The Clipper Round the World port stop in Washington DC wrapped up Tuesday evening as the yachts departed The Wharf amid fanfare and fireworks. Fleet Week, hosted by sponsors at Events DC, was an event of significance for the city. Washington, DC has a lot of maritime history, but does not usually compete with renowned sailing centers like nearby Annapolis, MD. So it was a special thrill to have eleven round-the-world racing yachts come 170 miles out of their way to stop and stay for a whole week. DC seemed delighted to host them and provided generous hospitality. Sailing clubs and boating enthusiasts were especially excited to see the yachts and interact with the crews during the pause in their global adventure, and many DC residents and tourists were lured in by the spectacle to enjoy the activities as well.

Waterway Guide was in attendance at The Wharf all week. We had many opportunities to speak with crew members from several of the boats. There's no doubt that racing and recreational sailing have their differences, but they have more in common than meets the eye. Sailing on a small cruising boat or a large racing yacht, crews have many of the same decisions to make about weather, routing, and conditions. What strategy, heading, and sail plan will be most efficient at getting us to our destination? All boats inevitably suffer mechanical failures. What's broken, and how do we triage and execute repairs? Every crew, of 2 or 21 people, has to plan out operations. Who's at the helm for the next watch? What winches will be used for the next sail change? Whose turn is it to cook dinner, and how will they accomplish it in heavy seas?

The Wharf turned out to be a good venue, with ample room to showcase the Clippers and meet the race committee's long list of requirements for the port stop. Businesses like Capital Yacht Club showed generous hospitality, offering space (and air conditioning, much welcomed during the brutally hot week) to organizers, media, and visitors. Yachts were well-berthed at the north end of The Wharf. The Clipper committee had large tents manned with staff and volunteers to welcome and orient visitors. The maintenance team, consisting of 20 people and four shipping containers filled with tools and spare parts, also needed space to set up shop. There was even a flat area of concrete marked off for inspections and repairs of the very large sails that drive a Clipper 70 yacht.

Specific activities during Fleet Week were numerous. The Sounds of DC Floating Stage had a published schedule of performances, and the Family Fun Activities and Clipper Fan Zone was open for events. There were also numerous invitation-only talks and presentations. The Awards Ceremony, featuring Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, was fun and well organized on the long District Pier. Boat tours were popular, free, and open to anyone. Crew members were happy to share their perspectives on the whole adventure.

For the Clipper crews, the DC port stop was a nice break and a chance to clean and air out their boats, make necessary repairs, and reprovision food and other supplies. Crew changes were made, and teams connected with their families and friends while playing tourists in the nation's capital.

The Clipper fleet's departure on Tuesday night was highlighted with fanfare and fireworks. After one more group photo and a procession led by a brass quartet, with lots of cheers and hugs along the way, teams boarded their boats and began prepping for the open ocean. A fireworks barge was positioned into place near the northern end of Washington Channel, and the VHF radio crackled with instructions. One by one, the boats were given the signal to "slip lines" and release themselves from the docks. Three minutes apart, they made their way past District Wharf giving a blast of the horn to their fans, and lined up for a final parade. Just as the sun set, the Washington, DC boat led the fleet back up the channel where they made a 180 degree turn while fireworks exploded overhead. Each lit a flare to say goodbye as they proceeded out to the Potomac River toward the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Once again in the cover of darkness and the hush of night, the drawbridge opened and eleven boats slid past, off to the last stage of their round-the-world adventure.

Waterway Guide wishes all crews fair winds and merciful seas as they head out for their 8th and final leg of the race, "The Atlantic Homecoming" from Washington, DC to Oban, Scotland. We'll be watching your tracks and be with you in spirit, and welcome you back to Washington, DC anytime.