Kiiiiiiiiiiiick off: this is 3 blogs in one!

Right now is the night before we set off and I had hoped I would have had time to keep you all updated but as with everything and in particular as Peter Bentley (for those that know him) would say  or words to effect, there is never enough time you are always fighting it.
Sooooo I have failed you all on that part and posted three in one........which means this will read a bit forwards going backwards and forwards!

But at 1231 today, I remember because I looked at my watch, I saw our boat going out for the Pro-Am race and it all hit me like running into a brick wall..not that I have done that. I am about to to set sail around world, don't get me wrong we are stopping along the way but this is really it. the fanfare and buzz and press conferences made me realise how big this is and the rather tricky weather is not helping
In my usual Libby way I had a typical wibble about it and the phrase 'don't gooooo' was banding around in my head until first of all I saw  Sharon who has seen me through many of those (thank you so much for coming) and second of all talking to my brothers whom I wish so dearly were here but could not have been more supportive in my decision making  process (or should I say indecision!!!) and in this project and me.

The biggest and most incredible thing for me that I have seen are

 my friends who have been so supportive, have surprised me in coming out here for the start and some are crazy stalkbookers (Lisa you know who you are) others are sending me things from far field that are unbelievably touching, Paul rallying his school kids and my parents who could not be more proud which is all I have every wanted. If I can provoke a 10th of a percent of the reaction in a women around the world to be inspired by the team as I have in my friends and family then this will be a success.........


Now the backwards going forwards bit......

So we have had an official warm up, never mind the last few months of training. The race village opened on the 2nd to thunderstorms and a whole world of people and I get the feeling there is another world of them still to come!
The vibe here is amazing I would equate it to the Olympic Games and being the athlete side now which is a little different. Especially as this time people go are you athlete (or in this case in the sailing team) I get to say yes!!! I am by far from recognised but walking down the Race Village with some of our better known team members doesn't mean we move very quickly.
So the race village is obviously all about who has got the coolest, biggest, bestest (definitely not proper English) pavillion. While biased ours is definitely up there for just a couple of the following reasons
1. We have a Lego boat....made up of 1000 pieces with working winches and keel and grinders
2. Second probably should have been first but needed context....there is LEGO LIBBY!!!! yes my very own lego person.....my mantlepiece just keeps getting busier!
3. The toilets....sounds weird but check them out  or I will explain later!

I have managed to infiltrate Team Vestas Pavillion they do let you  make your own cool windmill educational and will look good in my garden but not weatherproof!!!   DongFeng were up there with free champagne and one those put your head in the hole instead of someone's face.....which I duly did!!! But the highlight for me or I should say distraction as I then did nearly miss the sailors parade to which I had to run and duly tripped down the pontoon to the boat, was the circus people.......oh yes Cirque du soleil here I come!

I have to say Lego Libby is closely followed by music video star Libby, we have all heard me sing .......volume is key.....can't believe I haven't been signed yet!!!!

Keep followingxx