Clipper 11-12 Race Finish

A brilliantly hot, sunny day.  As Anita was attending the Reception for Clipper 13-14 Crews, she had accommodation in Southampton booked for the Saturday and Sunday of that weekend but her Dad and I drove down on Sunday morning and back again on the evening. A long day but memorable for several reasons.

We managed to meet up without a problem and went to Ocean Village where we met some of Anita’s Clipper contacts.  Anita was very keen to try on some necessary sea-worthy clothing – mid-layer salopettes and jacket plus oil-skin salopettes and jacket.  She nearly expired!!  Once she emerged from the cocoon, we made our way along the walkway behind Ocean Village to await the arrival of the ten yachts returning from their long voyage.

We were royally entertained by the Yakolevs Aerobatic Display Team. After what seemed like ages, we saw the yachts in the distance, following Sir Robin in Suhaili. We were in the perfect place to watch all of the yachts as they prepared for their ceremonial entrance into Ocean Village.

Once all of the yachts had disappeared, we went back into Ocean Village to join the thousands (or so it seemed) of well-wishers waiting to see each of the crews arriving on the big stage to be welcomed back to Britain.  There was VERY little room to move around – the perfect situation for sunburn!

Each crew returning had videos showing various events from their race and I was terrified by some of those scenes!  How Anita wanted to try something similar was beyond me.  Anita thought it was all wonderful!

We eventually managed to find a good Italian restaurant for a very welcome meal before each going our separate ways.

A wonderful day.

Dad and Mum