Ocean Yachtdude

Well, just for the record, I made it past my Yachtmaster Ocean exam without too much hassle. Some exercises on the ins and outs of star sights, some penetrating questions about hurricane tactics, and an intensive discussion about the planning, preparation and execution of a three-month ocean cruise: and then it was over. I now officially Know It All.

Not true, of course, but it is true that there will be no more training courses to do. Unless I choose to go down the route of becoming an instructor or a mega-yacht skipper (highly unlikely), there is no further work to do.

And thus the project comes to an end. I sent my first speculative enquiries about the Clipper Race in May 2004 when I was a diligent (but clearly dissatisfied) investment banker. Two and a half years later, I am as qualified as I can be in amateur yacht sailing and preparing to head back to the routine of a London office.

Two more days in South Africa, some time back in Ireland to spend time with the folks over Christmas, New Year in London, and then the job applications start. I'm partly regretful, partly apprehensive, but also fairly energised and eager to get a normal life going again. It's been fun, and it will be fun again, but the holiday is over: any more and I think I would become jaded. In any case, a sailing job is, in the end, just a job. Instead of waking up and thinking, "Bugger, have to go to the office", you think "Bugger, out sailing today" - whether as a trainer, delivery crew or charter skipper.

So the plan is to work, earn some wonga, and retain enough free time to sail for fun every weekend.

Before that, I'm trying to make myself useful to the guys here and doing whatever bits and pieces I can help with. I'm sure we'll have a few beers together before the tearful farewell on Friday.

To be honest, I am getting a bit disoriented by the Southern Hemisphere Christmas. It's a bit bizarre to walk around the shops in thirty degree sunshine with Bing Crosby crooning "Let It Snow, Let It Snow" in the background. It's much better to have all of the Christmas hoo-ha on a dark, cold December evening with driving sleet adding to the misery. I'm sure Derry and London will not disappoint.