Especially those of us who have seen the race through, from start to finish, understand the full scope of what crossing that line meant. Or at least try to grasp the concept. One by one, the round the worlders congratulated each other. After all that has transpired, I find it near impossible to put the experience into words. We simply greeted each other with a hug and a "well done" - no further words were necessary.

Spurn Head marked the entrance to the Humber River as we made our way to Hull for the big, official welcome. The night before race start last September, the North One TV crew brought me to Spurn Head beach for filming. I was nervous as they asked me to relay a very personal story in front of a very big camera. One clip was me walking along the beach, where I diverted my attention away from the camera and started beachcombing.

The next day, as we were sailing out of the Humber, I found a rock from the beach in my pocket. I placed it in a safe place, and vowed to bring it back to Spurn Head when I returned for the finish. That meant I had to stick it out, no matter how trying the conditions, and sail the entire race.

Now, after all the highs and lows, calms and storms, I stood at the stern and threw the rock towards the beach. I silently expressed my gratitude for our safe return and for all of the people sharing this amazing experience. 

A lot of hard work, good times, and the drive to achieve a common goal held us together over the race, with the result of an overall podium finish. We've done well, and the growth of our team over the past ten months is more than I ever anticipated - both as sailors and as people. The variety of personalities and talents on board was vast, and all crew contributed to the team in their best possible way.

As I step back from the Clipper experience, the extraordinary accomplishments we've made as a team are becoming clear. When we were in the middle of a storm, it was necessary to get on with things and get the job done - setting emotions aside and focusing on the task at hand. The Pacific was one of these shining moments - in the worst stormy and cold conditions of the race, there were no complaints. All rose to the occasion, faced their fears, and looked out for one another. I was never so proud of our team.

But this example is one of many. There was an appropriate quote I heard in Ireland that describes how I feel: "The power of a team pulling together, working for the same goal, striving to reach a common destination, is far greater than the sum of its parts." 

Along with my thoughts of our crew, there are sentiments I hold towards our Big Blue Canoe as well. This may sound silly to some, but a person can get attached to a boat - especially one that has protected us through so many storms, and has the name of my home in view at all times. She's a very special boat.  As I took her up the Humber, everyone went down below to put on rain gear. That was my moment to say goodbye.

The final step was our arrival to thousands of people in Hull, including my Mom. Standing 5'3" high, all I could see was a fully extended arm with a Cape Breton flag on the end. I felt incredibly proud to be representing Cape Breton in such an event, and to see our familiar flag waiting at the finish.

Mom accompanied me to Gosport to meet Jan and the delivery crew, who brought our boat back to Clipper HQ. I didn't anticipate how difficult it would be to say goodbye to everyone. Like family, we became so used to being around one another; it seemed inconceivable that it would end. And I didn't really think about it until our last night together.

I ended up in tears prematurely, at the Clarence of all places, so Carol suggested a tea on the boat before I went home for the night. We climbed down the companionway, and I lit the stove in our usual way. Jan wondered why I didn't go for the electric kettle, the faster and obvious choice. I guess part of me wasn't ready to let go of our old routine, which I have grown to love.

I left our boat in tears (to be honest, I'm starting again as I write this!) and felt just as lost the next morning. Yes, this was going to take some getting used to.

Ian Dickens, a former RTW crew, and Clipper staffer, let me know ahead of time that I would come to rely on the other crew who shared this experience. Friends and family, as much as they may try, will never fully understand. Sure enough, I've been back in Cape Breton four days and already starting the e-mails. Is anyone else as overwhelmed by the piles of boxes from “land life" after living out of three lockers all year?? 

What an intense year, but after a couple nights of good sleep I feel ready to go sailing again in a flash. I've had a taste of many types of sailing in my life - racing, blue water cruising, even an old square rigger - but I recognize the unique experience of the Clipper Race. 

Nothing could ever compare. I can only take the positive things learned on board to other sailing adventures that lay ahead. The changes this organization has brought about for so many people is amazing. Whether they continue to sail or not, all will walk away with new perspectives. 

I sat down on a bench overlooking the Big Fiddle today. I could still envision the Clipper fleet by the pontoons. Just as clearly, I remember the day, two years ago, when I stood in the saloon of a Clipper yacht and knew it would become my home.

What started out as a personal quest to cross oceans has become so much more. I'm continually amazed and proud that Cape Breton Island has sailed around the world, and I was fortunate enough to be part of it. To those who helped make this a reality, I cannot thank you enough!