Ellen MacArthur

Here I am in Sables d’Olonne. I was here four years ago and at that time I was on standby for my round the world record attempt and four years before that I was here to actually take part in the race and that was an incredible experience in my life…

To do that at just 24 and see thousands and thousands of people here to see you off was just amazing. To come back after both those experiences almost as an observer is extraordinary - just to see the skippers and talk to them and know exactly what they are going to go out there and do is quite incredible.

I had a great day Friday at the Southampton Boat Show - and it even stopped raining for a bit!

In the morning, I joined Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Lady Pippa Blake, actress Kate O’Mara (known for her role in the ’80s TV series Howards Way) and powerboat racer Steve Curtis on the main stage to represent boating through the decades since the 1960s. It was really fantastic to see Suhaili, Sir Robin’s teak-hulled ketch on display - what a fine, sturdy-looking boat she is!

It’s been a busy week so far during Skandia Cowes Week for us at OC, and it’s not yet over! We have been racing the Extreme 40’s for the past three mornings, out on a course which takes us out to the west towards Gurnard. These boats never cease to amaze me – or the 5th man, different guests whom we have on board for the morning races. The team onboard of Walshy (Andrew Walsh), Ed (Barney) and Oli (Dickens) are great, and not only do we get out there and race, but we also have a laugh at the same time.

Last week was a first for me as I sailed the whole 4 day trip with the young people from the Ellen MacArthur Trust!
 
It was wonderful to be there from the moment everyone arrived, going through the team building work and hearing the giggles and amusement as we all began to do all sorts of challenges, some with blindfolds on!  
 
The young people were just fantastic, a mixed group from London and Northern Ireland. Extremely funny, quite entertaining and hugely inspirational!