmmmm...food! Finally, I felt able to eat again and stuffed a delicious lunch and dinner cooked by Paul and Martyn. Jussie is BACK!! It is quite difficult adjusting to the watch systems, lack of sleep, and if I'm honest I am feeling quite drained and exhausted (and it really does take it of me and my body). But, I am also lucky that my crew are very supportive. On some occasions I have found myself out of breath (hard to explain for people who don't what it is like to have a lung condition).

But, again, I am stubborn and continue forward and want it all to be rock and roll!! So watch this space.....come on Ireland – I am ready for YOU!

Being ill again is NOT an option...so with all my Grrrrrrrr...I WILL complete this part of the race and make Ireland bouncing around with my usual smiles. Xx

Sailing Memories on the Longest Day in June

Imagine an image that never ends, open waters, rehydrated



food for crew that survive on this for days on end. This is not the never ending story but in fact the longest day in June (on a repeat button). A team of
strangers trained to operate a 68 foot yacht, live without glamour or
luxuries. A far cry away from any TV, radio, or social networking sites
for days, weeks and a crammed solace to eat,live, and sail.Our day
consists on a shift pattern of on/off watches, mothering duties
(food); engineering (cleaning out bilges,maintenance of yacht); sailing on
watch and much needed sleep off watch.

Where could you envisage a day watching the earth's natural habitat of life in real motion time. Seeing sunrise and sunset crossing the Atlantic Ocean. A time to experience all weather elements and nowhere to hide. No
shelter and just to embrace the rain and waves crashing down on our
foulies – the splashes hitting our eyes (the only visible space showing).
Looking out onto the sea, and having the most gorgeous dolphins squeaking
and swimming with us as our yacht pounds through the water. I step forward
to the bow and see the dolphins doing their little 'chase me' dance as
they pop out of the water showing off one by one, then a few together. 

How lucky are we to be in nature's world and not watching a wildlife program on TV. This beats any show, then also to witness whales too – wow! A vision of pure beauty up close and personal. Have no fear, because the sea
around has life and is watching us to! Curious as to what immense form
speeds readily through their territory. 






Even birds fly around and occasionally come on-board to say hello and fly in/around our sails/deck area where we chat and sometimes slurp on a much needed hot tea.


The day is a routine but with variety:- new conversations, wondering what
food we will be eating; by adding water or from tins. Lack of sleep,
trying to get ready/dressed, even going to the toilet is a challenge when
the yacht is on an angle – hold on tight, its a a 45' angle!


Can you hear us laughing echoing out into the wide Ocean hoping for a glimmer of land, but knowing maybe another 8 days yet for such luck. Our sounds like baby
whispers dissolving into the air, hear us then with a flash as the wind
forces us forward...that chapter lost forever (except in our memories).
I for one feel very lucky to be writing this blog on the longest day of
the year, as my life has been extended thanks to a double-lung transplant
in 2006. I appreciate every day, like it's my last and absorb every sight,
sound, smell, image around me. Today is no ordinary day, but one of pure
beauty and challenge as I breathe in fresh sea air. My emotions sometimes
getting the better of me without the crew knowing I am wondering/hoping
that I get to face another day/ live to tell the tale for next year's
longest day of the year.


Live and cherish every day, don't take things for granted, and try and live your dreams. Love those around you and be kind – enjoy, smile, and bring laughter into your life. Today may be the longest day of the year, use it in reaching for your goals/ambitions. Time for me to get back on deck parade a smile to my crew, hope for a good last hour before I settle in another dosage of galley goodness and a few hours sleep, ready to get going and say. YES, I AM still ALIVE for today!