Fastnet 2005 Aboard Bojangles

As you might be aware (after the wonderful newsletter coverage), Bojangles has participated with three other club boats in the Rolex Fastnet 2005.

The crew

It is hard describing the journey we have taken since March. The journey wasn't focused on winning, or being the fastest club boat (although we do enjoy that status), but it was about taking part in the race; the coming together as a crew; the sharing of a special feeling of accomplishment (both personal and as a crew) as you cross a finish line after months of preparation.

Our crew had not sailed together before, nor did everyone know one another. Over our months of training and racing (and emails) we have become a crew. We enjoy each others company both on and off the water. We have an immense amount of respect for each other and will always be there for one another. This is what it was about for us: improving oneself as a person, as a sailor, making good friends along the way, and taking part in something very special. Friendly banter among the other club crews and simply knowing they would be out there with us provided a sense of team and club spirit.

The race itself, amazing! The weather was calm, the sun shining, the stars bright at night. Not what we had anticipated, but none the less an amazing experience. The noise at the start with the helicopters circling, the chase boats buzzing, and of course all the competitors were spectacular. Everyone knew this wasn't just 'any' race.

The Rock (Rushby on the helm)

The shooting stars as none of us had ever witnessed streaked across the night skies. Hundreds of dolphin came alongside to play as we floated across the Irish Sea. And yes, we did play Trivial Pursuit with other boats (on channel 6) while we floated and bobbed about, all while helming to simply keep the boat pointed towards 'The Rock'.

The senses heightened as the lighthouse came into view, after breaking clear of the fog. What a sight it was. This is what we had come to see and it didn’t disappoint.

Storming across the finish line an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, as well as a nagging feeling of emptiness, hit us all. The journey is over. The time went by too quickly.

We had Bojangles tidied, a bottle of champagne popped and the stereo playing 'Mr. Bojangles' within minutes of crossing the finish line. We were dancing, singing and celebrating all we had achieved. We had fun every step of the way, had many laughs, and simply enjoyed every moment. As for the other three club boats, what a pleasure it was to see so many familiar faces at the beer tent, in the fish and chip shop in town as well as the LCSC battle flags flying high above QAB. Hope to see us all out there again in 2007!!

Personally, I want to thank the Bojangles crew (Nick Walters, Paul Berry, John Rushby, David Harrison, Paul Narraway, Jean Burke, Sally Scott, and Nicola Baalham) for their sense of humour, laughter, hard work, words of encouragement, and most of all their unending commitment. You all have made this is a remarkable experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Copyright © London Corinthian Sailing Club, 2005