The Finish

Having sailed the whole of Saturday in patchy wind (as if the forecast wind blew as promised, then had to catch its breath before it blew again) we made land fall just north of Cabo Frio. The thing about South America in this race is that one should try not to miss it, and having achieved that, one should try not to hit it. We did neither. We rounded Cabo Frio, and headed off shore to avoid the much talked about parking lot.

It was a lovely Sunday sail down the coast. A moderate wind kept us going at around seven knots, and we were visited by dolphins twice – as if to welcome us to the continent.

In the benign conditions, the family relaxed and Mom sat us all down and made us each relate the three best things about our experience.  Some turned out to be pretty profound, but I won’t bore you with too much detail. It was then time to wash up, brush up, and get ready for the finish. We all got dressed in our Investec kit, to look at our best for the finish.

The bay of Rio is a really beautiful place, and is entered past (or through) some magnificent volcanic formations. We negotiated the entry to the bay, trying desperately to stay in the breeze. The afternoon was wearing on, and the last thing we felt like was to be becalmed just before the finish.

And so we headed for the finish, as majestically as we could manage, with full mainsail, and our biggest Zebra spinnaker. Mom was on the helm, with the rest of us all on deck, soaking in the sight of this beautiful place.

A few miles from the finish, we were met by a media boat, and our attention was distracted by all the greetings and jocularity. Mom said that she thought things were going to get interesting, and, as usual, she was quite right.

She had spotted a build up of breeze in the distance, coming in fast. Ryan took over the helm. The rest of us trimmed for all we were worth. It must be said that Ricky and Brennan are quite amazing at times like this. The wind came through, tight and hard. Spinnaker pole forward and down, the mainsail flattened and travelled down. The backstay on hard. Mom and Dad on the rail.

There was talk of having to drop the spinnaker, but that would be an ignominious way to finish, so we fought for control, and got Ciao Bella settled and racing for the finish. The last mile of our crossing was done heeled over hard and flying. There are some great pics of our finish which may be seen at https://plus.google.com/photos/+TrevorWilkins/albums/5973369163797183649.

We crossed the line 22 days, 9 hours, 14 minutes and 57 seconds after the start in Cape Town.

I don’t think it matters how many times you do it. Crossing the finish line after having sailed over an entire ocean is always an emotional and special moment. Plenty of cheers and a few tears at the end of our adventure.

Our thoughts turned to the family and fellow crew members of a man we had not met, who died at the start of the race, and to those who had to retire and see a dream go unfulfilled.

And, just before the Rio party starts, it is time to acknowledge the support that we received from Investec Corporate and Institutional Banking. We have been proud to be associated with them, and the Zebra spinnakers will be seen often (and hopefully long) into the future as a reminder of this association.

And we have also been supported by Xtralink, who generously provided our communication systems, as well as Glider eyewear who gave us all quality polarised sunglasses for the race.

Ray Matthews, the Royal Cape Yacht Club member who managed the race needs a special mention. As a volunteer, covering his own costs, he has made an exceptional effort to ensure the success of this event. Both in Cape Town and here in Rio, him and his wife slaved away, covering every possible base they could. And, let it be said that the organization has been impeccable. Think for a moment of just how difficult managing those first few days must have been.

Trevor Wilkins has been the media man, and, like Ray, has put in a huge amount of effort into making sure that news of the race got into the media. This is a very difficult job when, in the value column of the budget next to “media,” there is no number.

En, so van media gepraat, ons moet nie vergeet van Oom Cobus, wat elke nou en dan met Pa op die radio gesels het. Hy is ‘n goeie vriend.

And, our own little circle of communication support. The Stig (who shall remain faceless as promised) whose job it was to keep the blog updated, and to pass your messages on to us.  Mrs Stiq, now thankfully out of hospital, who kept the Facebook page going through all her difficulties – only reneging on her duties when under anaesthetic, and Uncle Derek, always in our background, and always there to cover for us.

But mostly, we want to thank all of you for your support. Your messages have been inspirational and a whole lot of fun. It was always so good to know that there were so many of you out there rooting for us, keeping an eye on us, and occasionally praying for us...

Thank you all.

Ciao Bella – out.