Departure Day.

Hi everyone, it’s Kate. For the next little while, I will be taking the helm of this blog while Arthur is off at sea. Now, full disclosure... I do not speak fluent "sailor" and I can not promise accurate race predictions, but I can promise to do my very best to keep you informed as he makes his way on this incredible adventure. I will be sharing updates straight from Arthur whenever I can, along with any fun photos, videos, and news that is shared from the official Clipper Race team.

It’s official. Team GOSH slipped the lines at noon local time today.

A wonderful crowd of supporters gathered to cheer them on for Departure Day as they left the Coral Sea Marina. There was music, cheers, waves, and maybe a few happy tears as the boats headed out.

The fleet then formed up in an impressive line for the Parade of Sail, which we were lucky enough to watch from the shore. Then it was pretty surreal to be able to watch all the teams complete their MOB (man overboard) drills and refresher trainings throughout the afternoon, knowing that Arthur was on one of the boats.

I had to strain my eyes to keep the boats in view until we watched the very last white sail slip over the horizon as they departed Pioneer Bay for Mackay. The fleet is due to arrive tomorrow morning so they can clear customs and immigration before they continue over the Great Barrier Reef out to where the official race will start. Its set for 10am local time on Wednesday, 21 January (1am CET)

More updates to come as they sail onward and upward… and please bare with me as I figure out how this whole platform works and what half of these sailing terms actually mean ⛵

/k