We came in second!
Last night it finally became official ? we made it to second place. But we have to admit, we did have a strong suspicion that there just might be a spot for us on the winners’ podium again!
Thanks to Stefan’s exceptional racing tactics as well as to our new gennaker and the crew’s great teamwork, we were able to minimize our motoring time. We were able to sail a lot and fast at that. If not just the motor hours had been considered but also the distance traveled, we could have probably been a little more ahead, as we decided to save diesel fuel at 1/3 throttle and about 1,600 rpm rather than “play motorboat.”
Nevertheless, we’re all very proud of having won second place. Our success was in no little part also due to the excellent sailing performance of 12MOONS!
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Stefan and Christine very much for inviting us to be part of this adventure. Special thanks also to the organizers, especially to Paul and Joel. We’re sorry to see Joel leave ARC. We really enjoyed meeting all of the other crews. Thanks for your daily logs, especially the ones that helped to complete the picture of our Galapagos experience:
This was indeed one of those absolutely awe-inspiring and unique experiences that you simply can’t imagine until you’re right in front of it. And now that it’s all over, it all seems somehow surreal. But we really were there, and we really did experience, feel, touch, and breathe in the magnificence of its nature!
So, all that’s left to say is “fair winds and smooth sailing.” We wish the crews starting on 3rd lleg the best, and have a safe journey to the Marquesas Islands.
Annette, Benjamin, and Johannes