Today is the second anniversary of Outlaw’s circumnavigation in the 1st edition of the Ocean Globe Race. It’s an anniversary that intensifies our daily reflection on what was achieved and the yearning to be back at sea under canvas.
In the tumultuous times of the present these grounding thoughts provide a clear perspective about the uncertainties of life and our obligation to seize the moment, because tomorrow is promised to no one. That is why Outlaw is being prepared and a fresh crew formed to undertake the next edition of this iconic endeavour. It is more than a race, it is a multidimensional challenge demanding a broad palette of skills and a rare attitude of mind.
Our campaign is a truly Corinthian endeavour founded on the concept of an owner’s cooperative. No sponsors, no major benefactor. What we learnt from the 1st edition is that this ‘skin in the game’ creates a powerful sense of ownership which is a catalyst for the resilience and collaboration the project demands. It starts with the planning and preparation and will reveal itself starkly in the long ocean passages that lie ahead.
The 2023 project introduced us to a remarkable group of sailors who are at the pinnacle of deep-water sailing. From the Scarano shipyard in Albany New York to the Hamble River and our co competitors in the race, we have made friendships that are enduring and continue to reward. This arc stretches back to the 1st Whitbread race which is the inspiration for our endeavour. The advice and assistance that is willingly offered from this cohort is a foundational element of our new project.
In this game there is always unfinished business, another mountain to climb, another metric to beat. Getting to the start line and getting around were the front-line challenges of the last edition. They remain paramount, but they are challenges that we now know we can achieve. This knowledge and the confidence it provides, is a point of departure for the next campaign. It’s a nuanced shift in the frame of reference from ‘can we do it’ to ‘how much better can we do it’?
Training in racing mode on a boat that we understand is the key to unlocking the next level of performance. A fresh adventure with new faces and new ideas.