Here we are, 12hours until race start and the final preparations are done, safety brief done, provisions loaded, last supper had... We're really here.
The culmination of two years hard work to get the boat ready, the crew together and here we are in Las Palmas ready to go.
After torrential rain took one full day of prep away from many crews, the last two days have been a hive of activity. Crews running off to the chandlery to grab those last bits of rope, safety equipment, foam strips to protect the rig; food deliveries a plenty with fresh produce from the market and frozen meats for the journey and at least one member of the crew being hoisted up the masts to complete final checks before departure.
So much has gone in to this, every crew has a story, every boat's journey is unique. This evening felt like that scene in Love Actually, crew out for their last shared meal ashore for at least two weeks, on the phone to loved ones to reassure them of the plans ahead, new friends established over the last few weeks saying their farewells... Until next time!
The people I've met so far share a common bond, a love of the sea and they're all challenging themselves to complete an ocean passage! Some new boats, many old; new skipper's, many experienced sailors; young children, retired folk and everyone in between!
We met a lady today, who's daughter sadly passed away recently - an immense loss that cannot be measured - she's doing this journey as a life affirming celebration of her daughter's full life, taking part in many incredible celebrations. Another one we met, an ex boat builder, experienced ocean sailor but this is his first time being in charge of his own boat and taking a crew across the Atlantic. Another is a Canadian sailor, with many strings to his bow he delivered a boat to the race and hoped to find a space to sail the Atlantic - just this evening that became a reality. A number of boats are sailing to the Caribbean in order to sail the World Arc - a whole new level of challenge but those boats include families, couples and sailors with a whole variety of backgrounds.
What do we take from this? Sometimes life throws you a curve ball that takes its toll on you but so many people come together to celebrate life, challenge themselves and travel together across the ocean for fun, security, challenge, to make a dream a reality.
Tomorrow, we become part of that!