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Indian welcome out of this world

December 05 2008

The last day at sea is always a bit surreal. Everybody is counting down the last miles, we tidy up the boat, get our personal gear together and most of all search the horizon for signs of life.

Land announces itself first through birds, then fishing boats, then more birds and the occasional rubbish floating in the water. With the low coastline the first signs of India really was the smell of land in the offshore breeze on the last morning.  With the start of the sea breeze later that afternoon we made our way north smoothly in a fantastic 10-knot breeze. Atmosphere relaxed, and everybody looking forward to getting to land.

Whilst the shoreline didn’t jump out as particularly special, the armada of fishing boats that were dredging along the banks offshore was an incredible experience. Three times we went through a fleet of at least twenty boats, all painted in different bright colours and with five to six fisherman stunned at our appearance on the deck. A pretty surreal “who is looking at who” scene, with just some waves being exchanges before each continued on their way.

Just after darkness and just before a complete shutdown of the breeze we crossed the finishing line, and a outburst of relief went through the crew. Clearly happy to be done with the leg after being stuck in light winds for the last six days, the prospect of real food, fresh fruit, a shower and a bed were looming in the lights of Cochin.

Under escort of several ribs we passed the mouth of the river, which forms the entrance to the harbour, turned right and were immediately overwhelmed by the incredible Indian welcome. Large lit water curtains of waterspouts from different boats formed the backdrop for the thousands of people lining the shores. Who would have thought that India would turn out in such numbers?

Wild flashing cameras everywhere, people handing us flowers, shaking our hands. Journalists desperately trying to get their questions through, and us in the middle flabbergasted, absorbing it all, and looking for a drink and some fresh food.

Not sure how much these people know about the race and what it is all about. For sure it is not a bunch of local yachties turning out to see us, and probably that is the best thing of it all. If our ambition is to grow this race to the wider public, then this stopover proves that we can make it into a big happening and get people enthusiastic.

For me this leg has again been an epic one, and one that I will cherish many good moments from. Ending up in a strange new exotic place is going to stand out as one of the best experiences. Well done Volvo for bringing the race here. Well done Cochin for giving us the most incredible welcome. Time to recover, reflect on it all, and get ready for the next leg. Looks like it is going to be yet another extreme challenge!