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Andrew McGrath describes his heart rending final moments in the BT Global Challenge

Team Spirit had a 15 mile lead but CGU were only two miles in front. By the Royal Sovereign mark, Friday Day 4, we were alongside CGU. They managed to just stay ahead right up until the end. The last Saturday brought some of the most exciting sailing of the race so far. Both CGU and ourselves had caught up with Team Spirit, and as we went round Bar Buoy, Poole Harbour, it was neck and neck.

The weather was glorious and we had 20-25 knots of wind. The 1.5oz spinnakers were up and we were powering along. We passed through the Needles and past Cowes, with CGU leading, TeamspirIT in second and us in third. We gybed around a mark off Ryde and up to Gilkicker. We hoisted our headsails up, dropped the 1.5oz spinnaker and as rounding the mark we had taken Teamspirit and were in second place. The supporters boats were going crazy!

We had put up our number 2 Yankee, staysail and full main. We were out pointing CGU for the first time in four days. CGU had their number 1 Yankee up and were overpowered. We overtook CGU on the beat to the mark just off the Bramble Bank. We bore away round the mark and up went the 2.2oz spinnaker for the 500 yard reach to the next mark.

We dropped the kite to round onto a fine reach up to the finish line. We had won leg seven and the BT Global Challenge!

As we motored into Ocean Village our crew song was pumping out over the stereo. There were thousands of well wishers to see us in. Just thinking about Saturday sends shivers down my spine. What a fantastic finish to a dream come true year.

If anyone out there is thinking about doing the next race in 2004 then go for it. You will never regret your decision. The cost of the year is irrelevant compared to the reward of the experience.