I feel I need to write about this today as it will be a day that myself and others will remember for a long time. The news of the fatal accident involving Andrew Ashman has saddened all of my Clipper family. Our thoughts are with Andrew's own family and friends, not forgetting his Skipper and crewmates on board. I didn't know Andrew personally but I have good friends aboard Ichorcoal and feel for their loss. I know that if anything happened to anyone from my team it would be devastating as we have formed a tight bond. I can't imagine the weight that is currently on Darren's shoulders as Skipper and wish him the best. I know his team, Clipper and the other skippers will support him.

It was an accident, (Andrew was hit by the main sheet and possibly the boom while reefing the main) but we all know sailing oceans is inherently dangerous. My tears today have not been ones of fear but of concern for my team mates. I want them all home safe. It's sobering to think it could be any one of us in a moment. That's the sea: savage at times, beautiful, unpredictable. But we must race on, I'm sure that's what Andrew would have wanted.