Ecover second home

Marcus Hutchinson talks to James Boyd about his epic voyage with Mike Golding on Ecover

Hutchinson was impressed by the incredible amount of work which needs to be done on a race like this. Despite sailing two up there was virtually as much as much to do as in a singlehanded race, as on Ecover they hand steered almost all the way (on a singlehanded race, the pilot would be used much more).

Sailing the boat - steering, trimming, sail changes and navigation - was only a part of the story. There was also eating and sleeping and in addition to this they had to send daily email updates back from the boat, record video of themselves, compress it and send it back.

Then there were the inevitable breakages - a particular hindrance was the satcom B - plus lot of little stuff, ropes breaking, a blown out Code 5 (fortunately this was the 'sacrifical' one used for pushing and they had another in reserve). Good preparation, as ever with these races, is the name of the game. However he was pleased that in the six or seven full standing gybes they carried out two handed, they didn't break a single batten.

As for Mike, Marcus says that he is really encouraged after this race and is seriously looking to take part in Around Alone, the race he was robbed of three years ago.

In the meantime Mike and Marcus can relax by the poolside with wives, girlfriends and their pina coladas safe in the knowledge that despite coming second, 100,000 Francs (roughly £10,000) in prize money is coming their way at the prize giving on Friday night. Ain't life sweet.