Finally left the boat yard and after a practice sail in the bay, arrived at Newport for the next two days before the start. Feels like we are getting there – 7 long days starting at 6am are taking their toll. But not as much as the no booze for 7 days rule – the team arrived at New York Yacht Club for the opening cocktail party – the picture is of the race team with their first round of “Shirley Temples”. The ignominy. Tomorrow loading the freeze dried food and crew gear. Almost there…