Sunday, December 28, 2008

There were many tears... Team Russia


Photo Rick Tomlinson/Volvo Ocean Race
Blog entry by Team Russia - Nick Bubb (Watch Captain):
One of the saddest things about suspending Team Russia's participation in the Volvo Ocean Race is not just the lack of frontline action out on the ocean but the break up of one of the most amazing collections of people I've ever spent time with.

At our final team dinner there were many tears. What was shared between us that night will remain private but suffice to say, guys don't like having their toys, boys and girls all taken from them in one fell swoop.

We may not be at the top of the leaderboard but we are not at the bottom either and if you asked anybody on the dock which team was having the best time, both on and off the water, the answer virtually always came back 'Team Russia'.

This may be the Volvo Ocean Race, the most hardcore and professional yacht race in the world and while we worked our butts off, we also partied hard.

Developing a great team spirit can only be achieved by sharing experiences and these can't all come from time on the ocean. Only 30% of the team were out there anyway! We all knew the rules even though they were never written down: party as much as you like but don't miss the morning gym session and ensure your area of responsibility is under control.

Undoubtedly the last six months have been some of the best times of my life. When I joined the team in June I didn't really know any of them and now I feel like I'm leaving 30 life long friends behind. I fly back to the UK today ready to see all my friends and supporters back home and can't help but reflect on how lucky I am, even though it is going to be desperately disappointing not to be leaving Singapore with the rest of the fleet. Maybe I will sign up for the website race and see if I can crack the top 1000 in the virtual skipper competition. Read Full Story