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For
an unbelievable welcome. For turning out in such numbers, be it
on the windy Noirmont, or at the marina or anywhere along the way.
From
the person standing on their balcony somewhere in St Brelade flashing
their torch on and off; to the people waving the flags,
honking their car horns, fog horns; to the children out in the RIBS;
to the artists of the fantastic pictures which decorated the marina;
to the family and friends that have travelled from down the road
or that little bit further.
For
last night's party, that left us feeling slightly slow this morning
(but only slightly).
And
for all the many others who made their own special effort. For making
us most welcome, both on arrival and wherever we went.
And
then there is the Jersey Clipper Committee. I can't begin to do
justice to their commitment in this short note.
But
in passing, for all their many days of hard work, and generosity.
For fighting so hard to make sure we eventually made it.
Given
the events of the previous few weeks, many of us had managed our
expectations to the extent that we never thought the fleet would
ever stop in Jersey.
So
arriving in Jersey was sweet enough. If you add onto that the warmth
and volume of the reception, it was breath taking.
And
that is from a person with no Jersey connections (other than I have
lived among a few of them for almost a year). It would be hard to
imagine the emotions of Tracey (Watson), Marcus (Liddiard) and Gareth
(Rigby) who have sailed many thousand miles to return home.
And
of course, a great moment for Fred (de la Perelle) and Marcus (Ferbrache),
proud Jerseymen through and through.
As
the race has progressed I have become more and more aware of the
volume of support we continually receive from the people of Jersey.
Before
the race we were presented with a wonderful plaque that is mounted
in the saloon. The inscription reads: "To the crew of Jersey
Clipper from the people of Jersey, have a great adventure, carry
our name with pride, and come home safely."
Well,
adventures we have had in good supply. Home, and Jersey is home,
we have reached safely. As for the question of pride? That
has never been in doubt from day one.
We
have never under-estimated your expectations. We hope we have represented
you to the best of our abilities so far.
And
it would mean so much to us if we could give you in return, something
to be really proud of.
The parting words we heard from Philip Jeune were: "We don't
do second."
I can
assure you all that we will be trying our utmost. With some fair
winds, and the ever important slice of good favour from King Neptune,
who knows?
With
much thanks, from a person extremely proud to be linked to such
a fantastic island.
Howard Russell
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