A Harrogate resident has reached Seattle as he draws closer to the end of his 40,000-mile yacht race around the world.
53-year-old Sean McPartland is part of the ‘Dare to Lead’ team which is contesting the Clipper Round the World Race.
The event sees teams race 40,000 nautical miles on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht, with teams made of both experienced sailors and complete beginners.
And after completing leg six of the eight-leg race, Sean and his team have arrived at Seattle in USA in 10th place yesterday (Wednesday).
Upon reaching land, Sean updated his blog:
“We finally crossed the finish line. Not the result we wanted but it was so close with 8 boats within a few miles after over 6,000 miles of racing.
“Yesterday I hit the wall! Complete exhaustion, nothing left in the tank.
“A lot of this race I have managed to keep up huge amounts of energy both physically and mentally helping the team push even harder but it was like falling off a cliff.
“This was a test like no other, 30 days of competitive racing 24 hours a day. I don’t think there is another sport or event that is anywhere that extreme.”
The team had travelled from Qingdao in China across the North Pacific Ocean as part of the latest leg - 5,500 nautical miles.
The next leg of the journey is billed as the USA ‘coast to coast’ and will see Sean travel from west to east.
It’s from here they will embark on the eight and final leg back to Portsmouth in the UK.
Reflecting on the challenge, Sean said:
“After 230 days since leaving Portsmouth on this the longest and hardest of challenges, you start contemplating what you are doing and why.
“Many words are spoken which motivate some, words are written in many formats to educate and give wisdom. But actions above all, inspire! Inspire both the young and old, those who maybe less fortunate or don’t have the opportunities.
“It is my wish, desire, to inspire by the actions I choose to take.
“I will never stop while I am able, and if I can make the smallest of positive difference to at least one other persons life, I am successful in my life and will remain happy.
“Just remember it is never too late, make the most of your time!”
You can track Sean's progress here. Sean is also fundraising for Unicef and his JustGiving page can be found here.
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