After the excitement of the Maxi worlds in Sardinia I had a few days back at home to regroup, attend ladies’ day at the Southampton Boat Show, before repacking and heading out to Newport Rhode Island.
Just over 3 months ago, I sailed into Newport, having made the 3,500 mile solo journey from Plymouth, UK. It was the most extraordinary moment of my life, full of the fondest memories I could dream of. What made it so special were the people involved in the OSTAR and the welcome I received at the Newport Yacht Club.
As I write this I am sitting on an all too familiar sofa in the Newport Yacht Club looking out at the mooring that Pure Solo rested on after such an unbelievable adventure. The feeling of nostalgia from being here is almost overwhelming, and bar the hive of activity from the various competitors and race organisers and friends and family, the club is just the same. I almost feel more at home here than I do in my local yacht club.
I am being so generously hosted by the Commodore of the Newport Yacht Club, Norm Bailey and his partner Dianne. They have become such good friends over the past few months and it is wonderful to be able to return here and spend some time with them. Coincidentally it is the 12 metre worlds here this week so there are many familiar faces in the bars of Newport this week.
I am here for one more night, before heading back down South to another Yacht Club just outside New York, where I am representing Great Britain in the Seawanhaka Cup on behalf of the Royal Thames Yacht Club… but more about this tomorrow!
Hannah