It’s been a while since my last blog post and so I wanted to update you all with what I’ve been up to.

I had the chance to visit one of the Clipper Race yachts like the one I will be sailing the race on when ‘Great Britain’ was moored in London. It was an odd feeling going onboard and thinking that this would be my home for 11 months. I have to admit that it was bigger in parts then I had imagined and also smaller in other parts too! It will take some adjusting, going from living in a small flat to a yacht, but I’m glad that I’ve had a chance to see below deck before I ‘move in’! It was great to be onboard and chat to those who had already done what I’m embarking on. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of sailing the yacht and the feelings of excitement far outweighed my fear and anxiety!

I’m grateful to my friend Sally for joining me on the visit – for her it was much smaller then she had imagined down below might be! Following the visit I have had a couple of dreams about the race such as falling out my bunk and hitting my head in various low parts of the cabin which I am sure are both things that are certain to happen at some point over the 40,000 sea miles I will travel. It’s part of the job and adventure to come back with bruises which will no doubt include a tale or two about how they occurred.

I’ve also been busy selling my little boats as part of my ‘float your boat’ competition. Thanks goes to those of you who have not only bought boats but helped me to sell them too. The competition ends on September 6th so there is still time to take part if you haven’t already! Follow this link to find out more. I’m enjoying seeing the photo entries come in and looking at the exciting places my little boats have been. Look out for the results of the competition next month.

Since the crew briefing in July it has also been lovely to continue conversations with others who are taking part in the Clipper Race – some will be my fellow crew and others those I will be competing against but at present none of that matters as we are able to use the wonders of social media to chat to one another and share concerns and questions. This is really helpful as those not taking part just don’t understand some things or see why is a worry: they just think I’m a little bit mad (ok a lot mad!!). The online conversations have ended in discussions about kit and where to get the bargains to help save money through buying things out of season. Thus on the hottest day of the year so far I did buy a full set of thermals!! Yes they are warm 🙂

My level 1 training is booked for October so I am sure I will be able to test out the thermals then and will get my first taste of living onboard a yacht.

So for now as well as my continued writing of letters for financial support, and continually thinking of new fundraising ideas, I am enjoying my last summer where I can sit in the garden in the sunshine as this time next year a yacht and the wide ocean will be my home!