Sailing: Home and back in pursuit of next big project as tactics take a rest

Sunday 30 March

Hotel, Salvador, Brazil, 20.25

I've been here for weeks but Alan Paris, aboard BTC Velocity, only arrived yesterday, and in a torrential tropical storm. All of us skippers went out to meet him. You could see the relief as he crossed the line. This morning I started packing for the start of the final leg on 13 April.

Monday 31 March

São Paulo airport, 18.50

Our electronics expert has just arrived and thinks the small problems he's found can easily be fixed. Most of the fleet have electronics problems at some stage but the huge advantages that the technology brings massively outweigh the hiccups. It's no secret that I hate the solitude of solo sailing so staying in touch is paramount. I also enjoy the learning experience of having to cope, whether it's dealing with electronics failure or engine maintenance. This in addition to studying the weather, navigational information, sail selection, sail trimming, and basically fixing anything that breaks. And there are a lot of things that can break. I'm at São Paulo airport because I'm about to fly to the UK for a meeting about my next project. At one stage I didn't think I'd be able to make it but progress with Pindar seems fine and I'll be back in a couple of days.

Tuesday 1 April

London, 23.30

Arrived at lunchtime and went straight to Southampton to surprise my sister, who I haven't seen for six months. It was good to catch up. This evening I've been in London at the launch of the new HQ in Canary Wharf of HSBC. The bank is sponsoring the Global Education Challenge schools' project, which I've been involved with during the Around Alone. I spent the evening being well looked after by HSBC's chairman, Sir John Bond, and chief exec, Sir Keith Whitson, who are both keen sailors. The best moment was definitely being introduced to the legendary Sir Jackie Stewart, who runs Jaguar, their Formula One team. I invited him to come sailing with me but he turned me down because he said he gets seasick! In return, he invited me to attend a grand prix as his guest when I finish this race. I said I'd love to, as long as I don't have to get in any of his cars. I get road sick!

Wednesday 2 April

Heathrow airport, 21.05

Today I had a meeting about my next project. It seems a bit strange because I haven't finished this one yet but there's never a good time to rest on your laurels. If I don't plan ahead, there is no next project. At the airport, I've been sitting here replying to people who've posted messages on the Pindar website. I feel humbled that so many people take the time to write to me. I've also just got word that Derek Hatfield, my Canadian Mountie friend and the only person still to arrive in Salvador at the end of the fourth leg – he was dismasted – is due to restart his race this weekend. I'm delighted. Everyone in the race has been able to help, ensuring he hasn't had to retire.

Thursday 3 April

Hotel, Salvador, 22.30

Got back this morning, went straight to the marina for a sail test and electronics test. It's difficult to know how a system that's perfectly set up on shore will perform out on the water, but everything was OK. This evening we had a table tennis competition. It's all go here.

Friday 4 April

Marina, Salvador, 10.00

It's back to race mode. Weather studies and tactics are going to fill the next week, then we're off.

www.aroundalone.com

www.pindar.com

www.education.hsbc.com