John Groton reports on the departure

10/06/07, Funchal, Madeira

After a couple of weeks of sun, the rains came last night. This morning was gray and misty, with glimpses of sun breaking through. The wind was nowhere to be found. The docks were bustling with sailors and their families - a few weeping girlfriends and many hugs all around. I remain impressed with the comraderie among the 89. I watched Clay as he shook the hands of his competitors; each saying "be safe" to the other. It was difficult not to be moved by the scene and the magnitude of their journey ahead. Clay's goodbye to Isabelle was particularly moving. She appreciated the Ipod Nano we somehow loaded with music from my Ipod. Clay joked and said there was plenty of "easy listening and blugrass" to get her to Brazil. Seriously, I hope she likes Springstein.

Clay's mood this morning was pensive, yet he was eager to get the show on the road. He hasn't slept well for the past three nights, despite getting to bed before 11:00. We can only imagine what thoughts are going on in there, but I believe most of his insomnia resulted from tactical thinking rather dwelling about 3,000 miles in 20 days. He was very pleased with the weather forecasting he was receiving, and consequently felt that his planning was very good. He left the dock with the belief that the first 24 hours will be the most important as he tries to take advantage of light winds in the beginning. We rearranged all of his food and clothing so there was added weight in the bow. He was pleased when he stood on the dock and said "the ass of the boat was sticking up so you could see the rudder"

At a little after 10:00, Clay said he was ready to be pulled out to the harbor. He was one of the first to go, which told me that he was ready and that he wanted time on the boat away from the dock. He hasn't sailed it in two weeks. It was hard to keep my emotions in check. We hugged and I tried to speak on everyone's behalf - that somehow, some way, we are with him out there.
I'll upload photos when I get back tomorrow. Digby is on a boat right now covering the actual start so he'll have that covered. Like Clay, I am ready to get off this island. I'm at the airport looking at the sea right now happy to get on a plane. As always, I'll leave the sailing to my friend Clay.
Best to you all,

JG