I expected challenge and adventure; it was the reason I signed up, but I do think we have had more than our fair share though.

The race start was exciting, as ever, but then we had to fight through some very flukey winds meaning getting out of Table Bay was very difficult. We succeeded and were flying the code2 (Freckles), but were close to the back of the fleet. However, the leaders fell into a wind hole, which we bypassed, enabling us to get towards the front.

We’d settled onto a good course, making around 10 knots when I handed over the helm as we started watches. I was off watch and in my bunk (a lower one for once 😊) when there was a lot of shouting on deck and we were thrown as we gybed. Urgent calls of all hands had us struggling out of our bunks and into life jackets to get up on deck. We then felt/heard the first sickening crunch as the keel hit bottom; I can’t describe how it made me feel. I was only wearing baselayer bottoms, so grabbed a pair of boots and a jacket and went to go on deck after starting the engine.

The on watch were trying to haul down the spinnaker, so we joined in. The main was causing Polly to heel, which was helpful, but we hit the bottom again. We made no progress and it became obvious that we wouldn’t be able to sail off, and the prop at this stage was out of the water a lot, so wasn’t effective. A major issue was the amount of kelp in the water that prevented progress. We were hitting the bottom more frequently and I took the helm so Andy could go below to organise help. The port rudder was hitting the bottom as well as the keel, so I had to be careful of the wheel spinning in my hands.

That was that, the end of our 17/18 campaign. It was then about preparing to leave the boat. The National Sea Rescue Institute were brilliant. Swimmers came on board to help us take to 2 life rafts, and we were pulled off to the inshore rescue boats. They couldn’t get along side as it was too shallow and we had rocks just off the stern. We were taken to Hout Bay lifeboat station about an hour away where we were met by Sir Robin and a Clipper team.

We went out to Polly yesterday, which was a very sad moment, and we did mange to recover a lot of personal belongings; just as well as the storm last night moved and damaged her more. Loads of stuff off to the laundry this today, and I shall have my turn with the Maritime Accident Investigation Board in the morning.

The adventure will continue. . .

Jeremy x