My job as skipper of this yacht is an amazing one. Though times can be challenging, they are also very rewarding. The
sailing is the fun part and the easy part. When I initially considered skippering a yacht in the race this is all that I
assumed it would involve and the joys of the job would be limited to the beauty of sailing and the environment.
Every day I realise more and more that this job is not just about sailing, it is about fulfilling dreams and making life
long goals and personal satisfaction achieved for everybody. Not only those onbord but also people watching and viewing the
race who are given hope realsing that their dream of sailing the world is achievable so long as they want it enough.
As we sat becalmed at sunset tonight with the inter-tropical storm clouds on the horizon and the sun glowing a bright orange
one such amazing experience occurred as one of my crew members paid tribute to her late husband and son. Both died
tragically a year apart only a few years ago to the day and it was only fitting to pay tribute to them on this idealistic
evening. Ironically her husband had traded and fished as a master mariner and Captain for many years through the waters
that we have been sailing for the past week. Both she and her husband worked together on the boats until their children landed them ashore.
The service was simple yet fitting and emotional. At sunrise two flags were placed on the transom and flew with us through
the day of a myrid of conditions. At sunset the flags were placed in the mirror like water and as the boat slowly sailed
away a few words were said in their honour. I could only imagine that they would be proud and happy to have been loved so much.
This job is not just about realising my dreams, it is about helping others to realise theirs, and its days like today that make me realise I have one of the most amazing jobs in the world.
Richard Hewson