Crew Allocation
After following the bright red issue jackets with “Clipper 07/08” on the back to the Guildhall in Portsmouth, I found a few familiar faces from my training weeks. I was struck by the size of the operation. Over 350 people will be sailing at least one leg of the race. Thankfully I also noticed the number of younger people around which was a surprise after my two training weeks and it brought a wry smile to my face as I thought back to my initial impressions.
There was a definite buzz in the air and the excitement built in anticipation of finding out which boats we were on and who our fellow crew will be. After some very amusing speeches telling us all about our route, maps and general information, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (the first man to sail around the world single handed and owner of the race company) gave an inspirational speech all about the fear of the unknown. It made me think and yes, I am truly petrified by the prospect ahead of me but I can’t tell you why – it really is the unknown and nothing else. I genuinely expect to have the time of my life, spend 10 months doing something I’ll love, meet some fascinating people, go to some cool places and learn shed loads, including how to sail hopefully. Why be scared, what a great thing to do but for some reason, my logic is overcome by my emotions.
The ten skippers were introduced and then each one read out their crew. There was only one boat I wasn’t keen on. Four boats had been read out, I was yet to hear my name, a few friends had been allocated – I had this awful feeling that I might be on the boat I really didn’t want to get. Then, finally, Western Australia had John Kimber onboard. Brilliant!! I was on with my mate Steve which made it even better but sadly Chris wouldn’t be joining us. I was very relieved and delighted to be with them – I’ve just got to survive a few world cups with a bit of Aussie banter!
![[Pi]](/plasis.png)