Great read Nikki. We are currently repairing our wooden 56' ketch and the most common expression people use for the seemingly endless challenge is "A labor of love" but really it's "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." The hard stuff is definitely awesome in the end.
Totally! And there can be such beauty within the struggle. Sometimes, just knowing that reminds you to look for it ❤️ so many good soundtracks come to mind for those two quotes. I bet you have quite the playlist building!!
My Clipper Race experience taught me many things, but perhaps the most profound was this: appreciate the present—live fully in every moment.
That’s why defining a clear beginning, middle, and end to this personal adventure feels nearly impossible for me.
In my corporate life, I often find myself caught between the past and the future—answering questions about events that happened six months ago or predicting what might occur six months ahead. Too often, the present slips by, unnoticed.
But with Clipper, when did it really begin? Was it the moment I heard about the race for the second time and finally said yes? Was it when I nervously arrived in Gosport for Level 1 training? Or was it, three years later, when I finally stepped aboard—delayed but undeterred by a global pandemic?
And what was the middle? Was it the months of preparation on land—the gym obsession (as my wife liked to call it), the meticulous study of the training manual, the deep dive into sailing books? Or was it the race itself—each leg thrilling, difficult, and deeply rewarding?
The challenges—ranging from the nuisance of fruit flies to the terror of lightning strikes and the chaos of epic broaches—are what made the journey unforgettable. It was in those moments, both big and small, that the experience etched itself into my memory.
For some, the final podium celebration marked the end. But not for me. That was just one moment in a story still unfolding.
Though I now live across the pond from many of my crewmates, the bonds we forged remain strong. We've reunited for parties, sailing adventures, and even more racing—drawn together by a connection that time and distance can’t erase.
Even now, three years after the race officially “ended,” I still wear my Race Crew wristband. It’s more than a keepsake—it’s a quiet reminder that the journey is never truly over.
Live in the present: full agree!! I wonder - as I read this - do you find looking back on the experience, that you forget to cherish the more “every day” memories? The day after day of the same watch, same people, same weather. It’s a grind and it’s less exciting a story to tell. But it’s also where the quiet conversations come - the bonding - the peaceful reflection. So very happy to hear that the story is still ongoing. Your comment about friendship has inspired another piece for me ❤️
I still really cherish the more “everyday” moments, too. Sure, the excitement of sailing is what brought total strangers from all over the world together on one boat - good ol' CV26. But yes, it was the day-to-day living, side by side, that truly built the deep friendships we’ll carry for life.
I’ve been asked to give talks and chat one-on-one about my Clipper experience. And of course, people want to hear the wild stories—the storms, the speed, the intensity. But before I start talking about the crew and the bonds we formed, I usually have to pause and take a breath. That part hits differently. It’s the most personal, and honestly, the part that’s most impactful to me.
Apologies - I inadvertently hit the “enter” button. I wanted to add that I find your (Nikki) perspectives quite fascinating and greatly enjoy reading your writings. I am looking forward to your book 👍
Great read Nikki. We are currently repairing our wooden 56' ketch and the most common expression people use for the seemingly endless challenge is "A labor of love" but really it's "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." The hard stuff is definitely awesome in the end.
Totally! And there can be such beauty within the struggle. Sometimes, just knowing that reminds you to look for it ❤️ so many good soundtracks come to mind for those two quotes. I bet you have quite the playlist building!!
My Clipper Race experience taught me many things, but perhaps the most profound was this: appreciate the present—live fully in every moment.
That’s why defining a clear beginning, middle, and end to this personal adventure feels nearly impossible for me.
In my corporate life, I often find myself caught between the past and the future—answering questions about events that happened six months ago or predicting what might occur six months ahead. Too often, the present slips by, unnoticed.
But with Clipper, when did it really begin? Was it the moment I heard about the race for the second time and finally said yes? Was it when I nervously arrived in Gosport for Level 1 training? Or was it, three years later, when I finally stepped aboard—delayed but undeterred by a global pandemic?
And what was the middle? Was it the months of preparation on land—the gym obsession (as my wife liked to call it), the meticulous study of the training manual, the deep dive into sailing books? Or was it the race itself—each leg thrilling, difficult, and deeply rewarding?
The challenges—ranging from the nuisance of fruit flies to the terror of lightning strikes and the chaos of epic broaches—are what made the journey unforgettable. It was in those moments, both big and small, that the experience etched itself into my memory.
For some, the final podium celebration marked the end. But not for me. That was just one moment in a story still unfolding.
Though I now live across the pond from many of my crewmates, the bonds we forged remain strong. We've reunited for parties, sailing adventures, and even more racing—drawn together by a connection that time and distance can’t erase.
Even now, three years after the race officially “ended,” I still wear my Race Crew wristband. It’s more than a keepsake—it’s a quiet reminder that the journey is never truly over.
Live in the present: full agree!! I wonder - as I read this - do you find looking back on the experience, that you forget to cherish the more “every day” memories? The day after day of the same watch, same people, same weather. It’s a grind and it’s less exciting a story to tell. But it’s also where the quiet conversations come - the bonding - the peaceful reflection. So very happy to hear that the story is still ongoing. Your comment about friendship has inspired another piece for me ❤️
I still really cherish the more “everyday” moments, too. Sure, the excitement of sailing is what brought total strangers from all over the world together on one boat - good ol' CV26. But yes, it was the day-to-day living, side by side, that truly built the deep friendships we’ll carry for life.
I’ve been asked to give talks and chat one-on-one about my Clipper experience. And of course, people want to hear the wild stories—the storms, the speed, the intensity. But before I start talking about the crew and the bonds we formed, I usually have to pause and take a breath. That part hits differently. It’s the most personal, and honestly, the part that’s most impactful to me.
What an excellent share! Thank you!
My Clipper experience
Apologies - I inadvertently hit the “enter” button. I wanted to add that I find your (Nikki) perspectives quite fascinating and greatly enjoy reading your writings. I am looking forward to your book 👍