YuuZoo and her crew have done it!
We crossed the line at Castray Esplanadade, just after 1pm.
And if you can believe it; I was lucky enough to helm across the line!
I'm pinching myself still!
There is nothing quite like it; the internationally renowned welcome to Hbt by friends, family, locals, yachties and tourists, for all competitors began at the Iron Pot; about 20m from the finishing line. Like Ludda said "It's like receiveng a hug from the whole community."
Firtst it was a family of four in a small tinny that greeted us excitedly, they didn't know anyone on board, but gave us the welcome deserved of a good family friend.
And it continued from there.
Whistles, cheers, screams and the smiles that you can see as you cross the line! Amazing!
The dock was lined with a procession of ppl, clapping in a standing ovation!
Sure it's a hot day in Hbt today, but the welcome was warmer than the sun itself! Thank you to everyone who made it such a special moment for everyone on YuuZoo.
We're in the docks; my hats dripping with water as I type, because they tell me that everyone who does a hobart race for the first time has to go for a swim...I may have objected and may have been thrown in to Sullivans Cove's chilly waters, which was quite a spectacle for everyone watching whilst they enjoyed the Taste Festival! But to be truthful, it's probably the cleanest I've been indays!
But for the first time in days; the crew has enjoyed a well deserved cold ale of Tassie's Cascade beer, after well wishes and local race organisers dropped off a couple of cartons.
So cheers to everyone. And thanks for your well wishes and support.
For now it's time to shower and try and put my feet back on the ground...if that's possible. First I might just try and stop the world from rocking like a yacht!
D, x x x