Angelasails.com

Antigua is breathing with anticipation. Sailors from all over the world are walking down the streets and can be found in the numerous bars and restaurant. 

Famous boats can be found on anchor or simply on the docks as if it is the most normal thing in the world.

Me, a normal girl from just a small town up North in the Netherlands. Me, a girl that is practically born (and raised) on the water. Me, that has been around boats and sailing all of her life. Me.. I can not believe what I am seeing. I am humbled by what is going on right now down here in Antigua.

As I am dropped on a small private dock a couple of days ago, a swimmer gets out of the water. “Hey, I know you” I say to him. “My name is Wouter [Verbraak]” he says. “Ah yes! We met at the Easter Regatta at the Braassem!” 

The next day I approach Capey. The navigator of Brunel during the last 2 editions of the Volvo Ocean Race. “Is it really you?” I ask him. When I walk away the corner of my eye catches a glimpse of someone I also know from somewhere.. Damn, it was Alex Thompson. He was sitting at the same table as Capey and I totally ignored him! Behind my sunglasses and beer I cannot stop staring at this guy who I so immensly admire with his mast- and keel walk.

After that day I simply stopped. Everybody looks familiar. All these people, all sailors, all down here to do the same race as I am: RORC 600 Caribbean. I will be on an Elan 450 (Emily of Cowes) and I am so excited that I am basically a colleague now of all these professional guys!

Tonight is the crew party. Tomorrow I have to report on board the Emily of Cowes and monday we start at 11.00am. We hope to finish within 4 days and I will do my utmost to be the best crew I can be. 

Me. A girl from just a small town in the Netherlands just stumbled into a world that breaths, eats and drinks (loads of drinks) SAILING. 

Me. A girl that has sailed races all of her life, just entered a world that is completely different and at the same time hopefully still the same. Sailing is still sailing right?

I feel as if I am looking through a magnifier class. Everything is just so much bigger. Teams and individuals I know from the internet because of their achievements. Racing machines I know from Youtube during all those sleepless nights..

It is all here. In Antigua. And I am participating with all these heroes in the same event. Finally something got me humble and quiet.

And now I have a whole different thing to worry about: What am I going to wear to the crew party?

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