26.06.09

Let Ten Day 2

GREEN DRAGON LEG TEN DAY 2 QFB: received 26.06.09 1531 GMT

Time is running down in the 08-09 Volvo Ocean Race. We have had the last in-port race, the last pro-am race, the last day of corporate sailing and the last Green Dragon party.

We have had the last leg start and the miles are running down on leg 10. There will be a big void when this is all over. No more sail changes, no more position reports, no more weather downloads, no more blogs, and no more navigational decisions.

There will be things I will not miss for a second - like losing miles to other boats, the lack of sleep, the hot, the cold, the damp and smelly clothes, the freeze dried food, moving sails and stacking gear, but it is amazing how quickly these will be forgotten. Memories that will last forever are the fantastic night skies, the camaraderie onboard, the countries we have been, the friends we have made, the fun the race has brought to so many who follow it - and of course the incredible sailing in these boats.

It is a privilege to sail in this fantastic race and I am very proud to have had the chance. I am proud of every member of our team and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I hope to have the chance to sail this race again.

Thank you to all the officials, the volunteers, the sponsors and the teams - without every one of you there could be no Volvo Ocean Race. Thanks also to everyone who has supported the Green Dragon. We promised to give it everything and to never ever give up and that is exactly what we have done. We haven't won this race but we have won many battles and achieved more than many dreamed possible. It has been a very special year.

Go the Dragon!

Ian Walker -skipper