2nd Place!
We Made It!!! Qingdao beat us by a few hours, but the other 9 teams were at least 2 days behind us! The last 24 hours of our race saw some intense weather (see last blog post) and the first 24 hours in Punta saw an almost equivalent level of partying.
After a thrilling and exhausting midnight watch, I was back on deck at 12pm. We were about 4 to 5 hours out from Punta del Este with light winds, gray skies, drizzle and a few very cute, fluffy, yellow birds catching a ride. Our arrival into Punta was really incredible, not fast due to light winds, but the weather had cleared and even at a snail’s pace, it was still overwhelming.
Hearing the horn as you cross the line, seeing the Clipper rib speed out to welcome you and seeing the crowds of people lined up waving is pretty emotional. In addition, the local sailing school had arranged to have their little sailors come out in dinghies to help guide us toward the marina. They were beyond adorable!
Once we got to the marina, we docked next to Qingdao who were all lined up on their deck clapping and cheering for us. We did the same when Ha Long Bay arrived (2 days later ;o) and each team did it for the one arriving after them. It was really very special. Seeing people who have just experienced what you’ve been through, and competed with you fiercely, cheer for you with all their heart is so moving.
Once on land, there was a welcome party at the Punta Del Este Yacht Club (of which we basically become honorary members for the full stopover), followed by lots of steak, beer, and dancing. It’s especially fun when you’re one of the first boats to arrive because everyone in the town is so happy to celebrate with you. For those first 2 nights, our whole crew and those from Qingdao felt like conquering heroes! The other teams got great welcomes as well, but there is something especially nice about being there first.
But 1 night of partying is really all you get for the first week. The next (painful) morning, we were back at the boat for a 9am deep clean (in the pouring rain) and to set the schedule for the next week. There is a lot to be done in port and while Clipper has professionals who help with any very serious repairs or safety related maintenance issues, everything else is done by the crew. Every inch below deck (including ceilings) needs to be disinfected and everything that can physically be removed from the yacht is taken off and cleaned. Food needs to be inventoried, shopping lists made, supermarkets found, menus planned, food packed, sails inspected, winches serviced, rigging checked, life jackets inflated, etc.. For the first 5 days or so, you’re back at the boat from basically 9am - 5pm every day.
Then the new Leg 2 crew start arriving and the pre-race festivities start. We were treated to a great Asado (Uruguayan BBQ) and I’ve basically fallen in love with Uruguay! The Uruguayan hospitality is truly above and beyond. Arriving into a country where I speak the language, with familiar foods and culture has been such a treat after crossing the Atlantic. I definitely want to come back again with Steve when it’s a little warmer.
I’ll be traveling a bit for the next few weeks and expect to be back in NY by Thanksgiving. Get ready for lots of pictures and videos! See you soon!
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Our onboard reporter, Guan Xi made a great video about our Leg 1 crossing. You can view it here (facebook account not required): https://www.facebook.com/clipperraceVisitSanyaChina/videos/1334333953357226/
11 Clipper Race Yachts lined up in the Punta del Este marina. The yacht club and members were incredible hosts!
Crew of Qingdao cheering for us as we arrived in the marina.
Hitching a ride (without a passport).
Crew photo with Punta del Este Yacht Club flag.
Almost there!! Arriving into Punta del Este (under very light winds).
Future Clipper Crew welcoming us to Punta del Este.