Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Blog from Maire Phillips, wife of crew member Brian.... recounting the start of the RORC Caribbean 600 Race.
"I was perched up on the cliff with Jo (Nelson) and had the best view over Fort Charlotte. It was so exciting to watch all the manoeuvring below. A total bird's eye view. It was so complex as they swooped round each other. It was the official RORC start line. The guns went for the 10 minute warning and we watched as Hydrocarbon approached and then swerved from the line. What concentration and skill must be stretching every nerve. The second gun went off and Hydrocarbon powered across. It was an excellent start. The wind had picked up and IRC 1 were off.
The crew had been so full of anticipation and very purposely carrying out the last tasks and moving masses of stuff from Hydrocarbon to a nearby yacht. They were so keen to get started and move off from Falmouth Harbour. Very shiny faces and steely expressions as they waved to Jo and I on the dockside. A very emotional moment!".
