From Heartbreak to Headwinds

Before jumping into Level 4 (again), we had Team Lou’s team-building weekend — and what a weekend it was.

One of our crew, Tim Ellert, kindly hosted 17 of us at one of his homes. It was an incredible setup — plenty of space, room for tents in the garden, and a full weekend of bonding, food, drink, and laughter.

Friday night: Firepits & False Truths

Tim kicked things off with an epic BBQ — loads of delicious marinated chicken and other goodies. After dinner, we gathered around the fire pit for a game of One Truth and a Lie, with each statement read out anonymously. The stories that came out were wild, weird, and brilliant — and the guessing was even better. A great icebreaker, and a lot of laughs.

Saturday: Escape Rooms & Hiking Hijinks

Saturday was packed. We tackled a couple of escape rooms (delivered in the post), followed by a 6-mile hike organised by John Pares. But this wasn’t just any hike. We had tasks to complete along the way: reenact a scene from a movie, collect specific items, interview a random stranger… the full treasure-hunt-style chaos. Naturally, the halfway point was a pub, and the 6-mile return helped walk off the pints.

That evening, back at Tim’s place, we reviewed the photos and videos of our “missions” — some hilarious moments. Huge thanks to Tim, John, Lauren, and Karon for organising such a memorable weekend. It really brought the crew closer together.

Bonus Level 4 Training: Chocolate Debates and Chaos at the Bow

During the team-building weekend, Lou and Brian asked if I could jump on an extra Level 4 to help make up numbers. I wasn’t free, but the day before the training I managed to shift things around — and just like that, I was back onboard.

This time we were sailing on with Ella as skipper and Charlie as first mate (replacing Ben).

Ella’s Crew:

Suzy – UK

Krystal – Hong Kong

Marieke – Netherlands

Team Lou Crew onboard:

Ellie Smith – UK, Leg 1

Andrew Hamilton – Canada, Legs 1 & 5

Fran Schmuecker – UK (originally from Germany)

Laurant Le Portz – France, Leg 3

It was another solid week at sea — more drills, anchor watches, spinnaker hoists and drops, and a race against three other 70s to finish off.

What made this week special was the crew vibe. I don’t think I’ve laughed that much on a boat before — Ellie and Fran were such a good laugh. One of our running jokes came from my favourite icebreaker: “What’s your order for Celebrations chocolates?” (Bounty at the bottom, obviously.) Ellie and I got into long, ridiculous chats about After Eights, Talcum powder… and somehow it was hilarious every time. Those kinds of connections are what will make the wild ocean crossings that much more fun.

Race Day: Close Calls & Chaos

The race started with a clean Le Mans start and we were quickly into second place. Then we noticed one of the boats turning back. Moments later, a distress call went out — they were heading back to port due to a severed finger.

We later found out the accident happened during the Le Mans start — a crew member was tailing the Yankee sheet, turned to grind, slipped, and fell back onto the winch, catching their pinky. The force of the winch stripped the flesh off, which then got jammed in the winch between the sheet… brutal stuff. A serious reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.

Coming into Gosport: Wind, Water & a Wild Gybe

We had the spinnaker up and attempted a gybe, but the lazy sheet got caught under the bowsprit. I was up at the bow with Lou, trying to free it using a boathook — no luck. Lou ended up climbing out onto the bowsprit and hooking it off herself. Seriously impressive skippering under pressure.

I stayed up on the foredeck, sorting the foreguys for the gybe while the sheets flogged violently across the deck above me, making a terrifying whipping sound. I ducked down under the dropped Yankee to avoid being hit, getting absolutely soaked by waves crashing over the bow.

With winds hitting 40 knots, we decided to drop the spinnaker. It was a heavy drop — I was up at the front, jumping to haul the sail through the letterbox, using every ounce of momentum I could muster. We eventually got it down and hoisted the Yankee. I tapped into my “keep going” mode (with some choice swearing for good measure), then headed below to change out of my drenched kit.

Just as I got down, I heard them calling to “smoke the Yankee down” — a fast, emergency drop to get the sail in before the wind took control. I poked my head up and saw five crew up on the foredeck struggling to contain the sail. Suddenly, I heard someone yell: “Help! Help!”

Charlie had been caught between the active Yankee sheet and the guardrail, his tether clipped on the wrong side. As the loaded sheet tightened, he was lifted off his feet, pinned sideways, and nearly dragged overboard. It was a split-second, terrifying moment. If it hadn’t been for Ellie and Marieke, who reacted instantly and hauled him back down to the deck, the outcome could have been far worse.

Thankfully, he was pulled to safety — shaken and bruised, with what might be a cracked rib — but still with us. The foredeck was chaos. Sheets were still whipping with force, and I helped get Marieke back behind the mast, then shouted to the others to hit the deck to avoid getting hit by the Yankee sheets whipping across the foredeck. The whole incident left a few crew members visibly shaken.

It was a stark reminder of just how fast things can go wrong at sea — and how vital quick thinking, teamwork, and staying clipped on really are.

Eventually, we got back to port, exhausted but buzzing.

That wrapped up my second Level 4 training — full of laughter, adrenaline, and some serious lessons. Every time I go out, I learn more, get closer to the crew, and feel more ready for what’s ahead.

Now… onto Level 4, Part 3.

Level 4, Part 3 – The Final Test Before Race Day

One More Chance to Train

Once again, I’m asked if I want to do one more Level 4. They needed extra numbers so Team Lou can have their own boat. This is the last one the skippers and first mates will do before the race starts. Of course, there’s only one answer from me… Yes!

This one feels different though — not just because it’s my third Level 4 back to back — but because of where I am now. I’m so much more comfortable on the 70s. Everything from rigging lines to running evolutions feels familiar. I’ve got more confidence in myself and I can feel Lou and the others expecting more from me, in a good way.

It’s wild to think that back in March I was on Level 1, clueless and wide-eyed — now I’m confidently showing others the ropes, explaining things to others, running through engineering checks, safety drills, sail setups, nav logs… It really hits me — I’ve come a long way. I actually sound like I know what I’m talking about now and somewhere along the way, I became… a sailor.

Meet the Crew

Helen Leonard (UK – Legs 7 & 8)

Lauren Groves (UK – Leg 1)

Gavin Lee (UK – Round the Worlder)

Thomas Roy (UK – Round the Worlder)

Cheslav (Ukraine – Leg 3)

Richard Bartlett (UK – Leg 3)

Trish McLaughlin (Canada – Leg 2)

Karon Foulkes (UK – Leg 5)

Kate Pratsinis (Switzerland – Leg 4)

Everyone brings something unique — a great mix of backgrounds, skills, and reasons for doing this crazy race. A lovely bunch and a great final crew to train with before we take on the world.

Evolutions & Experiences

We anchor the first couple of nights, which means classic anchor watches through the early hours. It’s honestly one of my favourite parts — quiet time, stars overhead, and deep chats with your watch mates.

Some of the conversations this week were really special. People opened up — sharing life stories, their reasons for being here, the turning points that got them on this path. It’s always humbling, always a reminder that everyone’s on their own journey.

Days are filled with drills: boat-to-boat transfers, man overboard practice, towing, and endless sail evolutions. We’re refining everything now and getting slicker.

One of the big focuses this time is reefing. It’s always been a weak point, and we’re pushing to improve. Where’s Marius and his Level 3 reefing plan when you need him?!

Parade of Sails – A Taste of the Real Thing

Mid-week, we joined the rest of the fleet for a Parade of Sails — All 10 boats head out for what race starts might look like our first taste of lining up as a full Clipper fleet. We line up in formation, race management is out capturing photos and video, then each boat peels off for their own mini shoot.

It was a cool moment — seeing all the boats together like that, knowing we’ll be racing alongside them around the world soon enough. A bit of a showpiece for the media, but also a nice break from drills and evolutions.

Into the Watch System

Lou had a plan: Thomas and I would loosly lead our respective watches. Thomas, at 18, is an impressive sailor — confident, skilled, and calm. We worked together seamlessly, especially on the foredeck — gybing, setting up foreguys fast, and constantly trading ideas on how to improve. Great to work alongside a fellow Round the Worlder who I know I’ll work well with at sea.

As a crew, we clicked. Everyone brought something unique to the table.

One night on helm, I was chatting with Cheslav — 70 years old, Ukrainian, calm and strong, telling me tales of circumnavigating in the 90s and early 2000s. Then he casually drops that he worked at Chernobyl before, during, and after the meltdown. I was in awe. Huge forearms, paws for hands, and a handshake like a hydraulic press. Still sharp, still passionate about sailing. A proper legend.

Race Ready – Even with a Rip

Just before race one, we noticed a rip in our mainsail. We started with reef one in — a handicap straight out the gate. The first race to a marker just off the French coast doesn’t go our way — we were too far behind the line. Though we clawed it back, the race was called off.

On to Race 2 — a Le Mans start. We nail it. Jump ahead early and hold the lead for a good 30 minutes. Seeing the fleet behind us felt amazing. We don’t hold it forever, but it was a buzz while it lasted.

Later in the race, I dig deep for one final effort. Three sails back-to-back, sweated up one after the other — two of them solo. Then the spinnaker comes down. I’m by the mast, bear hugging the sail through the letterbox with Thomas and Richard behind me, I’m going into overdrive.

Gavin’s behind me shouting encouragement — proper hype man mode. I’m gassed out, arms fried, but the sail’s down. Great work team!

We finish 6th. Not bad, considering we were one reef down the whole time. A gritty performance by a crew that pulled together fast.

That’s a Wrap

And just like that… training is done. What a week. Amazing to share the boat with two of my favourite round-the-world crewmates. I booked four levels but ended up doing six. I’ve come such a long way since March. I’m beyond grateful for the extra opportunities — the skippers, first mates, and incredible crew I’ve learned from.

Sad to think I won’t be sailing with some of these legends again — but beyond excited to finally race with Team Lou, a team I know is packed with talent and heart.

We’re just a few weeks out now.

All I’ve got left to say is…

Keep sailing. 🌊