Me, 'No Likey' and 'Likey'

Here is a random list of some of the things I will not miss and also the things I will miss when I wave goodbye to my life on the Clipper Race;

Dislikes...

1) Saying goodbye to crew members who have had to leave through injury or because they have finished their race.

2) Slamming upwind; With the boat tilting over, trying to sleep, cook or go to the heads is very difficult!

3) Squalls; they bring wind and rain... And normally too much of it! They are unpredictable and make it hard to prepare a sail plan.

4) Cold weather makes the watches drag on, I really struggled with the cold in the Pacific, I could never get warm unless I was in my sleeping bag!

5) When the weather files sent to us tell us one thing and the actual weather does something else... Normally we find ourselves sailing into large wind holes!

6) Having to put on cold and wet clothing.

7) Corned beef.

8) Having no warm showers... Wet wipes only!

9) Not knowing what's going on back on land, I have emails but I miss out on all the latest news

10) Having other Clipper yachts over taking us!

Likes...

1) Making new friendships

2) Seeing sunrises and sunsets.

3) The hard, physical work is very rewarding.

4) The chance to see some amazing wildlife.

5) Getting into my warm Gauss sleeping bag after a cold and wet watch.

6) Mother days; making bread and cakes and having to whole day to make the crews meals... Then the reward of a full night off from watch duties.

7) Getting into a port and experiencing the different cultures.

8) Being on the helm and surfing down gigantic waves and getting some great speeds!

9) The banter and random conversation we have during our watches.

10) Over taking other Clipper yachts!