The Artemis Transat has started!

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There was a really fantastic atmosphere in Plymouth for the start of the Artemis Transat. It was the fourth start that I’ve been at since I began my career in sailing, and, I have to say, definitely the most vibrant for the public. Sutton Harbour was absolutely buzzing with people of all ages, wandering through the rows of French market stalls, and looking out across the water to the huge colourful boats sitting in their starting blocks ready to take on the Atlantic.

I really enjoyed talking to people, and hearing their comments as they looked out over the boats. The weather was great, which led to a very relaxed atmosphere amongst the teams getting the boats ready for the race, and the bars and restaurants by the water were packed all week.

I was also visited by a lady who’s been a fan for a long time called Barbara Tilston. She came down to the docks to present me with three beautiful paintings which she had painted of Mobi (the tri I took round the world). Thanks, Barbara!

On the start day itself, I spent sometime with our sponsors BT – talking to them about just what it would be like on the first night at sea for the sailors, and about how they will be setting sail onto a 2-week non-stop conveyor belt.

I then stepped into my naval uniform (I am a Lieutenant Commander of the Royal Naval Reserve) to join HMS Argyll who held her position at one end of the start line. The view from the upper deck was fantastic, the race boats slipped away in the light afternoon breeze. The difference for the sailors between a start where the wind is howling through the rigging and a start with light winds is really huge. I have started races in a force 6 to 7 before, and waking on the start day to the noise of a storm makes your stomach churn. There are enough nerves as it is trying to take an IMOCA 60 race boat over the start line, let alone in a gale…

Ellen

8 comments have been made

  • Laurence
  • 30th May, 2008

Hope you have fun and the weather’s not top terrible. (Im guessing a bit of rains probably not going to hamper a boat race (things a landlubber will say #120)

A Goddess in uniform sheesh i miss all the good things in life ;)
A quick question on your commission ? Is it honorary or do you really get to order people round in peace time or have to wait for war ??

Agape

Hi Laurence, It was an honorary commission. I try not to order people around anyway - regardless of whether in peace time or war! ellen

  • moosmoos
  • 10th June, 2008

Hey Ellen, have you managed to sell your trimaran yet? If not I reckon your ready to accept a bad offer since Francis Joyon thrashed (sorry) your world record.

So I will give you £4999 and you don’t have to watch that old slouch bobbing around in the marina. Your local harbour gets back an extra 25 berths and I get a very nice floating trampoline for the kids - everyone’s a winner!

What do you say Ellen? Come on you know it makes sense! :-)

(’how to win friends and influence people’ by moosmoos)

  • Laurence
  • 11th June, 2008

Ah yes most wise. Better to have people to tell people what to do ;)
The art of delegation , the foundation of society (explains so much sigh). If only everyone would think for themseleves

;)

  • Laurence
  • 13th June, 2008

Grr moomoo , that’s a national treasure your speaking ill of there . It deserves the 4th plinth beneath Nelsons watchful gaze ;)

Hi!!!!

It’s me …

dou you like france????and Paris????and castles of loire???
me I don’t like castles of Loire

My English teacher give me a text on you….

I pratise sailing , and I love this!!!

do you have a child???

Is it very hard on a boat in a course ???

And…
what dou you say ellen when you hit your hand in a course????

You’re very fantastic!!!!not me…

see you soon…

audrey

  • moosmoos
  • 16th June, 2008

@Laurence
Honestly Laurence, no malice intended at all, i’m just teasing. I’m hardly in a position to disrespect any such acheivements having never even attempted it myself.

That said, my generous offer still stands. I reckon OC group will go for it, I mean the blummin mooring fees for that are going to be orbital, and for a boat your never going to sail again. Hec, I will be doing them a favour.

Only thing is, getting it home. I guess it doesn’t come with a trailer. Sailing it back could be tricky as I’m virtually out of holiday. I suppose I could borrow Idec to give it a tow, I’d be home in half the time ;-)

  • Laurence
  • 17th June, 2008

@moomoo LOL , its ok i was invoking the lowest form of wit ;).

Naah be moored along side Victory as a companion for the old lady who fared that other great Naval hero.
(But who didnt look quite as good in their uniform ;) )

btw DEM duck at any musket fire ;) And don’t hang around with blokes called Hardy , they like randomly kissing and seem to be bad luck :D

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This is the personal Blog of me, Ellen MacArthur. I will be posting regular updates and news on my life and passions…

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